Written by Sean Riedel

The Mean Green community joined together in generosity for the fourth annual UNT Day of Giving, raising more than $1.78 million from over 1,500 donors — showcasing an incredible effort to unlock ambition and bolster student success at the University of North Texas.

This year’s UNT Day of Giving ambassadors — who spread the word, share their stories and inspire others to give — generated more than $40,000 across 485 gifts supporting every corner of campus. Through social media, texts and personal outreach, ambassadors help amplify the excitement.

Among those leading the charge was Benjamin Graf, principal lecturer of music theory at UNT and double College of Music alumnus, who served as a passionate Day of Giving ambassador and topped the ambassador leaderboard.

“The most fulfilling part of UNT Day of Giving was reconnecting friends and family. Since I make a habit of talking about our world-class College of Music, it was actually much easier than I thought to send my friends the link and suggest a $5 contribution,” Graf says. “I’m compelled to give back to UNT because my family and friends are deeply connected to the Mean Green.”

And the connection is that deep: Graf has family members who are graduates of six different UNT colleges, and he met his wife playing on the UNT Club Tennis team.

“Now, as a faculty Day of Giving ambassador, I had a chance to connect those folks to what UNT is doing today and raise some funds that will help us reach a new level as a university and as the College of Music,” he says.

The UNT College of Music, UNT Athletics and the UNT G. Brint Ryan College of Business were leaders in total donors. The College of Music saw a nearly 70% increase in number of donors compared to last year.

As the energy surrounding UNT Day of Giving built, leaderboards climbed, challenges were unlocked and UNT moved toward something bigger: expanded opportunities, premier programs and the ambition of our students backed with action.

“Day of Giving reflects what makes UNT such a remarkable place: people who believe in the potential of our students and are willing to invest in their success,” says Brandon Buzbee, vice president for University Advancement. “Each gift helps remove barriers and build momentum for the next generation of leaders. The collective impact of our Mean Green community continues to demonstrate what’s possible when we come together to shape a better future.”

UNT’s Day of Giving is a movement powered by pride, purpose and people who believe in the future we’re building together. As we look ahead to the 2027 UNT Day of Giving, stay connected and learn about opportunities to get involved and help create real change for UNT students and the communities they’ll go on to serve.