UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is proud to announce that its 2026 Day of Giving, held on March 26, was the most successful in the university’s history, raising a record- breaking $316,845.45 in just 24 hours. “This milestone is a testament to the strength and generosity of the SUNY Poly community,” said Andrea LaGatta, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “Surpassing our goal and setting a new record speaks volumes about the belief our supporters have in our students. These contributions are more than financial gifts, they represent a shared investment in opportunity, access, and life-changing education.” “This record-breaking Day of Giving demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together with purpose,” SUNY Poly President Dr. Winston Soboyejo added. “Every contribution, no matter the size, helps empower our students and fuels the innovation and determination that define SUNY Poly. I am deeply grateful to everyone who gave. Together, we are shaping the future.”
Funds raised during the Day of Giving will support critical areas across campus, including student scholarships, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), the SUNY Poly Emergency Fund, Poly Pantry, the NYSTEC Business Center of Excellence, the SUNY Poly Annual Fund, and Wildcat Athletics. Notably, strong support for scholarships, the Emergency Fund, Athletics, and the NYSTEC Business Center of Excellence reflects donors’ commitment to advancing both student success and the institution’s continued growth.
Ronald Sarner Scholarship
A major highlight of this year’s Day of Giving is the establishment of a $25,000 endowed
scholarship, made possible through the generosity of longtime SUNY Poly faculty member Ronald Sarner. The endowed scholarship will help reduce financial barriers for students and ensure that higher education remains accessible and affordable. “As a first-generation college student, I was fortunate to receive a New York State Regents College Scholarship that allowed me to attend SUNY tuition-free and without debt in the 1960s,” said Sarner. “My undergraduate and graduate experiences at SUNY campuses prepared me for a long and deeply fulfilling career. Now is the time to give back and support the next generation in the same way I was supported.” LaGatta also expressed her gratitude for Sarner’s lasting impact on the institution. “Ron’s generosity reflects decades of dedication to SUNY Poly, not only as a faculty member, but as a champion for our students. This scholarship is a powerful extension of his lifelong commitment to education and to ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to succeed.”
Matching Gifts and Impactful Sponsors
This year’s effort was further strengthened by a $10,000 matching gift from Jerry and Donna Donovan, helping to amplify the impact of donor contributions throughout the day.
This year’s Day of Giving was also made possible through the generous support of SUNY Poly’s dedicated sponsors. President-level sponsors included AmeriCU; an anonymous alumna from the Class of ’78; the Dan Ryan Golf Tournament; Gina ’03 and Steve ’06 Surace; Global Strategic Investment Solutions; Jerry and Donna Donovan through the Senator James H. Donovan Memorial Fund; LaFave, Wein, Frament & Karic, PLLC; NYSTEC; Ron and Pat Sarner; and the Student Government at Utica (SGU). Additional support was provided by Provost-level sponsors, including Assured Information Security (AIS), Beacon Bank, Kevin Volk ’83, Pepsi Co., and Wildcat Hospitality (Aramark). Their collective commitment played a vital role in the success of this historic fundraising effort and continues to strengthen SUNY Poly’s mission and impact.
Those interested in establishing a scholarship or exploring additional ways to support SUNY Poly through major gifts are encouraged to contact Andrea LaGatta at andrea.lagatta@sunypoly.edu.
The SUNY Poly Foundation also continues to accept donations as part of this year’s Day of Giving. To learn more, visit sunypoly.edu/dayofgiving.
About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, located in Utica, N.Y., is a vibrant and inclusive community where students, faculty, and staff are empowered through a forward-looking STEAM education and dynamic campus experience. Founded in 1966, SUNY Poly is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of impact, innovation, and service to the Mohawk Valley and beyond. As New York State’s premier public polytechnic, SUNY Poly fosters innovation and interdisciplinary learning across its four colleges—Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences—preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Guided by a bold vision for societal impact, SUNY Poly advances use-inspired research and
transformative collaborations that drive economic development, technological progress, and
humanitarian solutions—locally in the Mohawk Valley and globally across diverse communities. For more info, visit http://www.sunypoly.edu.
