In a remarkable show of Lion pride, the Loyola Marymount University community came together for Day of Giving 2025, raising an extraordinary $1,862,454 in support of scholarships, faculty, programs, and more that shape the student experience. Over a rousing 24-hour period on March 11, 2025, thousands of alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends joined forces to demonstrate the unwavering spirit of generosity that defines LMU. In total, 2,794 donors stepped up to support LMU’s vision of creating a brighter world.
“This year’s record results on our Day of Giving reflect the strong and unwavering support our community has for LMU’s mission,” stated Peter Wilch, senior vice president for University Advancement. “The commitment of our donors to the growth and well-being of LMU students and the broader community embodies the spirit of the magis. I am grateful to all our supporters who help us strive for excellence and ensure that LMU continues to make a positive impact on the world.”
Matching and Challenge Gifts Roar
Donors were inspired to amplify their impact with more than $700,000 in matching and challenge gifts. The Parent and Family Leadership Council led a $45,000 challenge to bolster the Lion Emergency Fund, ensuring students have the resources they need when unexpected circumstances arise. The Caloyeras family championed a $25,000 challenge in support of the Basil T. Caloyeras Center for Modern Greek Studies at LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary. Stacy and Steven Holder P ’26 doubled their impact with dual challenges of $38,000 each to raise scholarship funds for LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts and LMU School of Film and Television. Verizon came in with a $25,000 challenge for the Coelho Center for Disability Law, Policy, and Innovation, representing strong support from the corporate sector.
This year’s event also saw the single largest gift in LMU Day of Giving history: $200,000 to the Ida B. Keiser Endowed Scholarship at LMU Loyola Law School from longtime supporters Nava, J.D. ’23, P ’15, and Gary Dordick, P ’15, owners of Dordick Law Corporation. The gift honors one of the firm’s associates, John Keiser, J.D. ’74, the son of Ida B. Keiser. John’s twin brother, Tom Keiser, J.D. ’76, set up the scholarship in 1988 to honor their mother.
“John has been a great friend to us over the years and a big contributor to the success of our law firm,” said Gary Dordick. “He decided to retire this year and in lieu of a bonus, he asked that we make the donation to the law school. We are thrilled to honor his request and support the law students of tomorrow.”
Programs That Inspired the Most Giving
Donors rallied around a wide range of causes, with LMU Athletics leading the charge with an impressive $458,062 from 566 donors. Student Affairs, always popular, received $234,444 from 661 donors to support programs like the Lion Emergency Fund, the Be a Lion fund, Special Games, LMU Food Pantry, and student organizations.
“The support we’ve received for the Lion Emergency Fund in particular has been heartwarming,” said Kawanna Leggett, Ed.D., senior vice president for Student Affairs. “Many in our LMU family have been impacted by the January wildfires in Los Angeles. Knowing that we can provide direct assistance to students during difficult times is incredibly powerful.”
LMU Loyola Law School was also a favorite this year, raising $226,465 from 94 donors. Rounding out the top five, the LMU College of Business Administration and the LMU Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering each exceeded $130,000 in gifts, reflecting strong alumni and community support.
A Community-Driven Success
The event also saw enthusiastic participation from 155 individuals and campus groups who volunteered as Advocates to help spread the word about #LMUDayofGiving on social media, generating substantial engagement on LMU’s various channels. Donations poured in from 46 U.S. states and 16 countries, including Australia, Belize, Canada, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Lebanon, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom, among others.
From first-time donors to supporters who give each year, every contribution on Day of Giving demonstrated the collective strength of the Lion community. As the university moves resolutely forward in its charge to create a brighter world, the generosity of its supporters remains a driving force in shaping the future for generations of Lions to come.
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