App State’s iBackAPP raises nearly $1.75 million, setting new record in 10th year

BOONE, N.C. — App State’s 10th annual iBackAPP event — the university’s largest giving celebration of the year — set new records for donor participation and total funds raised on April 5 and 6.

A total of 3,380 people gave nearly $1.75 million in support of 222 programs at App State, with 45% of gifts going to endowment funds to be invested for use in perpetuity. All gifts were made by cash or pledge.

“It was so exciting to watch as Mountaineers from across the nation pledged their support and shared their personal experiences about how App State has changed their lives and allowed them to make real and powerful differences in the world,” said App State Chancellor Sheri Everts. “Thank you to everyone who joined in this effort by wearing your black and gold, supporting your passions and sharing your incredible stories.”

Examples of support for specific App State programs and initiatives include:

• App State’s Walker College of Business received more than $193,000, most of which will support its Building Leaders fundraising initiative. This initiative supports faculty professorships and student scholarships in Walker College, as well as the planned addition for the college’s home — Peacock Hall.
• The Appalachian Fund received more than $67,000 to help support the university’s most critical needs, including scholarships, study abroad opportunities and wellness initiatives for students.
• The Murray Family ACCESS Scholarship Program received nearly $30,000 to support low-income App State students from North Carolina with academic and non-academic needs, providing them with the opportunity to graduate debt-free.
• The Anderson Reading Clinic received more than $14,500 in support. It is the only university-based clinic in the state that has offered year-round teacher training and literacy intervention services to children for more than 60 years.
• AppKIDS received nearly $11,000. This service project, organized by App State’s Staff Senate, supports local children in need with an annual shopping trip, providing them with winter clothing, school supplies and hygiene items.
• The Mountaineer Emergency Fund received more than $10,500 to assist App State students who encounter unforeseen financial emergencies that would prevent them from continuing their education.

Additionally, a significant estate gift was made to support an endowment for women’s athletics programs at App State.

During the event, the App State Community was encouraged to not only make gifts but to wear App State gear and post photos and videos on social media to show their App State pride.

Gifts came in from 42 states and Germany, and 16 alumni chapters with nearly 250 people held iBackAPP events in multiple cities across North Carolina and the nation, including Atlanta, Georgia; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; Roanoke, Virginia; Hilton Head, South Carolina; Washington, D.C.; New York City; and Dallas, Texas.

“For 36 hours our Mountaineers came together — united around their shared Appalachian Experience and their passion for helping future generations,” said Jane Barghothi, App State’s vice chancellor of university advancement. “We are grateful to everyone who supported our giving celebration and the continued fulfillment of our university’s mission. We can’t wait for next year!”

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About iBackAPP

Appalachian State University’s annual fundraising campaign, iBackAPP, began in 2014 and celebrates the people, programs and transformational experiences that make App State a truly incredible place. Alumni and friends are encouraged to give a gift of any size, wear their black and gold, and share the word about their App State pride with the hashtag #iBackAPP. The 2015 campaign won a Grand Award from the Council for the Support of Education (CASE) in its Alumni Relations Fundraising Project, Event or Program category.

About University Advancement

Appalachian State University’s Division of University Advancement supports and encourages the university’s mission by engaging alumni, friends and the greater community. University Advancement staff help connect these constituents with Appalachian through one-on-one contact and special programming, thereby securing the resources necessary to create the best possible learning environment for Appalachian students and to positively impact the community, region and state. The division incorporates the offices of Alumni Affairs, Development and the Appalachian State University Foundation Inc. Learn more at http://give.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.