Indiana State University is getting ready for its seventh annual Give to Blue Day on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. On this day, the campus community, alumni, and supporters will come together to raise funds for Indiana State students and programs.
Events will take place across campus to encourage participation and philanthropy. Local businesses are also joining the effort by hosting special promotions and donating a portion of their proceeds to Indiana State. Many of these businesses are owned by proud Sycamore alumni, including:
- Culver’s – Offering special “Blue” Sycamore-themed shakes and sundaes, along with exclusive promotions throughout the day.
- Federal Coffee + Fine Foods – Selling limited-edition Indiana State University mugs featuring student-designed artwork and offering specialty drinks in honor of Give to Blue Day.
- McDonald’s locations in the Wabash Valley – Donating 5% of all sales on April 9 to Indiana State University.
Businesses across Terre Haute will participate in Give to Blue Day promotions, including 5th Street Nutrition, Culver’s, Federal Coffee + Fine Foods, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Joe’s Pizza Express, Bear’s Coffee + Roasting Co., Loose Goose Coffee Company, Maggie & Moe’s, McDonald’s, Show-Me's Sports Bar & Grill, and Terre Haute Brewing Company. A full list of participating businesses and promotions will be available at https://givetoblue.indianastate.edu as the event approaches.
“Give to Blue Day is a special celebration for Indiana State University, showcasing the incredible generosity and dedication of our Sycamore family,” shared President Mike Godard. “Your support makes it possible to offer transformative opportunities for our students, fund impactful programs, and enhance our exceptional educational experience. We deeply appreciate the amazing alumni-owned businesses and local partners who are generously offering special promotions to support Indiana State. Together, we're building a stronger university and creating lasting positive change in the lives of our students and community.”
Last year’s Give to Blue Day saw 1,611 donors contribute an impressive $1,355,900 in just 24 hours. These gifts directly support scholarships, experiential learning opportunities, faculty initiatives, and Sycamore Athletics, allowing students to thrive academically and professionally.
This year’s goal is to increase donor engagement on Give to Blue Day and receive gifts from 1,865 donors in honor of the founding year of our institution.
"The Student Philanthropy Organization is always excited about Give to Blue Day. As President this year, I want to encourage students, alumni, and friends of Indiana State to take part in the excitement of this 24-hour giving day," said Drew Daming. "Students can go over to Federal to buy a mug, join us on the ISU Federal Credit Union Cash Cab across campus, come to our events throughout the day, and help foster a culture of philanthropy with your fellow Sycamores.”
Donors can contribute using credit and debit cards, as well as digital payment platforms such as Venmo, Apple Pay, and PayPal. Gifts can also be designated to a specific fund, ensuring direct impact in the areas donors are most passionate about.
“As we near the official end of the Be So BOLD Campaign, we want to continue empowering Sycamores with transformative opportunities made possible by donor generosity,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the Indiana State University Foundation. “Whether it’s with challenges and matching gift opportunities, we are fostering a competitive spirit among colleges and programs that fuels engagement and philanthropy.”
This year, former chair of the Board of Trustees, Jeff ’75, and his wife, Penny ’76 Taylor, have committed to matching up to $10,000 from new donors on Give to Blue Day. Their gift will be directed toward the Fund for Indiana State, but the gifts from new donors can be designated to the area of their choosing. Help us spread the word to those who may not have given in the past by becoming a social ambassador.
“This is our seventh year raising funds on Give to Blue Day and every year, I’m blown away by our alumni support and donor engagement in support of our students and University,” said Angel. “Signing up as a social ambassador, sharing excitement online, and making a gift will truly create lasting impact. Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference in the lives of Sycamores.”
Gifts can be made online or in person at the Indiana State University Foundation at 30 North 5th Street in Terre Haute. Advancement staff will be on hand until midnight to accept donations and celebrate donor generosity.
For more information or to sign up as a social ambassador to help us spread the word, visit https://givetoblue.indianastate.edu.
