The following originally appeared as an online exclusive on the W&M Alumni Magazine website. – Ed.

William & Mary celebrated its 12th annual One Tribe One Day (OTOD) last Wednesday, marking several milestones in the university’s largest single day of giving with an extraordinary outpouring of support and engagement from our global community. A record $4.4 million was raised for 994 separate designations across campus, thanks to the contributions of 13,004 donors, the highest number since 2019, before the pandemic. 

Since its inception, One Tribe One Day has raised over $32 million, fueled by the generosity of over 75,000 donors spanning all 50 states and 15 countries. This incredible support has left a lasting mark across campus, benefiting more than 1,000 programs, departments and initiatives. 

Gifts of $100 and below from over 10,000 donors contributed more than $469,000 to the total raised, underscoring the fact that donations of all sizes have a meaningful impact. 

What began as a bold concept has evolved into a global celebration of generosity, demonstrating the transformative power of collective action. 

“This year’s OTOD was a triumph — a clear reflection of the strength of our community and the power of engagement and philanthropy to uplift and support the people and programs that make this beloved university thrive,” said Matthew T. Lambert ’99, senior vice president for university advancement. “When the William & Mary family comes together for a common purpose, we achieve the extraordinary. The enthusiasm and generosity we witnessed this year are truly inspiring and fuel our continued momentum.” 

A day of fun, giving and impact 

OTOD is sustained by the passion and engagement of the W&M community, with giving challenges playing a key role in driving the day’s success. Over 40 challenges and matches unlocked more than $1 million in funding for essential initiatives, including athletic scholarships, student support services and career development initiatives. 

Embracing this year’s OTOD theme of nostalgia, decade challenges centered around engaging the most donors from a graduation year to unlock an extra $2,000. The 1990, 2024 and 1988 class years emerged as the top winners. 

Another challenge, the Will Payne ’01 Sports Club Challenge, offered a share of $10,000 to the top three sports clubs with the most individual donors, sparking record participation at the student level. Payne is a current trustee on the W&M Foundation Board and was formerly vice rector on the Board of Visitors. 

Top honors in the annual Gerdelman School & Unit Challenge, sponsored by Sue Hanna Gerdelman ’76, P ’07, P ’13, and the late John Gerdelman ’75, L.H.D. ’19, P ’07, P ’13, were awarded to Student Affairs, which mobilized over 2,500 donors and earned an additional $10,000; Arts & Sciences, who received $7,500; and Athletics, who secured $5,000. Each group exceeded its donor goals, ensuring even more students could benefit from their programs. Gerdelman was chair of the For the Bold and All In campaigns, as well as a current trustee of the W&M Foundation Board and former secretary of the Board of Visitors. 

The day also featured several creative challenges designed to boost visibility and engagement. Among the highlights was Professor Marcus Holmes, who live-streamed an extraordinary 11-hour-and-8-minute treadmill run to support the Department of Government. His dedication struck a chord — over the course of more than 55 miles, he rallied 165 donors and raised over $13,000. 

Not to be outdone, W&M Libraries hosted a “Party on the Patio” at Swem Library, drawing over 800 students, faculty and staff for an afternoon of music, games and, of course, giving back. 

Meanwhile, The Washington Center amped up the excitement with a series of social media hot-wing challenges, raising over $89,000 from 159 donors and creating a buzz and engaging supporters in a spicy way. 

A global celebration of giving 

While philanthropy is at the heart of OTOD, the day also brings the William & Mary community together to celebrate its vibrant spirit. The OTOD Carnival returned to the Sunken Garden, drawing a record crowd of over 1,000 people for an afternoon of entertainment, food and fun.  

Students, faculty and staff enjoyed activities like a high-speed cyclone swing ride, giant inflatable obstacle courses and various carnival games. Free treats, including Crumbl Cookies, added to the festive atmosphere. 

In addition to the OTOD activities on campus, nearly 1,000 alumni and friends participated in regional events in more than 20 cities worldwide, including gatherings in Geneva and Tokyo. These celebrations strengthened the sense of community and allowed the global Tribe to connect in person. 

Hundreds of social media posts flooded the platforms with the #OneTribeOneDay hashtag, sharing messages of encouragement, photos from the day’s celebrations, and teaser videos, which showcased iconic films from the past few decades. 

A strong finish and bright future 

The university exceeded many of its original goals for OTOD thanks to the unwavering dedication and support of the William & Mary community. Notably, Don Beck ’64, P ’90, P ’93, G ’23, G ’26, G ’27 personally delivered 118 checks he had collected from friends, contributing over $40,000 in gifts from friends and family he contacted. 

“Each person helps shape the bold vision for what William & Mary can achieve,” said Lambert. “The growing success of One Tribe One Day year after year reflects the strength of our community and the direct impact of individual generosity on the university’s future. We are deeply grateful to all who gave back and showed their support for current and future generations.”