I Heart Fisher Giving Day 2026 Raises $773K

March 20, 2026

This year, 1,018 donors raised more than $773,000 during the seventh annual I Heart Fisher Giving Day. Held on Thursday, March 19, the celebration of philanthropy supports students and programs at St. John Fisher University.

Four students stand with Beaks the mascot holding a sign that reads Thank You

Several generous donors offered matches and challenges to help I Heart Fisher Giving Day reach new heights.

  • Lucy Malmberg made a $400,000 challenge gift.
  • Dan ’79 and Shelley Boyce, Mike ’82 and Chris Haefner, and Mike ’80 and Karen Moran supported the Fund with a $90,000 match gift.
  • Elizabeth ’11 and John Leonard Family and the Leonard Family Foundation matched 2:1, donating $50,000.

Additional matches and challenges were made by Marty Keating ’75 and Jake Latchman; Jim Stanton ’78; Sharon Napier ’81; Britt and Lisa Vitalone ’91; Joseph ’76 and Nancy Garbarino; Bob and Tarri Heerkens; Dr. Christine Birnie and George Jegadesh ’14 (MBA); Jennifer ’02, ’10M.S. and Matt ’03 Lake; Dr. Tricia Gatlin; Jen and Steve Granger ’95; and Kate and Ryan Michaels ’08.

During the 24-hour giving day, 19 new donors joined the Spire Society. Spire membership is granted to donors who give $1,000 or more annually to the Fisher Fund.

More than 140 employees made gifts to Fisher throughout the day, and 72 members of the Class of 2026 contributed to the Senior Class Gift.

Football, women's soccer, and men’s lacrosse placed in the top three for athletics.