BOONE—Donors from across the globe joined together May 1 for iBackAPP day, Appalachian State University’s one-day fundraiser.

“Our initial count says we raised $165,570.80 for The Appalachian Fund from 1,531 donors, shattering our previous one-day donor record of 1,263 donors,” said Kimberly Dull, associate executive director of alumni affairs and annual giving. “Final numbers will be compiled and released in the coming weeks,” she added.

The second-annual iBackAPP day included a series of online and face-to-face alumni events across the country. During this 24-hour event, students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends made donations to The Appalachian Fund, which supports research, travel, the arts, scholarships, equipment and many other aspects of the Appalachian Experience.

Supporters of iBackAPP day shared thousands of social media posts and photos, attended events, made gifts, and wore black and gold in support of the event.

Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Susan Pettyjohn explained the significance of this support for The Appalachian Fund. “Universities with strong annual funds are prepared to face challenges and embrace opportunities from a position of strength,” she said. “This support of The Appalachian Fund allows a continued focus on the university’s mission of developing the thought leaders of tomorrow.”

More than 200 alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends supported the event by becoming “champions,” volunteering time and peer-to-peer outreach in addition to donating to the event. Additional support was provided by members of Appalachian’s Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, Board of Visitors, Alumni Council, Chancellor’s Cabinet, and University Advancement Division staff, who served as champions, challenge donors and volunteers.

“It was incredibly moving to see how many people were willing to step up and say to Appalachian, ‘we’ve got your back,’” said Dull.

For more information on the event, including photo galleries and videos, visit http://ibackapp.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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