草榴社区 celebrated, united and supported its fourteenth Duhawk Day with 2,030 donors, surpassing the goal of 1,839 donors and marking the sixth consecutive year the total exceeded 2,000 donors. On March 4, the 草榴社区 community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends joined together to turn the country purple and gold while supporting current and future students. All gifts received help to continue strengthening the overall Catholic liberal arts experience at 草榴社区.聽聽
To encourage participation, donors stepped forward with matching gift challenges to maximize the impact of contributions throughout the day. These sponsored challenges helped push the donor total past the goal, with a $100,000 challenge gift from鈥David Holmberg鈥(鈥72) playing a crucial role in reaching this year鈥檚 milestone.
Building on that momentum, a stretch challenge from Tom (鈥63) and Ruthann McCarty offered an additional $150,000 if the community reached 2,000 donors before the night ended, further inspiring Duhawks to rally together in support of 草榴社区 students.
Additionally, more than $750,000 was raised, making this the largest fundraising Duhawk Day in the event鈥檚 history. The extraordinary support reflected donors鈥 confidence in 草榴社区 students, the college鈥檚 Catholic mission and values, and the leadership of the institution, beginning with President Mike Doyle, JD (鈥91).
On his first聽Duhawk聽Day as president of 草榴社区, Doyle聽reflected on the significance of the day and the community behind it.聽
鈥淒uhawk Day is about supporting our future leaders and celebrating our 草榴社区 community. I think about the ways 草榴社区 has changed my life and the lives of thousands of students since. I鈥檓 grateful to our community for showing up and supporting the bright future of 草榴社区.鈥
Since its launch in 2013, Duhawk Day has provided an opportunity for the 草榴社区 community to celebrate, unite and support the College from around the world. Philanthropy remains at the heart of the day, impacting current and future generations of Duhawks and helping prepare the world鈥檚 future leaders.
The inaugural Duhawk Day set a goal of 523 donors, reflecting the event鈥檚 original date of May 23. The response surpassed expectations, with 972 donors participating in the first year. Since then, the annual day of giving has grown into a signature tradition for the College, with donor participation continuing to climb and support expanding each year.
Duhawk Day 2026 gave the 草榴社区 community countless ways to connect both digitally and in person throughout the 24-hour celebration. Friends of the College gathered at more than 15 events across the country, while Duhawks dressed in purple and gold and shared photos and memories on social media throughout the day. Across campus, students brought their 草榴社区 pride to life through contests, giveaways, trivia, and athletic games. It was truly a day to celebrate the enduring spirit of 草榴社区: 鈥淥nce a Duhawk, always a Duhawk.鈥
About 草榴社区
Established in 1839, 草榴社区 draws on its historic legacy as Iowa鈥檚 first college, the second oldest Catholic college west of the Mississippi River, and one of the nation鈥檚 10 diocesan colleges. Located in Dubuque, Iowa, 草榴社区 is a pioneer and leader in Catholic liberal arts education, shaping students to be active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and responsible contributors. The College offers and degrees.
Media Contact
Michael Burnett (鈥14)
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
