Maryland Celebrates Community Support With Historic Campus

Terrapin Athletics 3/6/2026 10:25:00 AM

Maryland Celebrates Community Support With Historic Campus-Wide Giving Day

Over 1,000 donors helped make Giving Day 2026 a memorable one for Maryland Athletics.

Wednesday marked the University of Maryland's annual campus-wide Giving Day, and thanks to over 1,000 generous donors, it was one for the ages. Maryland Athletics received 1,211 total gifts for a record-setting $632,071 amount of funds raised.

"On behalf of everyone at Maryland Athletics, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible fans, alumni, and supporters who made this year's Giving Day a truly historic one," Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics Jim Smith said. "Giving Day is always about more than a single number, it's about the strength of the Maryland community. This year, you showed once again that when Terp Nation comes together, we can accomplish extraordinary things."

This year, 1,109 donors — over half being new Maryland Athletic donors — demonstrated their support for Maryland Athletics, blowing past the previous Giving Day record of 786 donors. Between 33 states and Washington D.C., Maryland Athletics received 339 gifts made out to sport-specific funds, including 17 endowment funds.

"This remarkable show of support demonstrates the passion that defines Terp Nation," Smith said. "Your gifts—no matter the size—make a direct impact on the experience we provide our student-athletes. From scholarships and training resources to academic support and championship-level facilities, your commitment helps ensure our Terps have the tools they need to succeed in competition, in the classroom, and in life."

The support on Giving Day came from alumni, fans, and many within Maryland Athletics. The Terps benefitted from a 100% participation rate from Maryland coaches, as well as 100% participation from the Maryland football team, exemplifying the passion for Terp Nation that flows through College Park.

"Seeing more than 1,000 donors come together for Maryland Giving Day is a powerful reminder of just how passionate and committed Terp Nation is to our student-athletes," Senior Associate Athletic Director/Chief Development Officer for Maryland Athletics Kirby Mills said. "Breaking our donor record reflects the incredible pride our supporters have in this program. Every gift represents someone choosing to invest in the future of Maryland Athletics, and that collective generosity truly makes a difference for our student-athletes and the opportunities we can provide them."

Additionally, this year's incredible list of donors included a host of Maryland legends, including Lonny Baxter, Steve Francis, Laura Harper, Brionna Jones, Drew Nicholas, Nick Novak, Derik Queen, and Joe Smith.

Across the entire day of giving to all facets of UMD, 9,985 Terps on campus, across the country, and around the world came together to support the University of Maryland, raising $9.42 million in philanthropic support in just 24 hours—a new Giving Day record.

Smith set the tone for the day by personally contributing $1,000 for every 100 donors who made a gift during the day, with a goal of donating $10,000 to reach Athletics' goal of 1,000 donors. His personal donation will continue to help Maryland Athletics navigate the changing collegiate athletics landscape.

"Thank you for believing in our student-athletes, our programs, and the future of the Terps," Smith said. "The future is bright, and thanks to you, we are just getting started."

Our campaign for the Fearless

Alan and Kim Cason's gift supports Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless, a $2.5 billion fundraising initiative in support of expanding access to UMD's top-tier education, accelerating groundbreaking research and building stronger communities. Maryland Athletics aims to raise at least $350M as part of the Forward campaign, elevating priorities that fit into four fundraising objectives: Elevate a championship culture; empower young people to realize their full potential; mold tomorrow's leaders today; and foster success through community. Those interested in learning more about how they can participate in the Forward campaign are encouraged to click HERE or contact the Terrapin Club at 301-314-7020 or tclub@umd.edu.

Players Mentioned

#25 Derik Queen

C

6' 10"

Freshman

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