Dukes deliver on Giving Day 2026

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SUMMARY: In just 24 hours, 3,455 Dukes gave more than $1.2 million; from early‑morning gifts to late‑night finish‑line cheers, the JMU community showed what it means to Give Like a Duke.

On March 26, by the time JMU closed online giving, 3,455 donors had contributed $1,240,321 to the causes they love most  — a record total amount, the most in all 10 years of Giving Day! Dukes accross the nation rallied around the programs, scholarships and experiences that change JMU students’ lives.

Throughout the day, online and in-person challenges sparked friendly competition and in the evening, Late Night Breakfast kept the energy high. Gifts of every size added up. Everyone who gave, advocated or spread the word made a real difference setting the stage for impact all year long.

Students post at Late Night Breakfast's photo booth
Students posed at the photo booth during Late Night Breakfast — a beloved campus tradition.

 

President Jim Schmidt in golf cart
Dr. James Schmidt participated in his first Giving Day as JMU’s president, joining Duke Dog to help spread the spirit across campus.

 

Even nature joined the celebration, with cherry blossoms in bloom alongside Giving Day signs across campus.
Even nature joined the celebration, with cherry blossoms in bloom alongside Giving Day signs across campus.

Advocates amplified the impact

Through personal outreach and shared enthusiasm, JMU's Giving Day Advocates played a key role in the day's success. One hundred and sixty Advocates inspired 613 gifts worth a total of $72,423.97 through their personal outreach. JMU's top two Advocates were: 

  • Taylor Kim with 70 gifts and $3,540
  • Paula Polglase with 59 gifts and $12,150
Student, Duke dog and President Schmidt gesturing J-M-U Dukes
Students searched for Mad Money boxes accross campus and gave the money inside to their favorite JMU causes. In return, they got cheers and swag.

 

Dr. Tim Miller, vice president of student affairs interacting with students, Duke dog next to him
Dr. Tim Miller, vice president of student affairs, engaged students on the Quad with JMU trivia, awarding prizes for correct answers.

 

A collage: Matt and Mallory Roan with Duke Dog in front of a SWAG cab, President Schmidt high-fives students and Dukes
Matt and Mallory Roan made pitstops across campus in the swag cab. President Jim high‑fived Dukes and handed swag to those who answered JMU trivia questions correctly at the Commons.

 

Campus celebrities served students their favorite breakfast foods in Festival at the late-night breakfast.
Campus celebrities served students their favorite breakfast foods in Festival at the Late Night Breakfast.

 

a student and Dr. Tim Miller performed together at LNB.
Dr. Tim Miller sang alongside students on stage at Late Night Breakfast.

Highlights at-a-glance:

  • First‑time donors: 763
  • Most‑popular funds (by number of donations made):
    • Proud and True: 595 donations
    • Dukes Pay it Forward: 246 donations
    • Women for Madison: 233 donations
    • Marching Royal Dukes: 205
    • Madison Promise Fund: 144
  • Gifts ranged from $5 to $50,000
  • Gifts from 43 states

These figures are preliminary; final total to be confirmed after processing.

Photos by Rachel Holderman, Olive Santos ('20) and Cody Troyer.

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James Madison University
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951 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807

Published: Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Last Updated: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

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