Loras College celebrated, united and supported its fourteenth Duhawk Day with 2,030 donors, surpassing the goal of 1,839 donors and marking the sixth consecutive year the total exceeded 2,000 donors. On March 4, the Loras community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends joined together to turn the country purple and gold while supporting current and future students. All gifts received help to continue strengthening the overall Catholic liberal arts experience at Loras College.
To encourage participation, donors stepped forward with matching gift challenges to maximize the impact of contributions throughout the day. These sponsored challenges helped push the donor total past the goal, with a $100,000 challenge gift from David Holmberg (’72) playing a crucial role in reaching this year’s milestone.
Building on that momentum, a stretch challenge from Tom (’63) and Ruthann McCarty offered an additional $150,000 if the community reached 2,000 donors before the night ended, further inspiring Duhawks to rally together in support of Loras students.
Additionally, more than $750,000 was raised, making this the largest fundraising Duhawk Day in the event’s history. The extraordinary support reflected donors’ confidence in Loras students, the college’s Catholic mission and values, and the leadership of the institution, beginning with President Mike Doyle, JD (’91).
On his first Duhawk Day as president of Loras College, Doyle reflected on the significance of the day and the community behind it.
“Duhawk Day is about supporting our future leaders and celebrating our Loras community. I think about the ways Loras has changed my life and the lives of thousands of students since. I’m grateful to our community for showing up and supporting the bright future of Loras College.”
Since its launch in 2013, Duhawk Day has provided an opportunity for the Loras community to celebrate, unite and support the College from around the world. Philanthropy remains at the heart of the day, impacting current and future generations of Duhawks and helping prepare the world’s future leaders.
The inaugural Duhawk Day set a goal of 523 donors, reflecting the event’s original date of May 23. The response surpassed expectations, with 972 donors participating in the first year. Since then, the annual day of giving has grown into a signature tradition for the College, with donor participation continuing to climb and support expanding each year.
Duhawk Day 2026 gave the Loras community countless ways to connect both digitally and in person throughout the 24-hour celebration. Friends of the College gathered at more than 15 events across the country, while Duhawks dressed in purple and gold and shared photos and memories on social media throughout the day. Across campus, students brought their Loras pride to life through contests, giveaways, trivia, and athletic games. It was truly a day to celebrate the enduring spirit of Loras: “Once a Duhawk, always a Duhawk.”
About Loras College
Established in 1839, Loras College draws on its historic legacy as Iowa’s first college, the second oldest Catholic college west of the Mississippi River, and one of the nation’s 10 diocesan colleges. Located in Dubuque, Iowa, Loras is a pioneer and leader in Catholic liberal arts education, shaping students to be active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and responsible contributors. The College offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Media Contact
Michael Burnett (’14)
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
