BVU Benefactors, Alumni Contribute More Than $57,000 on International Beaver Day
Daylong celebration results in fun, fellowship, and more than 300 gifts to back Beaver efforts
Buena Vista University’s vast network of alumni and friends joined BVU faculty, staff, and students in raising more than $57,000 on International Beaver Day on Thursday, April 7.
Nearly 320 supporters, a recent BVU record for a one-day giving effort, celebrated International Beaver Day by contributing to BVU for a variety of efforts, ranging from Beaver Athletics to the Annual Fund, which supports everything from facility improvements to scholarships to research funding. Gifts flowed in from 26 states and countries across the world where BVU friends and alumni live and work. Each of three dedicated challenge gifts were met throughout the course of the day, one that ended with a large staff and community reception and a wing-eating contest for students.
“The success we enjoyed on International Beaver Day is a testament to the faith our supporters have in what we accomplish each day.”
President Brian Lenzmeier
“It was humbling, inspiring, and lots of fun as the entire BVU community came together for a day of giving and fellowship on International Beaver Day,” says BVU President Brian Lenzmeier. “Nearly everything we’re able to offer our students, from scholarships to hiring the most qualified and passionate professors, to experiential learning opportunities across Iowa and throughout the world, is due to the generosity of our alumni and benefactors who continue to keep BVU foremost in their thoughts, prayers, and planned-giving efforts. The success we enjoyed on International Beaver Day is a testament to the faith our supporters have in what we accomplish each day.”
The University successfully navigated a two-year span during the pandemic as enrollment grew, which it has done in each of the past three years. Meantime, nearly 100 percent of BVU graduates in the past several years have earned career positions or graduate school admission in the field of their choosing within six months of graduation.
“We are so grateful for the support in our second annual celebration of International Beaver Day,” says Joan Canty, Vice President for University Development and Alumni Engagement. “To celebrate more than 300 gifts in one day is awe-inspiring. To raise more dollars than we ever have for a single giving day lets us know that BVU is, indeed, on a wonderful trajectory. It’s a great show of confidence as we all continue to serve our communities.”
Throughout the day, BVU students took the time to write thank you notes and post videos of gratitude as they communicated with fellow Beavers across eight decades!
“A huge thank you to the donors that helped us raise money to go toward everything that makes BVU great. We are extremely thankful for your contributions and your generosity doesn't go unnoticed,” says Taylor Wedemeyer, an elementary education major who plays volleyball and serves as Co-Director for the BVU Orientation Team.
Buena Vista University now gears up for Buenafication Day, a day of service in which Beavers gift back to members of their communities in a day of volunteer service. The Buenafication Day tradition, celebrated across BVU by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners across Iowa, dates back to 1913. The 2022 event is slated for Thursday, April 21.