Scots Day of Giving turns 10! Join in on the fun on April 15

by Barry McNamara

Monmouth, Ill. (04/09/2026) — Maybe it's the thrill of watching a map of the United States gradually be overtaken with tartan (we're looking at you, Rhode Island and Alaska!).

Maybe it's all the buzz on social media, as Tartan Nation looks back fondly on their time on campus, recalling favorite professors, traditions and moments.

Or maybe it's the ability to pitch in and help fund a specific project - or two (more on both of those thoughts in a moment).

But whatever the case, Monmouth College's annual Scots Day of Giving has always been a fun and memorable occasion, and this year promises to be no different, as the alumni office stages the event for the 10th time on April 15. In its first nine years combined, the collaborative fundraiser has brought in more than $2.25 million to the college.

"We are thankful for all the support we received throughout Scots Day," Hannah Maher said in 2017 as the first year of the event wound down. "It's such a testament to how the college community feels about Monmouth."

That "community" tradition has continued - even through a challenging pandemic - and Maher, who's now the college's vice president for development and college relations - has no doubt that Year 10 of Scots Day of Giving will follow suit.

"When we launched Scots Day of Giving nearly a decade ago, the hope was simple - that the Monmouth community would rally together in support of the place that shaped so many of us," said Maher. "It's been inspiring to see thousands of alumni, parents and friends from across the country come together each year. The impact on our students and campus has been tremendous, and it's a powerful reflection of the pride and generosity that define the Fighting Scots community."

This year's theme of "What's Your Tartan 10?" will encourage alumni to share on social platforms their top 10 features and memories of Monmouth College.

Five causes to support

Scots Day of Giving typically features a handful of areas where donors can target their gift - often involving the Monmouth Fund, the Fighting Scots Society and the Senior Class Gift, which are all on the docket again this year. Supporting Monmouth's new Loyalty Scholarship and helping the Fighting Scots Marching Band acquire new uniforms are other options.

And thanks to a new initiative this year - "The Draves Double," named in honor of Monmouth President Patricia Draves - donors are encouraged to support a pair of those causes.

Monmouth Fund: Wherever the college's need is greatest, the Monmouth Fund helps bridge the gap. It improves technology on campus, makes professional development opportunities available to faculty and staff, and provides financial aid that helps keep the Monmouth experience in reach for all students. Gifts to the Monmouth Fund ensure traditions of the college remain for generations.

Fighting Scots Society: Every honor earned, every record set and every championship moment achieved is strengthened by the Fighting Scots Society. Their belief in Monmouth student-athletes elevates their Monmouth experience, empowering them to compete at the highest level and to lead with pride.

Senior Class Gift: The Class of 2026 is rallying behind a campus beautification project that will add color, character and school pride to a shared space on campus, incorporating elements that celebrate the spirit of the Fighting Scots.

Loyalty Scholarship: Monmouth students are able to persist and succeed because financial support meets them where they are. The Loyalty Scholarship provides critical financial aid that helps ease the cost of attendance and ensures students can continue their Monmouth education with confidence.

Marching Band Uniforms: Monmouth's band brings energy, pride and tradition to campus and community events. New marching band uniforms will provide student musicians with a unified, professional look as they represent the college, support Fighting Scots athletics and carry forward a beloved Monmouth tradition.

Media Attachments

IMG_5333cover.jpg

CELEBRATE! Hannah Maher (checkered jacket) has been part of all nine previous Scots Day of Giving events and is looking forward to the 10th edition, which will be held April 15.

Monmouth College

Scots Day of Giving turns 10! Join in on the fun on April 15

Media Attachments

Monmouth College

Share this Story

Recent News