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.”
Charles Ashe ’92 shows his support for App State “from across the pond” at the Belfast Central Library in Northern Ireland. Photo submitted
Ryan Ammann ’06, left, shows his support for App State on a ski trip out West. Photo submitted
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.
Christian Morgan ’14, a meteorologist at WFMY News 2 in Greensboro, shares what App State means to him. Photo submitted
App State Chancellor Sheri Everts shares a tweet featuring App State Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management Troy Johnson, who shows his Mountaineer pride alongside university mascot Yosef and two members of App State’s cheerleading team. Photo submitted
Douglas Middleton Jr. ’15 ’18, who played football for both App State and the NFL, and his wife, Caroline Middleton ’15, a former Mountaineer softball player, show their support for App State. Photo submitted
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 Appalachian State Giving Day
App State’s annual Appalachian State Giving Day, held each spring, is a call to action inviting all Mountaineers to support students, faculty, programs and the future of Appalachian State University. Donors can choose from more than 2,100 funds to make a gift to the areas that matter most to them, ensuring every contribution reflects their personal connection to App State. Learn more at givingday.appstate.edu.
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 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.
