World of Opportunities

Every February, Washburn University unites alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff for the inspiring Day of Giving. Day of Giving isn’t just a fundraiser; this one-day event is a celebration of ambition and possibilities, fueling projects that enrich the student experience.

For the university’s 160th anniversary, this year’s Day of Giving shattered records by raising $602,648 from 1,301 gifts – funding initiatives whose impact goes far beyond the numbers themselves. Among the highlights were standout projects offering students invaluable travel and study abroad experiences, transforming how they see the world and their place in it.

Religious Studies Students Embark on a Journey to Canada

Thanks to the $5,000 raised for Washburn’s philosophy and religious studies department, this year’s Day of Giving will help 21 students study religious diversity and cultural immersion in Canada. Chris Jones, associate professor, said this marks the program’s first-ever study abroad experience.

“Being able to take students to cities like Toronto and Montreal, where religions of the world are represented on an incredible scale, is unlike anything we can offer in the classroom,” Jones said. “They’ll get to visit places like a large-scale Hindu temple in Toronto, study First Nations peoples and explore Catholic Christianity and Judaism in Montreal.”

The funds from Day of Giving directly alleviated some of the financial challenges students might face, allowing them to focus on the experience.

“Each student will receive $250 to offset their costs,” Jones said. “That may not sound like much, but for Washburn students – many of whom work while attending school – every dollar matters.”

As Jones pointed out, this kind of travel has life-changing potential. For many of these students, this trip will be the first time they experience navigating a foreign city, ordering food in a different language or understanding a new religious tradition in its cultural context.

“Going abroad helps you see your own culture through a new lens,” Jones said. “It forces you to step outside of your comfort zone, and in the process, you realize how capable you are.”

Leadership Development Through Global Experiences

At the Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, the $4,000 they raised on Day of Giving will extend student growth beyond the classroom by helping them attend leadership conferences and professional development events. These journeys are launching pads for confidence, connection and purposeful leadership.

Thanks to the success of this year’s Day of Giving, students can participate in various unique travel experiences, like the 2025 International Leadership Association Conference in Prague. The Aleshire Center’s director, Lauren Edelman, recalled last year’s conference in Chicago, where students finished in the top three of a case study competition.

“The students chose a topic that explored the impact of tourism on Mount Everest – balancing global economic benefits with environmental concerns like waste and watershed contamination,” Edelman, ba ’11, said. “They applied their leadership skills by developing practical solutions.”

“These opportunities allowed me to deepen my understanding of leadership by applying academic concepts to real-world contexts and engaging with inspiring changemakers from around the world,” said Taylor Romanchek, a senior who is minoring in leadership studies and went to ILA in Chicago last year. “I am sincerely grateful for the generosity of donors whose support enables these transformative experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom.”

Edelman emphasized how travel shapes students beyond their professional goals.

“These experiences are not just about the conferences. Travel builds confidence,” Edelman said. “Whether it’s successfully navigating a new city or tackling unexpected challenges, these trips prepare students for the complexities of life and leadership.”

One Journey at a Time

The success of this year’s Day of Giving has set the stage for incredible journeys ahead. Beyond the academic and professional insights gained, these opportunities help students build resilience, teamwork and self-reliance. Traveling necessitates problem-solving in real-time and learning to adapt to unfamiliar environments.

“These trips are about giving students experiences they’ll never forget, ones that will shape the way they see the world and themselves,” Jones said.

For Edelman, it provides exposure to different cultures, opening students’ minds and hearts to diverse perspectives.

“Wherever we travel, we build in time to experience the local culture and history,” Edelman said. “We want students to fully immerse themselves in the adventure.”

None of this would be possible without the generosity of Washburn’s supporters. The Washburn spirit, as always, remains deeply rooted in a commitment to education, community and shared opportunities. Each year, Day of Giving grows bigger and stronger, and the funds raised often make the difference between these trips being a dream versus a reality.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Jones said, when asked what his message is to donors. “Your gifts have provided opportunities for students they’d never have without your support. You are a part of creating lifelong memories for them.”

“Travel is expensive, and for many of our students, these opportunities would be out of reach without your kindness,” Edelman said. “Thank you for leveling the playing field and providing access to these unique, hands-on learning experiences.”