Giving Day + March Mania is back for its third year! The combined challenge for Lehigh will be held on March 24–25, 2026.
Last year, the two-day event raised over $3 million from nearly 4,300 donors — a 19% increase over 2024. Athletics alone raised $1.7 million from a wide array of matches and challenges, with exceptional participation by men’s and women’s teams. About 200 alumni advocates helped promote the challenge, generating $92,000 from 549 gifts.
Once again, colleges, departments, programs, teams, and clubs will rally their communities to inspire support. The Lehigh Fund will emphasize financial aid and scholarships, a critical priority that helps the university attract talented applicants and turn today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders.
Looking back over this past year, there is much to celebrate through financial support: the launch of the varsity women’s wrestling program, the 100th anniversary of Lehigh University Arts Galleries, Lehigh's designation as a Carnegie R1 (top-tier) research institution, two new research centers focused on health and energy, the newly dedicated Clayton University Center, an undefeated football season, the new interdisciplinary major in business and health, an updated campus master plan, and several Patriot League Championships.
The excitement on campus and in alumni circles is palpable as Lehigh surges with momentum and advances with a clear and shared sense of purpose, guided by Lehigh's Inspiring the Future Makers Strategy.
“Giving Day + March Mania is a moment when alumni, fans, families, faculty, staff, students, and friends can have the direct opportunity to change lives,” says Carol Packard, vice president, Development and Alumni Relations. “Whether in the classroom, lab, gallery, stadium, stage, or collaboration space, gifts alter the trajectories of our students — in their experiences on South Mountain, in their global explorations, and far into their professional careers.”
“College athletics is experiencing a rapidly shifting landscape, but Lehigh has an opportunity to become a national model for holistic, competitive, student-centered athletics,” says Murray H. Goodman Dean of Athletics Jeremy Gibson. “Our alumni understand the rigor needed to succeed on the field and in the classroom. Gifts made on Giving Day + March Mania are a symbol of their trust in our approaches and outcomes. Those gifts are put to immediate use and have an immediate impact on our players and programs.”
Historically, March Mania began in 2015, as the Lehigh community came together to help provide teams with the resources needed to compete at the highest level and make Lehigh Athletics a program of distinction year after year. Giving Day, launched in 2017, expanded that spirit of philanthropy through challenges and matches across colleges, departments, alumni groups, and professional networks while also helping students learn about the impact of philanthropy through on-campus events.
