UMD College of Education Shatters Records on Giving Day

Dean Kimberly Griffin shows off the Testudo trophy, which the College of Education received for the fifth consecutive year in 2026 for winning the faculty/staff power hour on Giving Day.

On Wednesday, the University of Maryland College of Education achieved its best Giving Day to date, raising an unprecedented $402,836 and placing sixth overall out of 27 ranked units on campus. 

A record-breaking 379 donors supported the College of Education, representing a 54% increase over last year’s Giving Day. This achievement unlocked an additional $120,000 for student scholarships from Marc Abbey, a dedicated friend of the college, who issued a challenge for the college to reach at least 270 donors.

“I look forward to Giving Day every year because it highlights the energy, passion and drive of our EdTerps community,” said Dean Kimberly Griffin. “I love seeing all our EdTerps—faculty, staff, students, alums and friends—come together to support our college and the transformative work we do. I’m so grateful to our community for their incredible show of support that made this our best Giving Day ever.”

For the fifth consecutive year, the College of Education placed first in its division during the faculty/staff power hour, earning an additional $1,500 for the college and the right to keep the Testudo trophy for another year. During a two-hour time period, 128 faculty and staff contributed more than $13,000. In addition, the Sue and Joe Bredekamp Program Support Fund for the Center for Young Children was one of five winners of the Tiny Terps Photo Challenge, which awards $250 to the best photos of kids or pets on campus or wearing Terp gear. 

During the 24-hour event, supporters contributed to many different funds that provide crucial support for the college, including the new Teach Forward Scholarship, which reduces tuition for teacher certification students in their internship year ($11,722); the Greatest Needs Fund, which addresses urgent challenges within the college ($3,255); the Elaine Johnson Coates ’59 Scholarship Fund, which supports students who promote racial diversity through service, activism and academics ($27,925); and the William and Barbara Riggs and Family Program Support Fund for TerpsEXCEED ($14,340).

Funds raised on Giving Day help contribute to the college’s $40 million fundraising goal by 2030 as part of Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless.

Across the university, nearly 10,000 donors raised $9.42 million, an all-time Giving Day record. Learn more about Giving Day across campus. 

  1. Staff members hold up a sign reading "Transforming Education for Good" on Giving Day 2026.
  2. EdTerps hold up a sign reading "Transforming Education for Good" and "I Support UMD" on Giving Day 2026.
  3. EdTerps hold up signs reading "Let's go Terps," "I support UMD" and "Thank you" on Giving Day 2026.
  4. College of Education faculty members celebrate Giving Day 2026 in front of a banner that reads "EdTerps: Transforming Education for Good."
  5. EdTerps hold up signs reading "#GivingDayUMD," "Transforming Education for Good," "#EdTerpsForGood" and "Let's Go Terps" on Giving Day 2026.