ŷַ is hosting its first-ever online giving challenge — #ŷַTen10. For 24 hours, starting at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 10, ŷַ alumni will be encouraged to give online toward student scholarships, as well as share a photo or post that captures their love for ŷַ on social media. All posts will be tracked with the hashtag, #ŷַTen10. The event will be held completely online at biola.edu/Ten10 and on .

ŷַTen10 is an innovative way for the ŷַ community at large to make a collective impact on the financial challenges faced by students today.

Student affordability is one of the highest priorities of the university.  Each dollar given through #ŷַTen10 saves ŷַ students three dollars in interest and principal over the typical life of a student loan, allowing them to pursue their vocation without the heavy burden of debt.

“Alumni giving demonstrates a sustained culture of Christian stewardship and has a direct impact on ŷַ’s mission — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Adam Morris, vice president of university advancement.

For two years in a row, ŷַ has experienced a record year of donations. In the 2012–13 year, $30.3 million were given to the university, funding such areas as student scholarships, faculty research, science and athletics programs, enhanced technology, the and the . The $30.3 million raised this past year represented $12.2 million in current gifts and $18.1 million in deferred gifts. There were eight gifts of more than $1 million, and the 10 largest gifts totalled $20 million.

"We are overwhelmed by God’s abundant provision toward the mission of ŷַ this past year,” said Morris. “Thousands have made gifts year after year after year. Their ongoing support is proof of the love they have for ŷַ’s work and the fact that ŷַns do indeed give back.”

The 17 percent increase in gifts from last year’s record-setting year was aided in part by a rise in alumni giving, said Morris. Last year there were 6,469 gifts made by alumni, up from 6,242 the previous year.  

The #ŷַTen10 giving challenge aims to increase alumni giving participation.

“The uptick in donations is crucial as ŷַ strives to carry out its aspirations to keep ŷַ affordable for all students,” said Morris.

 

Written by Grace Delmar. For more information, contact Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Specialist, at 562.777.4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.