WINONA, Minn. – Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota student-athletes are highly engaged, make up over 40% of the undergraduate population, and become extremely engaged alumni.
This year we are excited to launch a one-week, digital giving challenge to engage even more athletics benefactors, from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3, 2025.
The goal for the Cardinal Athletics Challenge is 350 donors to support our 350 student-athletes, all in seven days. Alumni, parents, friends, and family can designate monetary gifts toward specific sport programs and the general athletic department. Every gift, of every size, makes a difference as 100 percent of the dollars raised go directly to the sport of the donor’s choice.
“We are thrilled for the inaugural Cardinal Challenge to get underway,” said athletic director Brian Sisson. “Every gift makes an impact — and every donor counts.”
Friends of Cardinal athletics will be challenging their friends and former teammates with matching gifts specific to their favorite sports at Saint Mary’s. We hope to have at least one inspiring matching gift available for each sport to spur them toward their donor goals.
Sports’ number of donors during the week will be displayed on a live leaderboard to keep the competition exciting.
It remains to be seen who will come out on top — but in the end it’s all of Saint Mary’s student-athletes who win.
