Rockets Show Their UToledo Love During Record-Setting Day of Giving

By Kate Zenone

The University of Toledo recognizes that our success is built on an incredible community of support. This community includes our alumni, students, faculty, staff, clinicians, researchers, fans and the greater Toledo region. Together we continue to make northwest Ohio and the world a better place to live, work and play.

This spring, we recognized that community for coming together on Feb. 26-27 for our Rocket Forward Day of Giving. Celebrating the eighth-annual campaign, the 36-hour effort generated 3,882 gifts through online donations and live event participation leading to more than $2.1 million in support. The 2025 campaign finished with a 58% increase in gifts when compared to the previous year. Even in a time when people continue to be extremely intentional about how they spend their time, energy and funds, UToledo witnessed the dedication of Rocket Nation and our gratitude goes well beyond what we can express in words.

Support from local businesses continued to expand our reach this year.  Participating businesses included Bubba’s 33, The Casual Pint, Home Slice Pizza, Table Forty4, Jake’s Saloon, Jed’s (North Holland Sylvania Rd.), Rooster’s, UToledo Health Four Seasons Bistro and Jupmode. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Jim White Toyota, Medical Mutual and Paramount, and the city of Toledo Department of Utilities also served as community partners by making outright donations on behalf of their business and by encouraging patrons to join the campaign.

“As a result of the incredible support received, we not only reached — but exceeded — our goals. Rocket Forward Day of Giving helps ensure that students, faculty, staff and programs continue to thrive at UToledo. Every gift matters and each donation fuels the groundbreaking research, transformative learning experiences and strong networks that UToledo offers,” UToledo Interim President Matt Schroeder said.

“Thank you for sharing your love for UToledo and helping us shape a brighter future for our University and our community.”

This year, 126 advocates generated 270 gifts, for a total of $29,444, using their unique participation links. Donors were able to support areas across our campuses including scholarships, athletics and educational programs, research, healthcare and community services. This included 66 match and challenge gifts where supporters leveraged their gifts to encourage others to give back through dollar-for-dollar matches or donor goals to unlock extra funding.

This campaign was just another example of the power that collaboration and innovation have on all we do. The University of Toledo would not be here today without our community standing with us and we are proud to be part of Toledo and Rocket Nation.