No matter where they were, Polar Bears around the world showed up on February 26, 2026, to support the College during the thirteenth annual Bowdoin One Day.
Led in large part by the junior class—the Class of 2028—this year’s effort saw remarkable engagement from across the Bowdoin community.
A group of generous challengers promised an additional $100 to financial aid for every donor to the effort. Together, a record-breaking 2,357 alumni, families, students, faculty, staff, and friends contributed more than $1.1 million, including more than $300,000 that was unlocked for financial aid.
Students on campus have become increasingly engaged in the effort, with student class agents leading the charge. A team of nearly twenty-five student class agents—including Marcus Chiang ’27, the official Bowdoin One Day Intern—partnered with the Office of Annual Giving to plan student communications and spread the word across campus.
They spent the day tabling in Morrell Lounge in Smith Union, answering questions about annual giving and encouraging students to contribute. That evening, they hosted a special Bowdoin One Day version of trivia night, a popular monthly student event in Jack Magee’s Pub.
Overall, there was a 43 percent increase in student support compared to last year, with 225 students contributing in total, and student leadership was especially evident in the performance by the Class of 2028.
For the second year in a row, they had the strongest student donor count—and this year, they went even further, topping the overall leaderboard and surpassing the donor totals of every alumni class.
“I am so proud of our student class agents and the important work they’re doing on campus,” said Christi Lumiere, executive director of annual giving. “They understand how critical annual gifts are and are educating their peers in ways that will benefit the College for decades to come.”
A highlight of Bowdoin One Day was a series of donor challenges that gave students a direct role in generating additional support for financial aid. Each student gift unlocked $100 through the primary challenge, along with an extra $20 from a group of young alumni committed to inspiring the next generation of Polar Bears to give.
“Seeing the matches alumni provide is always the most inspiring part of my job as a student class agent,” said Chiang. “Knowing we’re backed by Polar Bears is an awesome feeling!”
