By Kelli Sharpe
(JACKSON, Miss.) — Jackson State University (JSU) announces its highly anticipated 2026 Day of Giving, scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026. Under the theme “All in for THEE,” the 24-hour philanthropic blitz aims to unite alumni, friends, community supporters, and corporate partners worldwide to raise $500,000 in critical support of academic scholarships, student resources and campus innovation.
Jackson State University continues to serve as a vital engine for economic mobility and leadership development for a student population that oftentimes includes first-generation college students. The 2026 Day of Giving is a call to action for the Tiger family and friends to invest in the next generation of changemakers, scientists, educators, doctors, business leaders, lawyers, entertainers and more.
“Every breakthrough discovery, every stage performance, and every corporate leadership role held by a JSU graduate begins with an investment in their potential,” says JSU President Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. “Being ‘All in for THEE’ means honoring our storied legacy by actively clearing financial pathways for our talented students. Our $500,000 goal is ambitious, but when Tiger Nation unites, our capacity to challenge minds and change lives is unmatched. We are calling on our incredible alumni network and forward-thinking corporate partners to help us secure the future of Jackson State University.”
The 2026 campaign will feature an interactive, high-energy digital experience, live leaderboards tracking giving challenges between alumni chapters, and a spotlight on the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s (NPHC) “divine nine” fraternities and sororities competing for ultimate bragging rights.
A major focus of this year’s drive is foundation-based giving and corporate matching programs. JSU is inviting business leaders to match alumni donations and sponsor specific academic divisions. The business community is also encouraged to fund workforce development initiatives that directly funnel diverse, high-caliber talent into the global economy.
“Our corporate and community partners are central to this mission,” emphasizes Sloan D. Cargill, JSU Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs. “An investment in Jackson State University is an investment in a robust, diverse talent pipeline that strengthens businesses locally and globally. ‘All in for THEE’ is more than a theme. It is a shared commitment. We have streamlined our giving platforms to make it easier than ever for individual donors to see the real-time impact of their generosity on our campus and multiply the impact of their giving through corporate matching programs.”
President Gregory believes the day of giving is about more than just hitting a financial target. Having served as interim for nearly a year, the fundraising event will be her first as president of her alma mater. She says it is about securing the future for JSU students.
“JSU shaped my life in profound ways. As an alumna, I know firsthand the power of this community when we unite for a common purpose. Every dollar raised on May 29 directly removes financial barriers, fuels groundbreaking faculty research and ensures that JSU remains a premier powerhouse of higher education. We are calling on our alumni and corporate partners to invest boldly in the promise of our institution.”
To make a donation, track fundraising progress, or learn more about corporate matching opportunities, visit jsums.edu/dayofgiving, text GIVE2JSU to 717777, or call the JSU Division of Institutional Advancement at (601) 979-2282.
Supporters can participate in the Day of Giving on or before May 29 by making an online contribution, setting up recurring monthly gifts, or mobilizing their networks on social media using the hashtags #Give2JSU and #AllInForTHEE. Early giving portals are officially open today.
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