GREENVILLE, S.C. -- On the strength of over 1,000 donations, Furman University Athletics paced a highly successful, seventh annual Dins Day, it was announced today by Erin Wissing, senior associate athletics director and executive director of athletics development.

Celebrated on Tuesday, April 27, Dins Day serves to drive participation in giving and fundraising to advance the university's mission of ensuring all students have the opportunity to experience The Furman Advantage.   

Paladin Athletics' 1,087 gifts, which totaled $147,068, more than tripled the goal, represented 35 percent of all university categories, and was a major driver in the overall Dins Day effort that netted 3,123 gifts for the university.

Dins Day 2021 featured the Student-Athlete Alumni Challenge to determine the sport with the highest level of alumni support, and the winner was women's lacrosse, which generated 94 percent giving to the program.

""Our alumni outdid themselves this year on Dins Day," said head lacrosse coach Rachel Whitten.  "We were so excited to see the support from them and all others who donated toward our program.  We are a young program with only five graduating classes, so to have support from 94 percent of them shows they are still invested in a program they built from the ground up.  Our team, current parents, and past parents showed up in a big way on Dins Day and honestly every day!"

In addition to women's lacrosse, other sports posting impressive participation rate increases included women's soccer, volleyball, and men's basketball.

"We couldn't be more appreciative of the incredible philanthropy demonstrated on this Dins Day," said Daniel Wray, Furman's Director of Athletics Development.  "These contributions truly make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes. We thank everyone who participated on Dins Day and throughout the Student-Athlete Alumni Challenge. These contributions will continue to provide unprecedented opportunities for success in and out of competition."