March 17, 2026—Marist’s third annual Day of Giving returns on March 25, bringing a full day of challenges, incentives, and community participation aimed at unlocking additional support for students and programs across campus.

The goal: 4,000 donors in 24 hours, with Red Foxes coming together to support the areas they care about most.

Among those helping amplify the impact is Jose Villafañe '96, founder and managing partner of Costa Media and CEO of Nueva Network. A longtime supporter of Marist, Jose is serving as a Day of Giving advocate and offering two $5,000 matching challenges, one for the Marist Fund and one for the HEOP Alumni Fund. Gifts to these areas will be matched dollar for dollar until each $5,000 challenge is met.

For Jose, giving back is deeply personal.

“I would not have gotten where I am today without the Marist experience or the support I received,” he said. “The mentorship I received was crucial for my personal development and has led me to this moment in my career and professional life. I like to help offer someone like me the same opportunity I was given and see more young men and women of any background have a bright future.”

That spirit of giving is exactly what the Day of Giving aims to inspire across the Marist community.

“Small or large contributions make a difference,” Jose said. “If we all chip in as alumni and support Marist, staff, and students, our actions are contributing to the future and to potential future entrepreneurs who will make a difference in this world.”

Throughout the day, a series of challenges, matches, and incentives will give donors additional ways to multiply the impact of their gifts.

Letters of gratitude from the 2025 Day of Giving were sent to donors across the country. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Key Challenges

Trustees Challenge
For every 1,000 donors who make a gift during the Day of Giving, the Board of Trustees will release additional funds for the Marist Fund, amplifying the power of each contribution. Check back on March 25 to see just exactly how much the BOT will unlock!

Parents Challenge
The Parents Council will unlock a five-figure gift once 900 parent donors contribute.

Presidential Fund for Equity Match
A $5,000 dollar-for-dollar match from retired faculty member Bill Robelee and his wife and former educator, Margaret, will support the Presidential Fund for Equity in the Marist Experience.

Senior Class Challenge
When donors from the Class of 2026 surpass last year’s total of 350 senior donors, $1,000 from Alexandria Sanatore '22/'24 MBA will unlocked and added to the Marist Fund. Seniors who make a gift will get exclusive Class of 2026 graduation donor cords and other giveaways.

Athletics Challenges
Supporters of Marist’s Division I athletics will also have opportunities to participate in numerous challenges and competitions such as the See Her Rise Challenge from alumnus Jim Elliott '75, which boosts gifts to women’s varsity programs. Stay tuned for more athletics challenges as we get closer to March 25!

Academic Schools and Program Matches
Donors can also give to the school or program they love and make twice the impact. Matching gifts will support the School of Management, School of Science, School of Communication and the Arts, and the School of Computer Science and Mathematics and various programs across campus.

Donor and Advocate Incentives

Day of Giving also comes with a few extra perks for those who join in.

Ryann Lambert '26 designed this year’s Red Fox socks for the Day of Giving! Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

The first 1,600 donors who give $100 or more will receive an exclusive pair of Fox Socks, designed by fashion merchandising major Ryann Lambert ’26. Members of the Class of 2026 who give $20.26 or more can receive a discounted pair.

Parents who join in during the Parent Power Hour will unlock Saxbys coupons for their students.

Even More Red Fox Rewards for Advocates
Advocates who rally their networks and inspire fellow Red Foxes to give can unlock unique rewards and prizes throughout the day. By sharing their personal giving link and bringing in additional donors, advocates can earn MPorium and ProShop discounts, Marist gear, and prizes for the top advocates by donors and dollars raised. Reunion classes and the Class of 2026 also have special incentives as they compete to build Red Fox momentum.

Follow the challenges, join the fun, and make your Day of Giving gift on March 25 at marist.edu/dayofgiving.