OVER THE COURSE OF 24 HOURS, Virginia Tech supporters across the country and around the world came together for a resounding demonstration of the dedication and generosity of the Hokie Nation.

On the university’s third Giving Day, which ran from noon to noon Feb. 24-25, more than 12,000 alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends combined to provide more than $6.1 million in support that will benefit a wide variety of the university’s colleges and programs.

“Giving Day brings out the best in Hokies everywhere, as the Virginia Tech community shows its support for the university’s mission and expanding impact on the world,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. “We’re grateful for all the dedicated Hokies who step forward and make a difference.”

It was Virginia Tech’s first Giving Day since 2019, when more than 6,600 Hokies gave over $2.8 million combined. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led the university to cancel a Giving Day that had been planned for spring 2020. Unlike previous Giving Days, which included a mix of opportunities for Hokies to connect through online and in-person celebrations on campus in Blacksburg, this year’s event was a completely digital affair in order to adhere to public health guidelines.

“It’s incredible to see so many people come together once again to show so much generosity,” said Heather Kopec, the university’s director of annual giving. “Virginia Tech supporters really came together in a big way to support their fellow Hokies. This is such a great example of the strength of our community, and it will have a huge, cumulative impact on our university.”

Virginia Tech received gifts from Hokies in all 50 states and more than 30 countries. Engaging more than 12,000 donors in a single day required a concerted effort, not just from Virginia Tech faculty and staff, but also from a group of more than 700 Giving Day Ambassadors who helped spread the word. Giving Day’s impact was further amplified by numerous challenges, which provided more than $500,000 in bonus funding for dozens of colleges, departments, programs, and student organizations across the university when certain conditions were met.

“Giving Day is an exciting, inspiring example of the power of our community to come together in unique ways to make a positive impact,” said Charlie Phlegar ’78, M.S.’87, Virginia Tech’s vice president for advancement. “It demonstrates the commitment of Hokies everywhere to maintaining the bonds that unite us and to supporting each other and the mission of our university. I could not be more grateful to be a part of such a generous and engaged community.” BS