WSU Global Campus Breaks Records for #CougsGive 2026

WSU Global Campus met and exceeded milestones for giving during WSU’s annual #CougsGive Day on April 15.

“It’s all about Cougs caring for Cougs,” said Andria Donnenwerth, Global Campus Director of Student Involvement and Philanthropic Engagement. “This is the day where Cougs turn care into action and our online Cougs showed up—and then some.”

WSU’s fully online campus raised $15,195 through 108 gifts during #CougsGive 2026, more than doubling its 2025 total of $7,135 from 42 gifts.

This year’s effort earned Global Campus a Top 5 placement on the Campus, College, and Program Gifts Leaderboard for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the program.

Global Campus student Aunjelique Andersen also led all ambassadors, placing first on the Ambassador Leaderboard by inspiring 54 gifts through her outreach efforts.

“Serving as a #CougsGive ambassador was a meaningful experience, not only because of the cause, but because of the community behind it,” said Andersen. “While I am proud of the outcome, what stands out most is the collective effort it took to get there. I am incredibly proud of my fellow students and ambassadors for their dedication and commitment to making a difference.”

Several Global Campus alumni and employees, including Global Campus Chancellor Dave Cillay, offered challenges and donation matches throughout the day.

According to Donnenwerth, momentum built throughout the day, with early challenges unlocking ahead of schedule, strong engagement during the afternoon, and a final push at night that brought the community together to achieve our remaining goals.

By the end of #CougsGive Day 2026, each challenge and donation match was met.

Donnenwerth said that #CougsGive ambassadors played a central role in this success, with a dedicated Teams group staying active into the evening to encourage one another, share updates, and rally support in real time.

“In the end, our ambassadors came together and made it happen,” said Donnenwerth. “We’re very lucky to have so many Cougs passionate about helping others and supporting their community. They really proved their dedication.”

In addition to Andersen, nine people signed up to be Global Campus Coug Ambassadors. Among them, Global Campus alum Mia Darnell, student Eleanor Harrison, student Elizabeth Donais, and community member Mary Goodrich played key roles in raising funds throughout the day.

“We’re so grateful for all our ambassadors,” said Donnenwerth. “Thank you so much for giving your time and passion to helping us achieving our #CougsGive goals!”

Support came from across the Coug community — including many donors who chose to give anonymously — reflecting a strong and shared commitment to Global Campus students. This represents a meaningful win for Global Campus students, who both championed the effort and will directly benefit from the funds raised.

Overall, WSU also succeeded in fundraising efforts for #CougsGive 2026, with university-wide giving topping $1,056,226 from 1,451 gifts.

About the Author

Jeff Willadsen is the Digital Content and Communication Coordinator for WSU Global Campus. Before being hired at WSU in 2018, he worked as a photojournalist and public affairs specialist in the US Navy. He earned his Master’s in Strategic Communication online through WSU Global Campus while still active duty in the Navy, illustrating its value as an effective and flexible higher education option for working adults.