Coker Donors Unlock $50,000 in Challenge Gifts During Strike As One Homecoming Campaign
535 donors give more than $187,000; alumni participation climbs 19% over last year
Hartsville, SC (10/30/2026) — Coker University surpassed its goal of 500 donors during the 2026 Strike As One Homecoming Giving Campaign. The achievement unlocked a $20,000 challenge gift thanks to the 535 unique donors who gave more than $187,000 from Oct. 12-20.
"Strike As One gave our alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and friends the opportunity to band together to share their Cobra pride," said Louise Lawton, Vice President of Advancement. "Our donors were able to support the area of Coker that matters most to them while joining the entire Coker community to make an impact."
Coker alumni participation increased 19.3% from 109 alumni donors in 2025 to 130 in 2026. The university also exceeded its Trustee Alumni Challenge goal of 125 alumni donors, unlocking an additional $30,000. The Trustee Alumni Challenge featured two teams: Green Machine for alumni with odd graduation years, and Violet Power, for alumni with even graduation years. Green Machine won the alumni challenge for the second consecutive year.
"By exceeding both participation goals, the Coker community unlocked a combined $50,000 in challenge gifts," Lawton said. "We're so grateful to our donors for helping us reach these milestones."
The campaign coincided with Homecoming & Family Weekend, Oct. 16-18, bringing alumni, families, faculty, staff, and friends together to celebrate and support Coker University. Fundraising is expected to continue growing as additional gifts arrive by mail.
"Donors directed their gifts to the areas of Coker most meaningful to them, including student scholarships, academic programs, athletics, Kalmia Gardens, and other university priorities," Lawton said. "Top areas where donors direct gifts included Athletics and the Annual Fund.
To learn more about how you can support Coker University, visit give.coker.edu or contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@coker.edu.
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