HAMILTON – McMaster Athletics & Recreation raised more than $218,000 through the 2025 Marauder Giving Challenge, marking the largest single-day fundraising total in the campaign's five-year history.
The Oct. 21 initiative generated $218,302.18 from 804 gifts, as alumni, donors and student-athletes came together in support of Marauder programs. For the first time, the event included an in-person gathering, giving supporters an opportunity to meet student-athletes face-to-face and celebrate the impact of donor generosity.
Director of Athletics and Recreation
Keenan Jeppesen said this year's record total reflects the growing energy behind the campaign.
"The Giving Challenge has grown into one of the most meaningful traditions in our department," Jeppesen said. "It brings energy and excitement to campus, and it fuels real opportunities for student-athletes — from better training environments to stronger academic and wellness supports. That's what this momentum is all about."
Friendly competition drives engagement
The campaign once again showcased McMaster's trademark competitiveness, with new challenges and prize categories encouraging participation throughout the day.
Figure Skating captured both the Dr. Wood Student Scramble and Last Shift challenges, while Swimming claimed the Warm-Up Challenge and Baseball led the Half-Time Challenge. Cross Country and Track secured the final Overtime prize for the last qualifying donation of the night.
Women's Basketball and Figure Skating topped the Fill the Stands category, recognizing the teams with the strongest donor bases, while Women's Soccer and Women's Rugby earned the Directors' Challenge through in-person votes at the on-campus headquarters. The Hidden Gems campus scavenger hunt added a creative twist, with Squash and Women's Soccer teams collecting bonus prizes.
Scroll down to see the full list of challenges and winners.
A legacy of giving
Among the day's many initiatives, the Dr. Wood Student Scramble stood out as a symbol of grassroots generosity, encouraging student donors to make affordable contributions that still carry meaningful impact.
Dr. Phil Wood, former Dean of Students and long-time supporter of McMaster Athletics, said he launched the challenge to help current students take part in the spirit of giving.
"I've donated to McMaster Athletics in lots of ways over the years," Wood said with a smile. "But I really liked the idea of something that let students get involved too. They made the entry level [to contribute] more accessible so it's not a big financial burden, and that's what I love about it. It's about being part of something and supporting our student-athletes, because they represent such an important part of the culture here."
Impact beyond the numbers
For donors like Allen Fein, fencing coach and McMaster alumnus, the campaign is about more than dollars raised — it's about preserving the community that shaped his university experience.
"I'm proud to support the McMaster fencing team — a community that's seen me through the ups and downs of life," Fein said. "As a first-year student, I struggled to find my place until Coach Dave O'Donnell welcomed me to the team. The friendships I made have lasted a lifetime. Now, as a coach, it's my honour to share that same experience with 80 to 100 athletes each year."
For current student-athletes, the campaign's impact is direct and immediate.
"For the women's basketball team, donor support means everything," said Maya Weekes, a third-year student-athlete. "It allows us to train at a high level, travel to compete against top teams, and build a strong, connected team culture. Knowing that people believe in us and choose to invest in our success truly motivates us to represent McMaster with pride."
In the pool, swimmer Michelle Wang said the generosity of the Marauder community helps sustain a culture of excellence.
"The McMaster swim team is a family," Wang said. "We show up every day not just to become stronger and faster, but to become kinder, more supportive and better for each other — and that wouldn't be possible without donors."
A lasting legacy
While the 2025 Marauder Giving Challenge has concluded, Jeppesen said the department's focus remains on expanding opportunities for student-athletes to excel both on and off the field.
"Every gift, no matter the amount, contributes to the long-term success of our programs," he said. "We're grateful for the commitment of our alumni, fans and partners who continue to believe in what it means to be a Marauder."
Donations to McMaster Athletics & Recreation programs can be made year-round at
marauders.ca/giving.
Challenges and Winners
Early Bird - Every team with a qualifying gift before 7:00am
Baseball, Basketball (W), Cross Country and Track, Curling (M)(W), Fast Pitch, Fencing, Field Hockey, Figure Skating, Football, Golf, Lacrosse (M)(W), Nordic Skiing, Rowing, Rugby (M)(W), Soccer (M), Squash, Swimming, Tennis (M)(W), Volleyball (M)(W), Water Polo (M)(W)
Warm-Up - The team with the most unique donors from 7:00-9:00am
(Swimming)
Half-Time - The team with the most unique donors from 12:00-1:00pm
(Baseball)
Dr. Wood Student Scramble - The team with the most gifts from current students from 1:00-2:00pm, supported by Dr. Phil Wood, former Dean of Students and lifelong Marauder fan
(Figure Skating)
Last Shift - The team with the most unique donors from 7:00-8:00pm
(Figure Skating)
Overtime - The final qualifying donation of the day
(Cross Country & Track)
OUA Team Challenge - Every OUA-tier team that raises at least $1,000 will receive a departmental bonus
Baseball, Curling (M)(W), Fast Pitch, Fencing, Figure Skating, Golf, Lacrosse (M)(W), Nordic Skiing, Rowing, Rugby (M), Squash, Tennis (M)(W), Water Polo (M)
Hidden Gems - Finding hidden marauders unlocks added prizes for a team of your choice
(Squash x2, Soccer (W))
Rookie Challenge - Top three teams with the most first-time donors win tiered prizes
(Basketball (W), Figure Skating, Soccer(W))
Fill The Stands - Most total donors over $50
(Basketball (W), Figure Skating)
Director's Challenge - The teams with the most in-person votes receive an added bonus
(Soccer (W), Rugby (W))
Alumni Challenge - The team with the most Mac alumni donors receives an added bonus, supported by Alumni Director Karen McQuigge '90
(Basketball (W))
For the latest news and updates on McMaster Marauder sports, follow us @mcmastersports or visit marauders.ca
