The Magic Number
Year six of UCSB Give Day raises $6.6M
On April 10, the Gaucho community celebrated UCSB Give Day with all the energy and optimism that define our campus. The annual 36-hour fundraising event took place online at giveday.ucsb.edu and through email and social media. Throughout Give Day, community members participated in creative competitions to support their favorite areas. Donors made 3,712 gifts — a 5% increase over last year — and raised $6,661,690 for the programs and opportunities that make UC Santa Barbara a top public university.
“I’ve really gotten into UCSB Give Day as the importance and gamesmanship has taken hold,” said R. Marilyn Lee ’69, UC Santa Barbara Foundation trustee and past member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. “There are key departments and programs that I always give to: my political science major, the American Presidency Project, Larry Adams Scholars, the Alumni Association, and areas that my UCSB friends support. Give Day is priceless. It helps UC Santa Barbara continue its world-class excellence.”
Through Give Day, UCSB raises support for campus, engages alumni and models philanthropy for current students. It’s an opportunity for areas to rally alumni, friends, parents, staff and faculty.
This year, the Department of Classics celebrated the retirement of Professor Ralph Gallucci, a beloved educator who introduced students to ancient Greece and Rome through general education courses like World of Heroes. Gifts received on Give Day supported the department’s new Gallucci Summer Internship program.
“We chose to celebrate Ralph on Give Day because of the sheer number of students whose education he has contributed to; he's taught thousands during his 28 years at UC Santa Barbara,” said Rose MacLean, chair of the Department of Classics. “We wanted to honor his commitment to undergraduate education. Our vision is to establish a fund that is self-sustaining through donor support. We will provide scholarships for professional development opportunities so students can thrive in their careers.”
For many of UCSB’s 20 Division I sports, Give Day is the biggest fundraising event of the year. Connection is a core value of UCSB Athletics, and on Give Day, all sports fans can cheer for their teams.
“It is with sincere gratitude that we thank all of our Gaucho alumni, family and friends for supporting our mission to serve student-athletes and bring together the community on Give Day,” said Kelly Barsky, the Arnhold Director of Athletics. “Your support and connection is critical to providing an exceptional student-athlete experience, continuing the tradition of highly competitive programs and unifying an engaged and connected community. Give Day is such a wonderful celebration of community and so full of Gaucho spirit! Support received not just on Give Day but every day is noticed, impactful and truly appreciated.”
From classics to athletics, donors’ interests were broad and varied. Nearly 200 funds received support. Some 35% of gifts were from alumni. Over 800 people made their first-ever gift to USCB on Give Day, a truly global tradition, with support from 44 states and 19 countries. On campus, the student philanthropy group UCSB First popped up with T-shirts and colorful stickers as they shared the power of giving back with current students.
“I look forward to Give Day every year,” said Corey Lewis ’27. “I’m so grateful to be part of this Gaucho community and inspired to give back when I’m an alum. To everyone who forwarded an email, liked a post or wore their Give Day T-shirt, thank you!”
Published April 2025
I’ve really gotten into UCSB Give Day as the importance and gamesmanship has taken hold... Give Day is priceless. It helps UC Santa Barbara continue its world-class excellence.
R. Marilyn Lee ’69, UC Santa Barbara Foundation trustee