The Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program (MJLSP) continues to demonstrate the power of community, commitment, and connection. This time, through an extraordinary show of support during the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s annual Day of the Badger giving campaign.
With a bold goal and a strategy rooted entirely in social media outreach, the program not only met but exceeded its fundraising challenges, raising a remarkable total of $48,246 from 56 individual gifts.
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More Than Just Dollars
The funds raised will directly support the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program Discretionary Fund, which provides critical resources for student development, leadership opportunities, and community-building initiatives. But beyond the dollars, this campaign was a celebration of the legacy of Mercile J. Lee and the enduring impact of the program that bears her name.
Challenge Accepted—and Surpassed
The campaign began with a powerful incentive: once 40 gifts were made to the MJLSP Discretionary Fund, a generous group of alumni, including Lynn Watkins-Asiyanbi, Robb Lee, Rea Holmes, and anonymous donors, pledged to unlock $40,000 in matching funds. The MJLSP community responded with enthusiasm, quickly surpassing the 40-gift threshold.
But the momentum didn’t stop there, as an anonymous donor introduced a stretch challenge: if the program reached 50 total gifts, an additional $4,000 would be unlocked. Once again, the MJLSP community rose to the occasion, meeting and surpassing the stretch goal to secure the full match.
A Digital-First Success Story
What makes this achievement even more impressive is that the entire campaign was driven through social media. With no traditional fundraising events or email campaigns, the MJLSP relied solely on the power of digital storytelling, alumni engagement, and peer-to-peer sharing to rally support.
The result was a campaign that not only exceeded its financial goals but also deepened the sense of pride and connection among current scholars, alumni, and friends of the program.
Thank you to everyone who gave, shared, and supported. Your generosity ensures that the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program continues to thrive and transform lives.