UW-Parkside Supporters Drive Largest Giving Total in Parkside Day History
KENOSHA, Wis. – 
Parkside Day 2026 has officially become the largest day of giving in University history. The eighth annual celebration at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside saw 842 donors contribute a record $333,814 to support students and the university mission. Across the country, 1,022 individuals participated by donating, volunteering, and attending events.
"We are profoundly grateful for the extraordinary generosity of our donors, whose commitment has driven the most successful Parkside Day in University history," said Devon Borst, Vice Chancellor for Advancement and University Relations at UW-Parkside. "This record-breaking support from our partners and community members shows a deep investment in our students, and I am proud to say that this is what it means to be a Ranger "
The day highlighted high-impact opportunities for growth, including featured funds for scholarships, athletics, the student experience, and campus sustainability. A signature addition this year was the Champions of Parkside Success Celebration, which brought donors and students together to recognize the tangible impact of philanthropy.
The celebration welcomed more than 150 guests and honored three specific community leaders:
Omair Ahmed: Champion of Ranger Athletics
The Brookwood Foundation: Sustainable Futures Champion
The Callahan Family: Champion of Generations
Beyond financial contributions, the day's Rangers Give Back volunteer initiative demonstrated the university's commitment to service. As part of Parkside Day, 30 students, staff, alumni, and community members contributed 44.5 hours of service. On-campus projects focused on environmental stewardship, including planting 415 native Wisconsin plants near Wyllie Hall. Volunteers also painted nearly 400 square feet of windows with bird-safe designs and completed 160 thank-you calls to supporters.
In total, more than 1,000 members of the UW-Parkside community engaged in the day through giving, volunteering, and other forms of support.
To learn more about the impact of the day, please visit uwp.edu/parksideday.
About UW-Parkside
Since its founding in 1968, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been a trusted partner for the region’s higher educational needs, empowering students to thrive, advancing applied knowledge, and developing talent for the future. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and pre-professional programs, designed to foster personal and professional growth through real-world and impactful learning experiences. Located in the dynamic Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, UW-Parkside offers unmatched access to world-class internships, professional networks, and endless career-building opportunities, placing students at the center of it all.
Media Contact:
Steve Scherer
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Recruitment
University of Wisconsin-Parkside