Lights, camera, action!
March 5 is Giving Day, Endicott’s thrilling annual production, where the Gull community takes center stage in a 24-hour philanthropic blockbuster.
Like any great box office success, this event is packed with drama, excitement, and the promise of a brighter future. But no story is complete without its heroes—and that’s where all Gulls have a role to play.
Donations from Gulls—parents, alumni, students, faculty, and staff—are the plot twists that propel our students’ stories forward. Every gift, regardless of size, is a crucial scene in the script that brings dreams to life and builds a sustainable future for the Endicott community.
Before the curtain rises, we’re spotlighting some key players in this year’s Giving Day production. Through a series of challenges supporting various initiatives across campus, these dedicated Gulls help fund scholarships, faculty development, campus enhancements, and more.
So, who are these heroes?
Big Giving Day Challenge
Executive producers: Endicott Trustees Ravi Vig, Melissa Hempstead ’69, and Sheila Walsh.
This $60,000 challenge supports all aspects of the Endicott experience—academics, student life, and athletics—funding everything from student conferences to bringing inspiring speakers to campus.
“Giving Day is a powerful reminder of what makes Endicott so special—its strong sense of community and shared commitment to student success,” said Vig. “By supporting the Big Giving Day Challenge, we invest in the transformative experiences shaping students’ futures. Every contribution, big or small, helps create new opportunities, fuel innovation, and ensure that Endicott students have the necessary resources to thrive.”
Reunion Challenge
Starring: Jeff Scola ’10, President of the Alumni Council.
Scola has pledged $5,000 to support his alma mater—and he’s calling on 200 reunion-year alumni (classes ending in ’0 and ’5) to take action.
“The family feel of the community is rare for a school of this size,” he recently shared in Soundings. “There is passion and pride from alumni, students—everyone up through Dr. DiSalvo.”
Athletics Challenges: A Battle for Glory
Sponsored by Trustee Jim Demers, the Forever a Gull Challenge is a $15,000 initiative pitting Endicott’s teams against one another in a head-to-head competition for challenge dollars. The team in each matchup with the most alumni gifts by the end of Giving Day wins.
Meanwhile, Rachel and Curt Van Emon P’23 are setting the stage for Endicott’s championship baseball team, offering an extra $15,000 if 275 donors step up to the plate. Their son, Gabe ’23, is now a starter on UConn’s Division 1 baseball team, thanks to the leadership and mentorship of Coach Bryan Haley.
Support for the Arts
Newcomers to the Giving Day stage, Courtney and Ryan Fine P’26, believe in the healing power of the arts, which is why they’re hoping to unlock an extra $3,000 for the School of Visual & Performing Arts. Their daughter, Mackenzie, is an expressive arts therapy major, and Mr. Fine proudly serves on the Parents Advisory Council.
The action kicks off on March 5 at 8 a.m. with a star-studded lineup:
- Center for Belonging Open House (Center for Belonging) | 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Giving Day HQ & Student Donor T-Shirt Pickup (Lower Callahan) | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Gift Lift Trivia (Across campus) | 9:30 a.m.–11 a.m.
- Cup Engraving (LSB Lobby) | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Fac/Staff Donor Lunch (Cummings 421) | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Gull Games Battle of the Divisions (Cleary Lecture Hall) | Noon–12:30 p.m.
- Favorites Night (Callahan Dining Hall) | 5–8 p.m.
- Senior Night (Gully's) | 7:30–9 p.m.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this blockbuster event—because at Endicott, every donor is a hero! Make your donation now.