The Canisius community came together in a powerful way on Wednesday, March 25, making Giving Day 2026 a resounding success. The university surpassed its donation goal, reaching 107% thanks to the generosity of faculty, staff, alumni, parents, students and friends.
A total of 1,492 gifts were made, raising an impressive $795,518 in support of dozens of initiatives across campus. The day showcased the collective impact of Griffins from near and far, all investing in the people and programs that define a Canisius education.
Among the many highlights was the overwhelming response from faculty and staff. More than 170 current and former employees made gifts, unlocking the Faculty and Staff Challenge from J. Patrick Greenwald. His initial $10,000 contribution to the Kenneth Koessler Faculty Development Fund quickly grew, as he pledged an additional $5,000 after seeing the rapid participation—bringing his total Giving Day support to $15,000.
The Canisius Fund led all designations, raising $292,633 from 287 gifts, underscoring the importance of flexible support that benefits students across the university. Athletics also had a strong showing, securing the second spot on the leaderboard with $182,823 raised. Men’s basketball, hockey and lacrosse emerged as the top-performing teams.
Students made their mark as well. A total of 104 students contributed more than $3,400, unlocking President Stoute’s student challenge and demonstrating a shared commitment to giving back.
Above all, Giving Day 2026 highlighted the strength and spirit of the Canisius community. Each gift—no matter the size—helps create opportunities for students and strengthens the university’s mission. Together, Griffins proved once again: it’s not just about giving—it’s about coming together to make a lasting impact.
