“I’m pleased to support the University of Reading as it enters its next century. Centenaries honour what has been achieved — and giving helps make the next century possible.”
We are please to share that the University’s second Giving Day – a special 36-hour online event, dedicated to supporting our students, programmes and community – has been a huge success. Raising over £37,573, even more than last year’s Giving Day, to support projects that will help build a lasting legacy in our centenary year.
Over the course of the campaign, 170 donors from 25 countries came together in support of Reading – surpassing last year’s total and demonstrating the strength and global reach of our community. An amazing 114 of these donations were gifted by alumni.
Giving has always been at the heart of the University. From the earliest gifts that equipped the first classrooms, to today’s global fundraising initiatives – philanthropy has played a vital role at the University in creating opportunities for students, supporting research, and strengthening our connection with the local community.
Creating new opportunities
The funds raised will support three key initiatives: the new Beyond 100 Bursary, the Outdoor Learning Garden, and flexible student support through the Where the Need is Greatest Fund.
The campaign also saw an extraordinary individual contribution from 1954 graduate and ‘keen gardener’, Gillian Smith, whose gift of £5,000 will support the Outdoor Learning Garden – an inspiring example of alumni giving back across generations.
Janice Galvin, Fundraising Manager, reflected on the campaign’s success:
“Giving Day has been incredible. We’ve had gifts coming in from the Arctic Circle to the Gold Coast of Australia. Our global community of alumni around the world really came together.
Hear from our donors
Giving Day provided an opportunity for the University to reconnect with long-standing supporters and welcome new donors – all united by a shared desire to give back and support future generations of Reading students.
Here’s what some of our donors had to say:
“This place was never just a university to me — it was where my path quietly began to unfold. Within these walls, I found knowledge that shaped my mind, moments that shaped my spirit, and a love that shaped my life.”
“I was lucky enough to be granted a scholarship by the University to pursue my postgraduate studies. I would like to hand something back.”
“I hope the outdoor learning garden can inspire young people to have a passion for nature and our planet, and to do all they can to care for it.”
“I’m pleased to support the University of Reading as it enters its next century. Centenaries honour what has been achieved — and giving helps make the next century possible.”
“I spent three very happy and rewarding years at Reading Uni. Now my grand-daughter is studying there too so I ‘m delighted to be able to make a donation today.”
“Today I want to give back a little something, and I hope one day I’ll be able to do much more. Reading has been home to me in so many ways — it will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who supported this fundraising effort – whether by making a gift or helping to spread the word. Your support is already making a real difference.
