Generous UF alumni and friends set another Day of Giving record

The spirit of philanthropy at the University of Findlay set another record during Day of Giving 2026, with gifts of all sizes coming together to create a powerful impact for Oiler students.

With their generosity, University of Findlay alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and the local  community are fueling the future for a new generation of Oilers.

“We are very pleased to announce that a record number of 582 donors have collectively raised $236,879 to make a difference in the lives of UF students,” said Kenneth McIntyre Jr., vice president for University advancement. “These gifts are fueling student success, undergraduate research, Oiler athletics, experiential learning, and the full Findlay experience.”

UF had set a goal of reaching 500 donors to participate this year, according to Madelynn Strayer, ’21, director of annual giving.

Challenge gifts by several generous donors helped to encourage participation, she noted. P. Rae Taylor-Kurasz and her husband Gregory Kurasz made a $10,000 gift to the Findlay Fund in memory of her father, Sheldon Taylor ’36. Chris Ostrander, chairman of the UF Board of Trustees, also offered $10,000.

A generous gift from UF Board of Trustees member Cliff Cook of $10,000 promised to double the impact of donors, with every contribution to the Findlay Fund matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000.

Other challenges included a $1,000 match for support of the Honors Program by Robert and Cindy Kalkstein, as well as a $1,000 match for donations to the nuclear medicine program by Anthony Marini.

“We appreciate the support of our loyal UF donors and the Board of Trustees to encourage more alumni and friends to donate,” Strayer said, adding that a number of deans also made matching gifts for specific programs.

“Our donors understand that UF students rely on the philanthropic hearts of Oiler Nation to fuel what moves UF forward,” Strayer said.

For more information on results and a full list of challenge and match gifts, visit dayofgiving.findlay.edu.