On Thursday, April 3, 2025, the University of Miami will hold its sixth annual Giving Day, a high-energy 24-hour celebration of community-driven philanthropy. This year’s event takes on special significance, coming just five days before the University turns 100—marking a century of achievements and an even brighter future.
Giving Day is a powerful reminder of how collective giving—regardless of the size of individual gifts—can create a lasting impact. The event not only showcases the generosity of passionate donors, but it also raises awareness to important causes and initiatives that positively impact the U.
Several alumni are getting in on the action this year, offering matches and challenges to inspire increased giving.
Angel Alvarez, B.B.A. ’80, and his family will match gifts to USTAAR, the University Student Startup Accelerator, at a two-to-one rate, up to $1 million. Carmine Parente, B.S. ’89, will match up to $500,000 in gifts to the M. Mann - C. Parente Scholarship Endowment Fund, which supports the Band of the Hour. Thanks to Parente’s generosity, the first 100 donors to give to the Travis Quinn Opportunity Scholarship Fund—benefitting student-musicians who have triumphed over adversity—will unlock an extra $100,000 in donations.
Alvarez hopes this additional support will help USTAAR continue to serve as “a catalyst that allows students to see how they can change the world.”
Parente, alongside his wife Eileen, hope “to challenge other donors to contribute so that every band member can receive some form of financial aid.”
Bob Mendelson, B.B.A. ’56, will host an all-day Leaderboard Challenge, donating to the top three schools or colleges with the most donors, the top three programs or units with the most donors, the top three student organizations with the most donors, and the top three Canes Communities with the most donors. In addition, Mendelson will also match a portion of gifts to the Miami Herbert Business School MBA Scholarship Fund.
The day will also feature Power Hours—one-hour periods when gifts can yield some Canes merchandise.
Be sure to follow the University’s social media channels with the latest updates and alerts about Giving Day. Share your support and spread the word on your social media channels with the hashtag #OneDayOneU. These posts will be aggregated and featured on the Giving Day home page.
But there’s no need to wait until April 3 to show your love for the U. Early giving period began on March 5 (305 Day) and includes exclusive centennial-themed merchandise for donors who make qualifying gifts of $75 or more. These exclusive items are available only during the early giving period.
To invest in the dreams of students, the potential of the University, and the next 100 years of transforming lives, donate today.
