WesternU raises more than $190,000 on Giving Day
Story by Susan Reza
Western University of Health Sciences rallied its community on April 25, 2025, for a remarkable Giving Day, raising more than $190,000 to support scholarships, academic resources, and urgent institutional priorities. This marked the first Giving Day since 2022, and the return was inspiring.
Fueling the momentum were passionate leaders and generous donors who stepped up with match challenges, some pledging to double or triple every dollar given. These matches ignited a wave of giving that spread across both campuses whether by promoting challenges or securing sponsors.
“Giving Day 2025 was a powerful reflection of the WesternU spirit—compassionate, committed, and united in purpose,” said WesternU Assistant Vice President of Development–California Leah Schueler, EdD. “We are deeply grateful to the many generous donors who supported this effort.”
“Every gift helps advance our mission to educate, care, and lead with excellence in health sciences, and together, we’re building a healthier future for all,” said WesternU Assistant Vice President of Development-Oregon Lisa Mattes.
Two standout initiatives highlighted the creativity and heart behind this year’s effort. The College of Podiatric Medicine launched the Mentor Tribute Wall, a digital display to honor those who have guided and shaped future health professionals. Meanwhile, the College of Dental Medicine introduced the Giving Tree for Student Support, an uplifting effort to grow scholarship opportunities that empower students to achieve their dreams.
But Giving Day wasn’t just about dollars raised, it was also about the stories behind the giving. Personal videos from alumni, faculty, staff, and friends shared heartfelt reasons for their support and reminded the community of the powerful “why” behind the mission. These stories, combined with targeted social media efforts, helped unite WesternU voices across platforms.
Giving Day 2025 reaffirmed the strength and unity of the WesternU community. From leadership-driven challenges to cross-campus collaboration, the event proved that collective generosity can spark meaningful change. Together, the university continues to live out its values and advance its mission to create a better health care future for all.
To learn more or support these initiatives:
- Visit the CPM Mentor Tribute Wall site.
- For the CDM Giving Tree for Student Support, contact Christine Anaya, Director of Development for CDM, at ceanaya@westernu.edu.
Special thanks to our sponsors:
