On Appalachian State Giving Day 2026, Mountaineers across the nation showed their App State pride and raised more than $2.8 million to support programs and initiatives across the university, breaking the previous Giving Day fundraising record by more than $1 million. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
BOONE, N.C. — This spring, more than 3,500 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Appalachian State University participated in Appalachian State Giving Day, showcasing their Mountaineer pride and raising more than $2.8 million in support of programs and initiatives across the university — surpassing the university’s previous Giving Day fundraising record, set in 2024, by more than $1 million.
“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support shown during this year’s Appalachian State Giving Day, which serves as a powerful example of what the App State Community can accomplish together,” said App State Chancellor Heather Norris. “This generosity will help drive App State innovation, strengthen student success and amplify the university’s impact in serving communities across our region and beyond.”
At the Appalachian State Giving Day 2026 celebration on Sanford Mall at App State’s Boone campus, students used fun props at the event’s photo booth to show their App State spirit. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
2026 marked the 13th year of the annual celebration of giving, previously known as iBackAPP. Faculty and staff giving increased by 28% compared to 2025, while the number of student donors increased by 72%. The day also boasted contributions from 624 first-time donors to the university — constituting a 38% increase over last year.
As the university’s largest single day of philanthropy, the donations and excitement generated by Appalachian State Giving Day, held March 26, make a year-round impact, shared App State Vice Chancellor of University Advancement Will Sears.
“Contributions from this day will help ensure the continued vitality of programs across our campuses, and give our students, faculty and staff the resources they need to accomplish incredible things,” said Sears. “We are grateful to all the members of the Appalachian Community who came together to help make that possible.”
This brief video captures the spirit of Appalachian State Giving Day 2026. The 13th annual event raised more than $2.8 million in support of Mountaineer students, faculty and staff, as well as programs and initiatives across the university — setting a new fundraising record.
Broad support for academics, athletics and arts engagement
Every major area of the university logged contributions, including each of the university’s seven colleges, App State Athletics and arts engagement and cultural resources — notably the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and An Appalachian Summer Festival.
In total, more than 340 funds received gifts. Gifts supporting scholarships for academic programs across the university totaled more than $1.3 million.
Approximately 70% of Mountaineer students rely on financial assistance, including university scholarships, during their time at App State.
At the Appalachian State Giving Day 2026 celebration on Sanford Mall at App State’s Boone campus, students learned about the role that philanthropy plays in supporting programs across the university. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Flexible funding for programmatic needs and student support
The Appalachian Fund — which provides support for the university’s greatest needs, including scholarships, study abroad opportunities, mentoring for student veterans, and wellness initiatives — received more than $74,500 from 462 donors, making it the fund with the highest number of Giving Day donors.
The Mountaineer Emergency Fund, which offers assistance to students who encounter sudden, unexpected financial emergencies, also received substantial contributions.
“Gifts to funds like these are foundational to the health of our campus community, empowering us to respond to the unique needs of individuals and of programs across campus, whenever they arise,” said Sears.
Students in App State’s Walker College of Business shared their support on Appalachian State Giving Day 2026. Photo submitted
Chancellor Norris rallies Mountaineers, university leaders
Chancellor Norris led by example on Giving Day, issuing a challenge gift to the Finish in Four Summer School Scholarship. The scholarship provides crucial financial assistance for students taking Summer Session classes, which are often not covered by traditional federal financial aid options.
Norris and her leadership team further motivated the App State Community through the Chancellor’s Cabinet Challenge Gift, benefitting The Appalachian Fund.
App State alumni and friends gathered at events nationwide to celebrate Appalachian State Giving Day 2026. Pictured are members of the Lake Norman Alumni Chapter. Photo submitted
The Walker College of Business’ Bowden Investment Group received support on Appalachian State Giving Day 2026 through a challenge gift created by Shawn and Gigi Poole — parents of App State alumni Mills Melton ’17 and Will Poole ’14 ’15. Photo submitted
Engaging Mountaineers far and wide
Giving Day saw substantial increases in participation compared to previous years, with 3,541 donors making gifts to the university — exceeding the previous donor participation record by 161 donors.
Notable donor groups included retired faculty and staff, parents of current students and parents of alumni.
Shawn and Gigi Poole — parents of Reich College of Education alumna Mills Melton ’17 and Walker College of Business alumnus Will Poole ’14 ’15 — made a significant challenge gift in support of the Bowden Investment Group, leveraging their gift to encourage other current and former Mountaineer parents to show their support on giving day.
“Investing in Appalachian students is an investment in the future. Even though our children have graduated, we are still proud App State parents, and we feel called to support the next generation,” said the Pooles.
Students in the Beaver College of Health Sciences shared how donor support impacts their App State journeys. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
Mountaineers gather across the nation
In addition to donating to funds across the university, Mountaineers attended events on the Boone and Hickory campuses to celebrate their App State pride.
At the Boone campus’ marquee event, held on Sanford Mall, students, faculty and staff participated in activity stations where they learned about the role that philanthropy plays in the day-to-day operations of the university. Attendees also enjoyed a photo booth and free pizza.
Off campus, hundreds of alumni and friends of the university gathered at more than 31 locations across the country, hosted by local alumni chapters and networks. Attendees participated in trivia, pickleball, bowling and more, while helping raise awareness about Appalachian State Giving Day. Nearly 20% of Giving Day contributions came from individuals engaged with a local alumni chapter or network.
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Raised funds to support nearly 300 university programs
Funds raised break previous iBackAPP record, supporting more than 200 university programs
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.
Raised funds to support nearly 300 university programs
Funds raised break previous iBackAPP record, supporting more than 200 university programs
