Bruins for Life Giving Day Breaks Previous Records

Guests enjoying a celebratory indoor social event with food stations, blue and white balloons, and casual seating.
Giving

Bruins for Life Giving Day Breaks Previous Records

April 15, 2026 | by Benjamin Stratton DeVerter

Belmont community raises over $1 million dollars, exceeding goal for annual giving day 

Three smiling Belmont University members hold a 'Bruins for Life, Thank You!' sign with blue and white balloons.Belmont’s annual giving day, Bruins for Life, raised a staggering $1,241,243 which surpassed the original goal of $1 million and beat last year’s record by almost $300,000. With a total of 1,914 gifts and 1,450 individual donors, the financial impact of this year’s giving day exceeded expectations. 

“The dollars raised on Giving Day will support Belmont students as they seek to excel in their fields of study and live faithful, purposeful lives,” commented Director of Annual Giving Anna Diggs. “One of the top areas of support this year was scholarships — over $500,000 — which will continue to allow Belmont to recruit, retain and meaningfully develop students regardless of financial need.” 

Many colleges met their giving challenges, and $1,000 in matching funds for each college were unlocked by the donations of President and First Lady, Greg and Susan Jones. 

a stack of red and blue stickersNotable challenges met included: 

  • Parents Challenge: $50,000 raised, unlocking an additional $50,000 
  • Student Impact Challenge: $5,000 raised, unlocking an additional $5,000 

 

 

The impact of Bruins for Life ripples far beyond just the day of giving. As a Belmont scholarship recipient himself, Retired CEO and Chairman of HCA Healthcare Milton Johnson went on to become a major donor and advocate for the furthering of student experiences. Alumna Antionedra Maupin (‘22, ‘25) was a recipient of his endowment, and shares in this video her story of using it to earn her master’s degree.

Over the years, Bruins for Life has become a gathering place — an entry point for students, alumni and all friends of Belmont to participate in a shared mission. The $1.2 million raised last week will go directly towards the funding of student opportunities and Belmont’s aim to champion the pursuit of life abundant for all people. 

For those who missed their chance to give during Bruins for Life, gifts can still be made to Belmont here, or at give.belmont.edu

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