University of Florida Collects $25.4 Million During Third Annual “Stand Up andHoller” Campaign

The University of Florida (UF) has raised a total of $25.4 million virtually, in a single day, from the university’s alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends during the UF’s third annual “Stand Up and Holler: Gator Nation Giving Day”.

22,198 contributions in total have been collected, being the most ever to UF in a 24-hour period, Erudera reports.

The “Stand Up and Holler” has helped the University of Florida rank 6th in the latest US News and World Report list of best public universities because one of the crucial measures used when determining the national rankings is alumni donation.

During this year’s Giving Day, some of the well-known Gators, including Coach Steve Spurrier, former quarterback Danny Wuerffel, entertainer Thaddeus Bullard, ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge and sports commentator Jim Bates have joined other people in the country as social media ambassadors to rally their families, friends and the fellow alumni.

In addition, 1,233 gifts worth over $1 million were contributed to the College of Design, Construction, and Planning, 3,198 donations, and over $3 million were allocated to support student-athletes, while 2,141 gifts totaling nearly $91,000 were granted to the Dance Marathon at the University of Florida.

The President of the University of Florida, Kent Fuchs, expressed gratitude to the donors in the midst of the pandemic.

“They are remarkably kind and caring, and their generosity will have long-lasting benefits for our students while helping our research, teaching, and scholarship make a positive difference in the world,” the president said.

78 Gator Clubs topped 200 gifts made during the event, with the Atlanta, Music City and Central Florida clubs.

Another highlight of this year’s event is that the alumni and friends participating also came from countries like China, Australia, and Argentina.

In an effort to encourage giving donations, some of the UF alumni groups, including the Association of Asian Alumni and Association of Black Alumni, also organized online events.

The president of the UF Alumni Association, Mark Criser, said that he is amazed by the Gators initiative, who, even during the pandemic and the economic crisis managed to help students and university communities.

“It’s days like this that remind me that there is absolutely nothing the Gator Nation can’t do when we come together for a common goal.”

In its third year, the UF’s “Stand Up and Holler” appeared to be one of the most fruitful giving days in all of higher education.

The University of Florida announced that the next “Stand Up and Holler: Gator Nation Giving Day” is expected to be scheduled for February 2022.