Lehigh University began its annual Giving Day + March Mania fundraising campaign on March 24, inviting alumni, families, and friends to support Lehigh varsity sports programs through donations. The combined initiative runs until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25.
The campaign aims to raise funds that help Lehigh Athletics maintain competitive programs and provide opportunities for student-athletes both on and off the field. Donations contribute to staff hiring, travel expenses for competitions, equipment purchases, uniforms, and development activities for athletes.
Supporters can direct their gifts to any of Lehigh’s 26 Division I varsity sports or to the Dean’s Fund for Athletics Excellence. This fund supports gender equity obligations as well as resources for academic support, leadership development, sports performance, and sports medicine. Gifts can also be made toward Campus Recreation initiatives such as fitness equipment upgrades or club sports.
“Giving Day + March Mania has become the cornerstone of annual support for our student-athletes, coaches, and staff,” said Murray H. Goodman ’48 Dean of Athletics Jeremy Gibson. “It is the premier opportunity for you to show your Lehigh pride by directing a gift to the programs that mean the most to you. As the college athletics landscape continues to evolve, your support is essential to our mission of developing future leaders and competing for championships. We are inspired by the record-breaking success of previous years and invite you to join the fun as we unlock matches and challenges and engage in the Athletics Alumni sport-specific challenge. Go Lehigh!”
This year’s campaign features two main challenges: The Athletics Alumni Challenge rewards varsity sports alumni groups with extra funds based on participation rates during Giving Day + March Mania; top teams can earn up to $3,000 each from a total prize pool of $12,000. Additional matches and challenge gifts are available from donors supporting specific sport programs.
Donations may be made online via various payment methods or mailed directly with instructions provided by Lehigh University Athletics.