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SHSU Giving Day 2026

EAT 'EM UP KATS!

Giving Day 2026 was a record-breaking celebration of Bearkat generosity. Together, the SHSU family gave more money than ever before to support the people, places, and programs that define our university. Thank you to every donor who made this historic day possible. Your support will create lasting impact across campus for years to come.

Williams, Stone families establish endowment at SHSU
Apr 21, 2026

HUNTSVILLE — The Williams and Stone families have announced the establishment of a $100,000 endowment at Sam Houston State University, benefiting students in the College of Education and the Department of Athletics.

The endowment will provide ongoing support for one student from the College of Education and one football student-athlete, reflecting the families' longstanding commitment to both academic and athletic excellence. In addition, the gift will serve as a Giving Day challenge initiative aimed at generating further support for education and athletics programs at the university.

"The Williams and Stone families have a deep-rooted history with Sam Houston State University, particularly within the College of Education and the Department of Athletics," said Bobby Williams, Sam Houston's director of athletics. "Janet and I both come from families of educators, athletes, and coaches, making this opportunity especially meaningful for us."

The families described the endowment as a "dream come true" and an opportunity to give back to the institution that has played a significant role in their personal and professional lives.

The endowment underscores the continued importance of private support in advancing student success and strengthening the university's academic and athletic missions.

Image for Update: Williams, Stone families establish endowment at SHSU
Participating Groups
Alumni Association Annual Fund for Excellence Athletics Bearkat Emergency Fund Freshmen Scholarships Military Science (ROTC) Newton Gresham Library Sam Houston Memorial Museum Sam Houston University Foundation Senior Class Legacy SHSU Food Pantry Student Affairs College of Arts & Media College of Business Administration College of Criminal Justice College of Education College of Health Sciences College of Humanities and Social Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine College of Science and Engineering Technology Elliott T. Bowers Honors College
2
Match
Baseball Dollar-for-Dollar Match
Larry '77 and MJ Larrison are stepping up to the plate for Bearkat Baseball, and they are bringing some serious heat. They are matching every dollar—up to $1,000—so every gift you make gets to take an extra lap around the bases. Let’s swing for the fences and knock this one out of the park for Bearkat Baseball!
$1,000 MATCHED
Completed
$8,000
The Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics (LEAP) Challenge
The Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics (LEAP) is facing an incredible opportunity — and we need everyone to step up. Thanks to the generosity of Spencer ’15, ’17 and Shealynn ’16 Copeland, every gift made to the LEAP Center carries extra power. Once we hit 20 gifts, an additional $8,000 will be unlocked to fuel LEAP’s mission. Let’s rise to the challenge and push this goal over the finish line today.
Completed
$1,000
COE Starfish Challenge
Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Mandy Epley ’97, Navarro ISD Superintendent, Dr. LaTonya Goffney ’99, ’03, ’11, Aldine ISD Superintendent, and Dr. Rhonda Mason ’98, ’22, Lamar CISD Area Superintendent, every 10 gifts to the College of Education unlocks an additional $1,000—up to $3,000— to uplift future educators. It’s a reminder, much like the Starfish Story, that even small acts of kindness can spark powerful waves of impact.
30 / 30 Gifts
Completed
2
Match
Softball Enrichment Dollar-for-Dollar Match
John ’70 and Marilyn ’68 Thomas are stepping up to the plate for Bearkat Softball — and they’re challenging YOU to join the action. They’re matching every gift dollar‑for‑dollar up to $1,000, and they’re calling on Bearkat Nation to bring the heat. Step up, take your swing, and let’s turn this match into a grand slam victory!
$1,000 MATCHED
Completed
$450
Major Harper-Terry Birthday Celebration Challenge
Let’s throw some serious birthday confetti for Major Harper‑Terry '03 hitting the big 4‑5! ✨ To celebrate, when 10 gifts are made to the Major Harper‑Terry Endowed Scholarship, it will unlock a $450 birthday boost straight from Major himself. Show him some love, join the fun, and make your gift today!
10 / 10 Gifts
Completed
$1,000
Former Foster Youth Scholarship Challenge
Dr. Pam Laughlin ’21, former SHSU Director of Career Services, and Dr. Keri Rogers Mize, former Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs are challenging Bearkats to join them in supporting the Former Foster Youth Scholarship. This scholarship was established to support our Bearkat students who are former foster youth, orphans, or wards of the state. Pam and Keri have generously made a gift of $1,000 for every 10 gifts made to the scholarship up to $2,000. Let's max out this challenge by getting 20 gifts for Giving Day 2026!
Completed
2
Match
Bearkat Football Match
Thanks to the generosity of Rob Thompson '99 (football '94-'98), support given to Bearkat Football during Giving Day 2026 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $2,500! Give today to help maximize this match for Bearkat Football!
Completed
$500
A 21 for the 21st Flash Challenge
Be one of the first 21 donors to give $25 or more to Alumni Enrichment and unlock a $500 bonus gift thanks to the generosity of Alumni Association Board Member Ashley Greene ’97! Don’t wait — help us seize this challenge and fuel the future of the SHSU Alumni Association!
21 / 21 Donors
Completed
2
Match
Bearkat Men's Basketball Dollar-for-Dollar Match
Thanks to the generosity of Ronny Snow '90, for every dollar given to Men's Basketball Competitive Excellence, it will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000. Give today to help maximize this match for Bearkat Men's Basketball!
$1,000 MATCHED
Completed
2
Match
Football Competitive Excellence Dollar-for-Dollar Match
Thanks to support from Ronny Snow '90, gifts to Football Competitive Excellence will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,500. Make your gift today to unlock Ronny's generous gift!
$1,500 MATCHED
Completed
2
Match
Bearkat Summer Camp Dollar-for-Dollar Match
Frank Parker, VP Emeritus of Student Affairs, is bringing some serious sparkle to summer by stepping up for future Bearkats. Frank will match every dollar—up to $1,000—to help send students to camp. Together, we can make sure more Bearkats get to pack their bags, grab their sunscreen, and dive into an unforgettable camp experience this summer. Ready to join the fun?
$1,000 MATCHED
Completed
$1,250
Bearkat Camp Challenge
Erica Bumpurs ’21, Asst. VP of Health & Wellbeing for Student Affairs, is stepping up to help future Bearkats—and she’s challenging us to join her. It takes $125 to send one freshman to Bearkat Camp, and for every student sponsored, Erica will match the gift for up to 10 students. Together, we can make sure more Bearkats get the chance to experience camp this summer.
Completed
$1,500
Bearkat Golf Challenge
When 10 gifts land on the scorecard for Golf, a $1,500 bonus shot drops straight into the cup—thanks to the clutch generosity of Jody ’00 and Nicole Czajkoski ’01. Help us keep the momentum rolling down the fairway. Make your gift today and drive us one step closer to unlocking this challenge!
10 / 10 Gifts
Completed
2
Match
COBA Advisory Board Executive Committee Dollar-for-Dollar Match
The Executive Committee Members of the COBA Advisory Board are stepping up in a big way for Giving Day 2026, and they’re calling on YOU to join the momentum! They’ll match every dollar you give — up to an amazing $22,500 — to fuel COBA Enrichment. Give today to help maximize this match!
Completed
2
Match
Fraternity and Sorority Life Dollar-for-Dollar Match
John ’75 and former SHSU President Dana Hoyt are inviting support for Fraternity and Sorority Life at SHSU. Contributions strengthen infrastructure, educational programming, and initiatives that enrich the experience and success of students involved in Fraternity & Sorority Life. Once donations reach $1,000, John and Dana will unlock an additional $1,000 gift in honor of Giving Day.
$1,000 MATCHED
Completed
2
Match
First-Generation Center Dollar-for-Dollar Match
Thanks to the generosity of Jeanine Bias ’98, AVP for Student Experience and Chief Retention Officer, every dollar donated to the First-Generation Center—up to $500—will be matched by Jeanine. Your gift directly supports the resources, programs, and guidance that help first-generation Bearkats thrive with confidence throughout their academic journey. Join us in uplifting our First-Gen students today.
$500 MATCHED
Completed
2
Match
Sam Houston University Foundation’s Dollar-for-Dollar Match
The Foundation Board is helping make this Giving Day truly special. In a show of dedication to SHSU’s continued growth, they will match every contribution to the Foundation, dollar for dollar, up to $20,500. Your generosity fuels initiatives that enrich the SHSU community and create opportunities for students and faculty. Join Brooke Beierle, Ferne Frosch, John Hoyt, Chuck Jones, Joel Michael, Russell Molina, Brian Starr, Chris Tritico, and Ryan Weber in uplifting SHSU. Give today and double your impact.
Completed
$1,000
Student Government Association Challenge
Dr. Dannie Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs, and his wife Renee, are championing the Student Government Association (SGA) with a special Giving Day challenge. When SGA reaches $1,000 in donations, Dr. Moore will unlock an additional $1,000 gift for Giving Day. Your support today helps empower student leadership!
$1,000 / $1,000 Raised
Completed
$1,961
SHSU 1961 Sigma Chi Challenge
Sigma Chi pride is firing up for SHSU Giving Day! Alumni brothers Jerry Stephenson ’78, Larry Larrison ’77, Jason Hammons ’99, and Shane Sklar ’99 are rallying together to spark a wave of support back to Sam Houston State. When you give $19.61 or more—honoring the year Sigma Chi was founded at SHSU—you’re not just donating… you’re helping unlock a $1,961 challenge gift from these dedicated brothers once 15 gifts roll in. Let’s make it happen and show what Bearkat Sigs can do!
Completed
2
Match
SHSU Spirit Programs Dollar-for-Dollar Match
SHSU Spirit Programs are fired up and ready to roar with Bearkat pride on campus and everywhere we go! Thanks to the incredible generosity of Eric Knustrom ’96, a member of the first national championship co-ed cheerleading squad at SHSU, every single dollar given to Spirit Programs is being matched dollar-for-dollar up to $750. Let’s rally together, show what true Bearkats can do, and knock out this match in record time. Eat ’Em Up, Kats!
Completed
2
Match
COBA Enrichment Dollar-for-Dollar Match
Thanks to the continued support from Cheryl Peschke-Benton '77, she wants to do another match. This time she is encouraging gifts to COBA Enrichment. Gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000. Help us max out this match and have an amazingly successful Giving Day!
Completed
$1,000
CHSS 12 Chair Challenge
This Giving Day, your $500 gift reserves a custom nameplate in CHSS Classroom 140. Even better, after the first two seats are claimed, Ron Gay ’77, ’84 will match both, doubling the impact. We’re aiming to name 12 chairs, and every contribution helps students both now and, in the future, through a growing endowment and ongoing freshman scholarships. Be among the first to join the challenge and help us kick off the CHSS 12 Chair Challenge in a big way.
2 / 2 Gifts
Completed
Leaderboard
Fraternity & Sorority Life Leaderboard
Calling all Fraternity & Sorority Life organizations—it's time to show your pride! On Giving Day 2026, the challenge is on to see which chapter can rally their members, alumni, and friends to raise the most support. Bragging rights (and serious campus glory) are on the line—let the friendliest competition begin!
Are you affiliated with Fraternity & Sorority Life?
Rank Answer Gifts
1 No 671
2 Alpha Kappa Alpha 28
3 Kappa Alpha Order 13
4 Alpha Tau Omega 13
5 Zeta Tau Alpha 12
6 Sigma Chi 10
7 Delta Tau Delta 9
8 Alpha Chi Omega 8
9 Kappa Sigma 6
10 Sigma Phi Epsilon 5
11 Alpha Phi Alpha 4
12 Sigma Gamma Rho 4
13 Alpha Omicron Pi 3
14 Alpha Delta Pi 3
15 Sigma Sigma Sigma 3
Ended
Leaderboard
Highest Participation by Decade Challenge
Which SHSU decade of graduates will make the most gifts on Giving Day? Make a gift now and spread the word to get your class decade to the top of the leaderboard.
What decade did you graduate?
Rank Answer Gifts
1 2016 - 2025 119
2 1996 - 2005 114
3 2006 - 2015 87
4 1976 - 1985 84
5 1986 - 1995 75
6 1966 - 1975 37
7 Current Student 29
8 1956 - 1965 6
Ended
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Match
Volleyball Dollar-for-Dollar Match
Brenda Gray, SHSU head women’s volleyball coach, is calling on Bearkat support! Coach Gray is ready to match dollar for dollar up to $7,295. Let’s set it up, spike it down, and finish Giving Day strong!
$7,295 MATCHED
Completed
$250
SHSU Alumni Sisters of Pink & Green 1908 Challenge
Deirdre Holloway ’94, ’22, Eva Coleman ’94, Monica Guidry '84, '87, Criscilla Hensley ’91, Cheryl Williams ’86, and Danielle Woods-Jackson '89, are FIRED UP and calling on their incredible sorority sisters to show out for SHSU on Giving Day! When you give $19.08 or more in honor of the founding of the sisters in pink and green, these powerhouse alumni will amplify your impact in a big way. For every 10 gifts made by their sisters, Deirdre, Eva, Monica, Cris, Cheryl, and Danielle will unlock an additional $250, up to $1,000.
Completed
2
Match
COBA Student Success Dollar-for-Dollar Match
Thanks to support from Cheryl Peschke-Benton ’77, gifts to the COBA Student Success fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000. You can help COBA students prepare with career readiness through core business competencies, day-one professional attire, and access to study abroad. Make your gift to unlock Cheryl’s generous gift today!
Completed
$1,000
Sam Houston Athletic Training Challenge
Athletic Training has a dynamic duo in its corner: Josh ’02 and Jamie ’03 Woodall. Once 10 gifts are made, they’re unleashing $1,000. Step up, join the team effort, and help Athletic Training win this one!
Completed
2
Match
Ken and Nicole Holland Basketball Endowment Dollar-for-Dollar Match
Ken ’00 and Nicole ’97 Holland are coming off the bench like absolute MVPs this Giving Day. They’re running a full‑court match, doubling every dollar up to $5,000 for the Ken and Nicole Holland Basketball Endowment. Let’s turn this into a slam dunk for the program.
Completed
$12,000
Chuck Caughey Geosciences Challenge
Geologist Chuck Caughey has issued a special Giving Day challenge in support of future geoscientists at Sam Houston State University. Once 20 gifts are made to the Chuck Caughey Geoscience Scholarship Endowment, it will unlock a generous gift of $12,000 from Mr. Caughey. Every gift made directly to the Chuck Caughey Geoscience Scholarship Endowment helps students from community colleges transfer to SHSU and pursue their BS degree in geoscience. Make your gift today and help us make a lasting impact for future Bearkat geoscientists!
20 / 20 Gifts
Completed
$3,000
30 for 30 Chair of Banking Challenge
Jill Vaughan ’82, Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking (SHECB), is challenging alumni and supporters to give 30 gifts for $30 or more to the Texas Bankers Legacy Endowment, in celebration of 30 years of the SHECB! When 30 gifts are made, it will unlock a generous gift of $3,000 from Jill. Let’s max out this challenge by getting 30 gifts for Giving Day 2026!
30 / 30 Gifts
Completed
$6,000
The Big Boss COBA Challenge
Thanks to the generosity of Billy “Boss” Williams ’02, every time someone donates to COBA Enrichment, we inch closer to unlocking a $6,000 gift from the Boss himself. We just need 25 gifts to make it happen. Let’s show Billy we mean business and absolutely steamroll this challenge today!
Completed
$500
College of Business Administration Dean's Challenge
Dean Shar Self encourages you to support the College of Business Administration on Giving Day! For every 50 gifts made to COBA, a gift from Dean Self will be unlocked.
Completed
$500
Houston and Robbie McCarley Community Service Endowed Scholarship Challenge
Thanks to the generosity of Prevailing Hope Partners Inc., when 10 gifts made to the Houston and Robbie McCarley Community Service Endowed Scholarship it will unlock an additional $500 to support students committed to serving others. Let’s honor the McCarleys’ legacy of community service by giving today and empowering the next generation of servant‑leaders.
Completed
$1,000
Bearkat Champions Fund Challenge
Rob Thompson '99 (football '94-'98) will make a gift of $1,000 when 20 gifts are made to the Bearkat Champions Fund! Let’s max out this challenge by getting 20 gifts for Giving Day 2026!
20 / 20 Gifts
Completed
2
Match
Public Health Pipeline Scholarship Dollar-for-Dollar Match
Michael S. Keathley ’76 and Rosanne S. Keathley ’77, ’89 have built a legacy rooted in service and loyalty. Seeing a critical need for financial support for students pursuing graduate degrees in the Department of Public Health, they created a pipeline to help close that gap. Today, they’re inviting others to join them in supporting the new Mike and Rosanne Keathley Graduate Health Pipeline Scholarship. Thanks to their generosity, gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000.
Completed
$5,000
Physician Assistant Challenge
A very generous donor wants to keep the momentum going on Giving Day. He will give $5,000 when 20 gifts are made to the new Physician Assistant program! Let’s show support for our new PA’s and max out this challenge for Giving Day 2026!
Completed
$750
Sam Houston Memorial Museum Directors Challenge
Former museum director, Mac Woodward '70 and his wife, Leanne '74, '78, along with current museum director, Derrick Birdsall '91, '94 and his wife, Leslie '94, are challenging you to join them in supporting the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library on SHSU Giving Day! Your support will help advance the museum’s mission of collecting, preserving and interpreting Sam Houston’s life and times. When 25 people make a gift to the Museum, the Woodwards and Birdsalls will support the museum with $750!
25 / 25 Gifts
Completed
$5,000
Honoring Dr. Rick C. White by Empowering Impact in the Sciences
Dr. Janis White ’73, retired Professor for Human Sciences, is challenging Bearkats to join her in supporting the Rick C. White Study Abroad Scholarship in the Sciences. This scholarship was established in memory of Janis' husband Rick ’71 and ‘73, beloved professor of Chemistry and study abroad leader, to support Bearkats who are looking to make an impact in the sciences. Janis will make a $5,000 gift when 10 gifts are made to the scholarship. Let's max out this challenge on Giving Day 2026!
10 / 10 Gifts
Completed
$500
College of Education Challenge
When 10 gifts are made to the College of Education, a gift of $500 will be unlocked, thanks to the generosity of Ronny Snow '90. Your gift gets us one step closer to unlocking this challenge!
Completed
2
Match
Men's Basketball Competitive Excellence Dollar-for-Dollar Match
Thanks to KatFund and its board of directors, every dollar you give to Men’s Basketball Competitive Excellence on Giving Day 2026 will be matched dollar‑for‑dollar up to $4,500. Your impact instantly doubles. Step up, show out, and help us slam‑dunk this match for Bearkat Men's Basketball!
Completed
2
Match
COE Scholarship Dollar-for-Dollar Match
Thanks to the generous support of Omar Ilsever ’04 and Katherine Labarbera Ilsever ’05, gifts to the COE Scholarship fund will be matched dollar‑for‑dollar up to $3,000. Your contribution helps ensure the College of Education continues shaping Today’s Learners into Tomorrow’s Leaders.
$3,000 MATCHED
Completed
$6,000
Public Health Pathway Endowed Challenge
Driven by service and loyalty, Michael ’76 and Rosanne Keathley ’77, ’89 created the Mike and Rosanne Keathley Endowed Pathway Graduate Health Scholarship to support Public Health graduate students. They’re inviting the community to join them, and when 15 gifts are made, they’ll contribute an additional $6,000. Together, we can uplift the next generation of Public Health leaders.
Completed
$30,000
Former Foster Youth "Super" Challenge
Every journey starts with a first step. Today, Keri Rogers Mize and Pam Laughlin are leading the way by challenging the first 20 donors to unlock $2,000 for our former foster youth. Their leadership has inspired Lin '80 and Ron Drees to issue a 'Super-Challenge': once those first 20 gifts are in, the Drees family will unlock an additional $30,000 to provide long-term stability for these students. Two challenges, one mission—let's get to 20 and beyond!
Completed
2
Match
Buzzer-Beater Dollar-for-Dollar Match for Men's Basketball
A very generous donor is rallying behind Men’s Basketball Competitive Excellence on Giving Day. He is stepping up by matching every gift, dollar for dollar, up to $2,500, doubling the impact of your support and helping our student‑athletes reach new heights. Don’t let the buzzer beat you—make your gift today and help us score big for Men’s Basketball.
Completed
Leaderboard
Athletics Leaderboard
Which sport will receive the most money on Giving Day? Make a gift now to help your favorite Bearkat sport get to the top of the leaderboard!
Rank Sport Raised
1 Men's Basketball Enrichment $18,275.00
2 Volleyball Enrichment $16,005.00
3 Men's Basketball Competitive Excellence $10,765.00
4 Softball Enrichment $9,478.00
5 Football Competitive Excellence $7,900.00
Ended
Leaderboard
Most Gifts Leaderboard
Which specific area on campus will receive the most gifts to support their larger philanthropic goals? Make a gift now to help your favorite area at Sam Houston State University get to the top of the leaderboard!
Rank Participating Group Gifts
1 Athletics 262
2 College of Business Administration 147
3 Student Affairs 62
4 College of Science and Engineering Technology 58
5 College of Education 56
Ended
See what people are sharing about SHSU Giving Day 2026!
SHSU Donor Heatmap
Rank State Gifts
1 TX 779
2 FL 7
3 IL 6
Don't forget to share!

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Or you can contact us at givingtoshsu@shsu.edu.