A committee of young alumni teamed up to plan and execute a successful day of giving for the University. The GOLD (Griffons of the Last Decade) Network set a goal of raising $10,000 in just 24 hours during Homecoming week. Thanks to a $5,000 match by the Danford Family Excellence Fund, a total of $10,800 was raised.

“We had a powerhouse team of GOLD champions who created Legacy Day,” said Rachel Graves ’03, development officer. “It was their voice, their passion and their energy that made it a success. They sincerely love their alma mater and believe in the mission of the Missouri Western Foundation.”

Additionally, committee chair Emily Baumann ’10, Graves, and Colleen Kowich, director of Alumni Relations; gave a presentation at a regional conference about the collaboration between development, alumni relations and alumni volunteers. Kowich said several people in the audience liked hearing from a volunteer.

“We appreciate our volunteers and our donors,” Graves said. “Their collaboration created a very successful first Legacy Day.”

Legacy Day By the Numbers
$5,800 raised plus $5,000 match
Average gift $75; two $1,000 gifts
26 first-time donors
Donations: 75% from Missouri, 7% from Kansas, 3% from Texas
GOLD Network members: Gary Baumann ’09/’12, Emily Baumann ’10, Aubry Carpenter ’14, Jake Cunning ’16, Drew Fisher ’11, Jess Jackson ’13, Kaleb Johnson ’15, Paige Klocke ’16, Elliot Swope ’14, Jeni Swope ’16 and Reyhan Wilkinson ’17.