On Texas Tech University's 2026 Day of Giving, generous alumni, friends, and students contributed $50,041.73* to three need-based Rawls College scholarship funds, supporting the education of future business leaders.
From dollars to donors, each scholarship fund exceeded its goals and surpassed last year's totals, this year with student-led efforts playing a key role in that success.
SBLP Unit Ignites Student Philanthropy
A new addition to Day of Giving, the Scovell Business Leadership Program’s (SBLP) Unit 4 “Court of Owls” launched a student philanthropy campaign dedicated to the Rawls Student Support Fund, which helps cover critical needs and urgent expenses that could otherwise derail a student’s education.
Court of Owls project director Parker Joyce provided insight into their motivation
and strategy.
“Our goal was to create a ‘culture of giving’ that will raise the next generation of donors,” said Joyce.
The team credits their inspiration to Jerry S. Rawls, who outlined student philanthropy as a core pillar of his transformative gift to the college 25 years ago. Determined to uphold his vision, the Court of Owls spearheaded a targeted strategy to maximize student participation. To build momentum, they created a competition with the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources to see who could garner the most student donors. This rallied community pride and led to a Rawls College victory.
Another key factor included partnering with the Rawls College Recent Alumni Board (RAB), Rawls Advisory Council (RAC) member Mark Autry, and Jerry S. Rawls to secure donation matching as a student incentive. In the end, 113 student donors contributed to their fund, surpassing the unit’s goal of 100 students.
“It was truly inspiring to see so many students come together to donate to the Student
Support Fund and help out their fellow Red Raiders,” said Joyce.
Scholarship Insights
Beyond student philanthropy, the Day of Giving generated strong support across all three scholarship funds:
Rawls College Dress for Success Scholarship
Helps eliminate the financial barriers that often prevent Rawls College students from looking and feeling their best as they prepare to enter the professional world.
- Goal: $25,000
- 100% Funded
Rawls College Undergraduate Scholarship Fund
Provides vital support for undergraduate students pursuing degrees at the Rawls College of Business.
- Goal: $10,000
- Raised: $11,895
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Rawls Student Support Fund
Provides immediate, short-term assistance to Rawls College students facing unexpected financial hardships.
- Goal: 125 Supporters
- Total: 155 Supporters
- Raised: $9,459
Giving Opportunities
While the Texas Tech University Day of Giving only takes place once a year, there are many ways to support Rawls College students. Generous contributions can be the difference between a future leader funding their education or falling behind.
Learn more at Rawls College Giving Opportunities →
*Preliminary total as of time of publication.