Seton Hall Surpasses $2.5M During Ninth Annual Giving Day, Uniting More Than 2,100 Pirates in Support of the University's Future

Seton Hall Giving Day 2026, held April 22 and 23, marked another milestone in the University's annual fundraising tradition. Led by University Advancement in collaboration with departments, colleges and schools across the institutions’ three campuses, this year's campaign surpassed its goal of 1,856 donors, raising $2,526,897 from 2,183 members of the Seton Hall community.

Participation was broad and enthusiastic across every area of the University. Donors directed their support toward matches and challenges representing all schools and colleges, as well as key University wide priorities, including scholarships support for our students, programmatic support for our Centers and Institutes, general unrestricted support through the Seton Hall Fund, and donations to the Men's and Women's Basketball Revenue Share. The Seton Hall Fund attracted more donors than any other individual fund on Giving Day, and the RISE Program, which supports first-generation students, those from families with significant financial need, and students with disabilities, exceeded its participation goal.

Seton Hall Athletics had a record-setting campaign, drawing more than 1,000 donors and raising over $750,000, the most of any area on Giving Day in both dollars and participation. Men's and Women's Basketball Revenue Share accounted for two-thirds of the department's total raised, while Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Cross Country, and Swimming and Diving each surpassed 100 donors, reflecting the depth of support for Pirate student-athletes.

School and college engagement was equally impressive. The School of Law led all academic units with 200 donors, followed by the Stillman School of Business with 140 donors and the College of Arts and Sciences with 116 donors. The breadth of giving across the academic community speaks to the pride alumni take in their Seton Hall experience long after graduation.

Among the most meaningful storylines of this year's campaign was the strength of reunion-year participation. Three of the top five classes by donor count are celebrating milestone anniversaries on campus on June 6, 2026, and the Class of 1976, Seton Hall's Golden Pirates, contributed the second-highest number of gifts among graduating classes. Collectively, reunion-year alumni raised more than $50,000 during Giving Day, a reflection of the lasting bonds that a Seton Hall education forges. The Young Alumni Council added to that momentum, with more than 150 donors from the Classes of 2016 through 2025 participating and surpassing last year's benchmark of 100. Close to 400 parents and families also took part, with many choosing to direct their gifts to the Senior Class Gift in honor of their graduating students.

Jon Paparsenos '99, Vice President for University Advancement, noted that the results speak to something larger than a single campaign. "Seton Hall Giving Day 2026 is a powerful reflection of the incredible impact our Seton Hall community creates. The generosity of our donors, the leadership of our Board of Regents and Executive Cabinet, and the dedication of everyone who championed this campaign are what make days like this possible. Seton Hall stands more optimistic and more united than ever, and results like these affirm that our best days lie ahead."

Every gift made during Giving Day counted toward For All, Forever, the University's most ambitious comprehensive campaign in its history. Built around the priorities of Preparing Leaders Now, Enriching Our Education, and Strengthening Our Cornerstones, the campaign continues to gain momentum as alumni, families, and friends deepen their commitment to Seton Hall's future.

That commitment, Anthony Bellucci, M.B.A. '18, Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy, noted, is made possible by the people who go beyond making a gift. "None of this happens without the people who show up before Giving Day even begins. Our advocates, volunteers, and alumni, led by our Alumni Board of Directors, who rallied their networks and brought others along are the reason this campaign succeeds year after year. We are so grateful for every person who gave their time, their resources, and their Pirate pride to make Giving Day 2026 what it was.”

Though Giving Day has ended, it is never too late to support Seton Hall and its priorities. Make a gift today at www.shu.edu/givingday.

Categories: Alumni, Campus Life, Faith and Service