By Callie Ewing, BA '03

The 2021 Cor Challenge, which ran March 23-27, broke records for the second year in a row in both number of donors and dollars received, taking the title from 2020 as the most successful Cor Challenge ever. With 957 donors (a 30% increase over 2020), it raised a total of $286,258 (a 43% increase over 2020), including a $50,000 match from University Trustee Nick Serafy.

The National Alumni Board (NAB) began the Cor Challenge in 2012 as the Money Bomb, with 564 alumni donors raising $74,369 for the Cor Fund, and the annual giving event has gradually grown in scope over the years.

This year’s popular challenges included Spring Romers versus Fall Romers and class versus class. This year the Spring Romers gave more in dollars, raising $56,148.33 versus the $51,725.17 given by Fall Romers, but Fall Romers had more donors overall, with 299 donors versus 269 for the spring. Meanwhile, 10 Summer Romers raised $860.38. 

The top classes as far as participation were 1999 with 67 donors and 31% participation (this class will have a Financial Aid meeting room named after them for the coming year) and 2019 with 99 donors and 30% participation. The Class of 1986 won the Reunion Participation Challenge so will receive a prime location on campus for their reunion this fall as well as a presidential toast. For complete results, check out our leaderboards.

These top-performing classes all had active volunteers and challenges. You can sign up to represent your class as a class agent or regional representative to help out with future Cor Challenges and other events.

"I am so grateful for the support the UD community consistently shows for our students,” said Associate Director of Annual Giving Mike Pitstick, BA ’15 MBA ’20. “In spite of a difficult year for so many, our alumni, parents, and friends had record turnout for this year's Cor Challenge, helping us raise more money than any of the past nine years. I am especially grateful for all of our volunteers and advocates who were truly the backbone of our fundraising efforts."

“Last week, our entire community demonstrated the value of a UD education,” said Julie Abell, MBA ’91, Director of Alumni Relations, Annual Giving and Donor Stewardship. “From current students to alumni, from parents and friends to employees, each member of our community shares a common sentiment that the value of a UD education is worth preserving, growing and sharing with the next generation.”

With the donations from the Cor Challenge, the Cor Fund has accrued over $1.1 million so far this fiscal year, which ends on May 31; the goal is $1.2 million. Other opportunities for contributing to the Cor Fund include the Paving the Path Forward program. You can also go to udallas.edu/give to make a gift at any time, or contact Mike Pitstick at mapitstick@udallas.edu or (972) 265-5849.