Red Day 2026 raises nearly $290,000 in record-breaking campaign

Lamar University's Red Day 2026 raised $289,750, marking a record-breaking year for the university's annual day of giving.

The campaign brought together alumni, faculty, staff, students, families and friends to support scholarships, academic programs, athletics and other areas across campus.

"Red Day 2026 was truly a record-breaking success," Annual Giving Officer Aron Arceneaux said. "We landed with 677 donors, 799 gifts and over $289,000 raised."

Red Day is designed to encourage broad participation while giving donors the opportunity to direct their gifts to the areas of Lamar University that matter most to them.

That approach was reflected across this year's campaign. The General Scholarship Fund received $30,045 from 47 supporters, while Lamar University Athletics raised $27,269 from 107 supporters. The College of Business received $22,437 from 73 supporters, and the College of Education and Human Development raised $19,036 from 86 supporters.

The range of giving reflects the many ways alumni and friends remain connected to Lamar University, whether through the college where they earned their degree, a scholarship program, an athletic team or another part of the university that shaped their experience.

Red Day also provides an opportunity for the broader Southeast Texas community to invest in the university and the students who will go on to serve the region and beyond.

"Every gift made on Red Day expands opportunities for our students, empowers our faculty and strengthens the programs that set Lamar University apart," Arceneaux said. "We are grateful for the support and excited about what our future holds."

The campaign's results build on the continued growth of Red Day and demonstrate the collective impact that can come from hundreds of individual gifts.

"To all our Red Day donors, thank you for launching futures and changing lives," Arceneaux said.

For more information, visit lamar.edu/redday.