Neag School Nets $70K in UConn Gives 2026 Campaign

Thanks to 525 individuals, the Neag School of Education garnered over $61,000 in contributions during UConn Gives 2026, along with $7,500 in additional funding from challenges. The annual University-wide fundraising event raised a record-breaking $7.1 million overall for UConn, with donations supporting everything from scholarships and academic programs to student groups and athletics.

The Neag School highlighted 10 of its funds during this year's event, held on April 21 and 22. The School was also lucky to have several matches and challenges this year, supported by generous benefactors, to help drive donations. This included the Neag Leaderboard Challenge, which was created by Bob Jones '73 (BUS), Karen Jones, and Teresa McCaslin, all members of the Neag School's Dean's Board of Advocates. Thanks to their generosity, the three Neag School funds with the most donors at the end of the two days received additional gifts: $10,000 to the first-place fund, $7,000 to the second, and $3,000 to the third.

Thanks to Michael Servedio '10 (BGS) and Suzanne Servedio '95 (CLAS), when the Professor Emeritus William & Marjorie Servedio Scholarship hit 500 donors, an additional $5,000 was unlocked for the fund. Finally, when the Dr. Sue Saunders Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA) Professional Development Fund had 40 donors, an additional $500 was generously given to the fund by Sue Saunders.

In addition, the Neag School was recognized as one of the top three units across the University with the most donors during UConn Gives, earning $5,000 for the Dean's Fund.

Out of the 10 Neag School funds highlighted during UConn Gives, the top finishers were:

• Professor Emeritus William & Marjorie Servedio Scholarship - Over $30,000 from 208 donors, including $10,000 from a first-place finish in the Neag Leaderboard Challenge, $5,000 from the Mike and Suzanne Servedio Donor Challenge, and $2,500 from a third-place finish in the President's and Provost's Fund Leaderboard Challenge
• The Renzulli Center Fund - $10,725 raised from 121 donors, including $7,000 from a second-place finish in the Neag Leaderboard Challenge
• Dr. Sue Saunders Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA) Professional Development Fund - $6,753 from 108 donors, including $3,000 from finishing in third in the Neag Leaderboard Challenge and $500 from the Dr. Sue Saunders Donor Challenge
• Neag School of Education Dean's Fund - $9,228 from 21 donors, including $5,000 from finishing in second in the President's and Provost's Unit Leaderboard Challenge

The Professor Emeritus William M. and Marjorie Servedio Scholarship was established to provide support for students enrolled in the Neag School's Sport Management Program. It is awarded to students to help them offset costs associated with their required internships, which may include off-campus room and board, transportation, or other expenses.

"The Sport Management Program is pleased with the outcome of this year's UConn Gives effort," says Jennie McGarry, professor of sport management. "We integrated the planning and execution into the undergraduate Venue and Event Management course for the first time. We were able to connect current students with alumni and the Servedio family to learn more about the life and contributions of Bill Servedio, and the meaning of the scholarship to the students who receive it to offset some of the cost of required internships."

The Renzulli Center Fund supports UConn's Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education, and Talent Development, one of the leading centers in the world working to promote enjoyment, engagement, and enthusiasm for learning in teachers and students at all levels of education through high-quality research and outreach.

"Thanks to the generosity of this year's donors, the Renzulli Center will be able to support teachers from high-need schools in attending Confratute, our nationally recognized summer professional learning program," says Del Siegle, the Lynn and Ray Neag Endowed Chair for Talent Development and director of the Renzulli Center. "Through this experience, educators gain powerful strategies to better recognize and develop the talents and potential of their students."

The Dr. Sue Saunders HESA Professional Development Fund was established to honor the commitment and dedication of Saunders, longtime director of the Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) master's program. It specifically supports students who participate in professional development activities, including conferences, courses, webinars, association memberships, access to publications, research activities, and more.

"Our faculty and students greatly appreciate each donor's support for the Saunders HESA Professional Development Fund," says Adam McCready, associate professor-in-residence for the HESA program. "The Saunders Fund is often the only funding source for HESA students to support their professional development, and each gift helps them take advantage of opportunities to prepare them for careers in higher education."

The Neag School Dean's Fund benefits faculty and students by advancing teaching, research, and policy development. It also provides essential flexibility to address emerging opportunities and challenges for the Neag School.

"We have incredibly passionate advocates behind the Neag School, and we're grateful they show up for us each year during UConn Gives," Dean Jason G. Irizarry says. "Thank you to every alum, faculty or staff member, or friend of the School who supported us. Your thoughtful generosity directly impacts our students, faculty, and community partners."

UConn Gives 2026 may be over, but you can still offer your support. Visit education.uconn.edu/giving-to-neag to learn more.

UConn Gives fundraising totals are approximate and may be adjusted as gifts continue to be tallied.