MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University hosted its annual Giving Day, Howl from the Heart, on April 7, 2026. This day of crowdfunding invited everyone to contribute financially to campus projects and initiatives that mattered most to them. This year, Western added the BIG Gift, a $25,000 gift to the university that could be unlocked if the university received gifts from 500 unique donors on Giving Day.
At the end of Giving Day, WOU had not only unlocked the BIG Gift, but had achieved a number of milestones: 1,144 gifts from 966 donors, a record-high total, raising over $255,000, also a record. Unlocking the BIG Gift of $25,000 happened with the support of 500 donors, and the surprise Challenge Gift of $20,000 for the new WOU Data Center, was unlocked by an additional 150 donors.
Since its launch in 2016, Giving Day has successfully raised nearly $1.7 million for various programs. Contributions have funded scholarships, supported athletics, and provided essential resources for student clubs and organizations, making an impact across campus. This year, the Western community backed over 60 projects, spanning departments, scholarships, athletic programs, and student organizations. Every gift, regardless of size, contributes significantly to enhancing the educational experiences of students.
“It was so wonderful to see so many people come together to support Western students and campus programs on Giving Day,” said Dave Beasley, Ph.D., director of annual giving. “One of the most important things about Giving Day is that every gift matters. It was exciting that people wanted to help Western unlock the BIG Gift.”
The campus blood drive, which is part of Giving Day, was able to collect 22 units of lifesaving blood to support local patients in Pacific Northwest hospitals from many first-time donors.
If you missed contributing to Giving Day, it is not too late to give to the Wolves Rising Campaign, which will grow and expand critical resources to help students thrive while achieving their educational goals. These resources include more student scholarships, equipment and facilities for over 400 student-athletes, and the new Student Success Center.
The BIG Gift was made possible through generous support from members of Western Oregon University senior leadership, the Board of Trustees, and the Foundation Board.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.