March 10, 2026 —Marist’s Day of Giving on March 25 is more than just an event. It is an opportunity for Red Foxes around the world to Rise Together and create lasting change at the University. This year, with a goal of reaching 4,000 donors in just 24 hours, advocates will play a crucial role in rallying support and inspiring others to give.

By sharing their stories, reaching out to family and friends, and making a gift of their own, Day of Giving advocates help drive the success of this exciting campaign in 2026.

“What makes our Day of Giving so powerful is the strength of our Marist community,” said April Bourlier '12/'17M, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Advocate Team Lead. “When alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff step up as advocates and share what Marist means to them, they turn individual generosity into collective momentum.”

What is a Day of Giving Advocate?
Marist Day of Giving advocates do more than give — they help bring in new donors. Whether by texting former classmates, posting their Marist story on social media, or personally asking friends and family to make a gift, advocates inspire others to take action. Every gift they help secure strengthens the Marist Fund and other designations across campus, directly supporting scholarships, hands-on learning opportunities, and campus innovations that shape the unique Marist experience.

As advocates inspire others to give they will be able to earn incentives from on-campus partners, including Mporium and the ProShop. Top advocates will be awarded special prizes, and those celebrating their reunion year are in the running to receive a complimentary ticket to their 2026 Homecoming and Reunion celebration.

Meet Advocate Adrianna Simone Yepes ’26

Adrianna Simone ​​​​​Yepes '26. Photo courtesy of Adrianna Simone-Yepes '26.

Adrianna knows firsthand how philanthropy can transform a student’s journey. A Business Administration major with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, she has worked with Marist’s Advancement Office since her first year and is now helping rally support as a Day of Giving advocate.

“I was introduced to the Advancement Office during my first year, and it quickly became a safe space for me,” Adrianna said. “Through that role, I learned how much donor support impacts student life.”

Since then, she has watched Day of Giving grow into a powerful moment of community support.

“We work year-round to build support for the Marist Fund, but having one dedicated day focused entirely on giving creates such powerful momentum,” she said. “Watching the numbers rise and seeing students, families, and alumni come together for a shared purpose is both thrilling and inspiring.”

Frankie the Fox. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University. 

For Adrianna, the impact of donor generosity is personal. As a scholarship recipient, she says support from alumni, parents, and programs like the multicultural committee made it possible for her to attend Marist.

“Without donor funding, I would not have had the opportunity to attend Marist,” she said. “These opportunities exist because of the generosity of those who give back.”

Now, as a member of the Senior Legacy Committee, Adrianna is helping ensure future students have access to the same opportunities.

“As I prepare to graduate, making my own gift feels very meaningful,” she said. “It’s a way to support the students who are currently finding their path here and those who will come after us. Giving back represents gratitude—for the education, experiences, and support I’ve received. I hope that in the future, I’ll be able to continue giving even more to support the next generation of Marist students.”

As a Day of Giving advocate, Adrianna hopes to inspire others to get involved.

“Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference,” she said. “Supporting Day of Giving is about strengthening a community that once supported you and ensuring future students have access to the same opportunities we did.”

How to Become an Advocate for Marist’s Day of Giving

Make an impact by encouraging your classmates, family, and friends to support Marist on March 25, 2026! It is easy to get involved:

• Register and join one of our virtual rallies to learn more. Create a GiveCampus account (or log in if you already have one).
• Consider your own gift and offer a match or challenge to inspire others.
• Share, share, share via Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, text message, email, phone calls, or even carrier pigeons—the sky’s the limit!

Need more information? Visit here for all the details on becoming a Marist Day of Giving advocate and help Red Foxes Rise Together on March 25.