Wilson College of Textiles Grows Stronger on Day of Giving

By: Wanda Urbanska 

The Wilson College of Textiles had reason to celebrate once results were tabulated for North Carolina State University’s second Day of Giving September 16. In 24 hours, the college received $2,650,194.82 from 367 gifts – an increase from just over $895,000 from 323 gifts a year ago!

The astounding jump is especially inspiring given national and world events affecting so many lives. Responding to donors’ generosity, Dean David Hinks reaffirmed what’s already known: we are stronger as a Pack.

“Your commitment to supporting our students during these challenging times tells me your values align with the WIlson College values that include compassion, equity and collaboration,” Hinks said.

In the category of number of dollars raised, the Wilson College placed first in the White Division (the College of Veterinary Medicine took top honors in the Red) and third in the number of gifts. University-wide, NC State raised $23,223,425 from 8,230 gifts.  

 Thanks to our donors, the Wilson College:

• Increased the Dean’s Textiles Innovation Fund by $254,478 through 160 gifts  
• Endowed five new Pioneer Scholarships and one new Centennial Scholarship
• Created two new annual scholarships
• Supported numerous other scholarships and funds
• Launched the newly-created Diversity and Inclusion Fund with $26,300 from 97 gifts 

“As an alumna and member of the Wilson College community, I’m excited to see the generous support to the Diversity and Inclusion fund,” said Delisha Hinton, associate director of Student Services for Recruitment and Diversity at the college. “The amount and number of donors surpassed my expectation. I’m eager to work with the Diversity and Inclusion committee on various initiatives now in the works, as this fund will allow us to go the extra mile in supporting our college and its growth of cultural competence.” 

Originally scheduled for March 25, Day of Giving 2020 was moved to September due to the pandemic. Though Wilson College staff had tempered expectations going in, supporters were unrestrained in their enthusiasm and giving, following the challenges and leaderboards online and rallying others. So much so that all Wilson College challenges were met by early evening: both Glen Raven Inc. challenges that yielded $200,000 to the Dean’s Textiles Innovation Fund, a $10,000 challenge match to the Diversity and Inclusion Fund and a $3,000 student social media participation challenge. 

Equally exciting, numerous first-time donors, young alumni and students discovered the power of philanthropy.  Roughly 50% of total gifts were under $100, reaffirming the importance of participation and that every gift of any size truly makes a difference in the education of our students. 

“At its core, Day of Giving is about supporting the Wilson College of Textiles to create a stronger and better future,” said Michael Ward, executive director of the North Carolina Textile Foundation. “It demonstrates the remarkable connection Wilson College alumni, parents, friends, students, faculty and staff feel toward this special place. The support and generosity at every giving level continues to advance our mission and inspires our team.”