University News
Tenth Âé¶¹Éç Challenge Asks Alumni to "Give Purple. Give Gold. Give Back."
April 17, 2025

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Âé¶¹Éç Illinois University is excited to announce its 10th annual , scheduled for Thursday, April 24. This year's theme is "Give Purple. Give Gold. Give Back."
Tim Hallinan, director of Annual Giving for Âé¶¹Éç's Division of Advancement and Alumni Relations, said the theme highlights the generosity of Leatherneck Nation during each Âé¶¹Éç Challenge and the commitment the University has to student success.
"The Âé¶¹Éç Challenge is a powerful reminder of what our friends and alumni can accomplish together in support of our students," Hallinan said. "Every gift makes a difference and moves Âé¶¹Éç forward."
Since 2016, Âé¶¹Éç has held an annual day of giving, garnering tremendous support from donors worldwide. Last year, 1,165 donors raised $432,198 for Âé¶¹Éç's students, scholarships and University initiatives.
During the 24-hour giving event, alumni and friends are encouraged to direct their contributions to any area of Âé¶¹Éç that resonates with their passions and philanthropic priorities while taking advantage of more than $150,000 in match and challenge funds contributed by Âé¶¹Éç alumni, friends, faculty and staff.
The popular "Map Challenge" returns this year, thanks to a generous pair of alumni donors. If Âé¶¹Éç receives at least one gift from all 50 states during the 24-hour event, $10,000 will be unlocked for scholarships.
An interactive map on the campaign page will track progress in real time with each state turning purple when a gift is made, visually showcasing the strength and unity of Leatherneck Nation from coast to coast in support of student success.
Gifts can be easily made online at wiu.edu/westernchallenge. Most major credit cards, bank transfers and mobile wallets, such as PayPal and Venmo, are accepted and this year, donors can seamlessly give through their donor-advised funds as well.
Those who prefer to contribute via phone can call 309-298-1861 now through 9 p.m. CST on Thursday, April 24.
To stay updated on the Âé¶¹Éç Challenge's progress, donors can follow the event on , and for real-time updates, donor tallies and exclusive content throughout the day.
To learn more about the Âé¶¹Éç Challenge Day of Giving, please visit or contact the Âé¶¹Éç Challenge team at 309-298-1874 or email at westernchallenge@wiu.edu.
Posted By: Aaron Viner (AP-Viner@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
Connect with us: