SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State University's annual Giving Day campaign, held March 25–26, generated a record number of Athletics donors and raised a record-breaking total of more than $271,000.

The 2025 totals included 1,252 total contributions and 1,144 donors for Athletics, up 50 percent from last year, for a total of $271,103, which is a 33-percent increase from 2024. 

"I am so thankful for all the Bears faithful who contributed to this record-setting event," said Director of Athletics Patrick Ransdell. "This is a great example of our fan base coming together for our athletics programs."  

The 36-hour, university-wide campaign produced 2,252 total donors and raised $674,873. Athletics donors accounted for 50 percent of all contributors to Giving Day.

Likewise, a number of Athletics donors were involved in various matching gifts or challenges throughout this year's campaign, including:

• Mark & Mary Ringenberg
• Bernie & Pam Burrier
• Michael Seabolt
• Bruce & Vicki Johnson
• Jan & Pam Stahle
• Kasey Griffith
• John & Neosha Mackey
• Terri Mitchell
• Callie & Seth Swafford
• Dan & Beth Cunningham
• Dick & Debbie Williams
• Multiple anonymous donors

"Athletics is a tremendous engagement arm for Missouri State University, and for us to account for more than half of all Giving Day donors speaks volumes," added Ransdell. Thank you to Bears fans and alumni from across the country. I can't wait to break these records again next year!"

The next major Bears Fund event will be the annual Sneaker Soiree auction which is scheduled for Saturday, August 2 at Great Southern Bank Arena.