Together, the Pomona community helped make history: a successful inaugural Giving Day supporting students in every facet of campus life.
Pomona College exceeded its goal during its inaugural Giving Day, March 4-5, drawing more than 2,000 donors and raising more than $710,000* to support student programs and financial aid, the College announced.
The 24-hour campaign set an initial target of 1,690 donors — one for each student on campus during the academic year — but surpassed that mark through contributions from alumni, families, students, faculty, staff and friends of the College from 45 states, the District of Columbia and six countries.
Funds raised will support scholarships as well as academic, arts and athletics programs, reinforcing the range of opportunities that define a Pomona education.
On campus, students, faculty and staff played games and enjoyed Burt and Rocky’s ice cream in the Smith Campus Center Courtyard to celebrate Giving Day.
Participation spanned all four undergraduate class years, with the senior class of 2026 and first-year class of 2029 leading in engagement.
“This milestone stands as proof of what we can accomplish together, powered by the collective commitment that surrounds our students from their first day on campus,” says Maria Watson, vice president for advancement. “From the moment students arrive, our community supports them through a shared commitment to making each generation of Sagehens’ experience more enriching and impactful.”
Alumni showed up in a big way, with classes of 1966, 1981, 1984, 1985 and 2025 leading the way. To amplify the efforts, 111 Giving Day advocates across the Pomona community shared messages on social media, made calls and encouraged peers to participate throughout the day.
For students, the impact of Giving Day was both immediate and personal.
“Seeing the entire Pomona community come together like this was incredibly meaningful,” said ASPC President Grace Zheng ’26. “It’s a reminder that we’re supported not just while we’re here, but by a strong network of people who believe in what we’re doing and who we’re becoming.”
Didn’t get the chance to chirp in? There’s still time to support Pomona students. Thank you for lifting our flock!
*Totals as of April 2026.