GREENVILLE, S.C. – With the strength of nearly 2,500 gifts, Furman University Athletics paced a highly successful 12^th annual Dins Day, it was announced today by Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development, Ben Schram.

Celebrated on Tuesday, April 28, 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.   

"The success of this year's Dins Day is a direct reflection of the strength, passion, and unity of the Furman Family," said Schram. "Together, our donors, coaches, and student-athletes delivered a record-breaking result that speaks volumes about the trajectory of Furman Athletics. This level of engagement and commitment is not only inspiring, it's transformative. We are deeply appreciative of every individual who contributed to this milestone moment and helped set the standard across the university."

With the support of 2,141 unique donors, a new record, Paladin Athletics raised a total of $616,381, representing 67 percent of the donor participation and nearly 50 percent of the dollars raised for the university on Dins Day 2026.

In addition, Dins Day 2026 featured numerous university-sponsored challenges, several of which were claimed by athletics programs. Furman's highly successful cross country/track & field program paced the field in participation, while volleyball ranked second, strength and conditioning third, men's tennis fourth, and women's lacrosse fifth. 

The successful Dins Day campaign coincided with another outstanding season of competition. Five programs won Southern Conference Tournament championships and earned bids to the NCAA Tournament in men's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's soccer, and women's golf. 

Furman also had eight student-athletes recognized for exemplary leadership by the university's Shucker Leadership Institute. The eight that were honored for leadership were:  Julie Galie (women's soccer), Grace Gibson (women's lacrosse), Ellie Herrmann (women's soccer), Anna Hill (competitive cheerleading), Natondi Mokeba (men's soccer), Abby Shearer (women's lacrosse), Audrey Smith (women's lacrosse), and Ben Vander Wal (men's basketball).

To support any of Furman's 19 NCAA Division I programs or the strategic initiatives of Furman Athletics, visit FurmanPaladins.com/Donate or contact the Furman Athletics Fund team at 864-294-2490 or furmanathleticsfund@furman.edu.

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