The Givers Gala, the official kickoff to Alumni Weekend 2026, captured the spirit of Heidelberg’s mission as an Opportunity Maker.
The evening brought together an inspiring community of alumni, Trustees, faculty, staff, and friends whose generosity helps shape Heidelberg’s future. During the celebration, President Rob Huntington recognized the transformative impact of major donors whose investments sustain the University and expand opportunities for generations of students.
“This is the largest gathering and celebration of Opportunity Makers,” Rob said. “Everyone in this room has contributed through their ideas, work, support, and gifts. It’s the very definition of who we are.”
The Givers Gala served as a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between Heidelberg and those who believe in its mission.
“This is about lives well lived, our Heidelberg experiences and ensuring those opportunities continue,” he added.
The donors honored during the evening share three defining qualities: generosity of spirit that intersects with expressions of gratitude and ultimately, a legacy of impact. Together, these are the values that continue to move Heidelberg forward and transform lives through opportunity.
Board of Trustees Chair Kathy Geier ’78 delivered a greeting from her Trustee colleagues to set the stage for the annual “pinning” of the newest members of Heidelberg’s Heritage Society, who have chosen Heidelberg as the beneficiary of endowments, deferred gifts, or estate plans. The six inductees brought the total number of Heritage Society members to 784.
New members include: Helen McEvoy-Freese ’76, Melissa Harrison ’02 and Michael James, Mark ’82 and Martessa Jones, Ron Patterson ’71 and Charnleu Marsden; Linda Reed Swaisgood ’73, and Duane ’61 and Nancy Ackerman Warns.
One of the evening’s most powerful reminders of philanthropy’s impact came from Garrett Wahl, a rising junior finance and marketing major, who thanked donors on behalf of students across campus.
“Before anything else, I want to say thank you – not just on my own behalf, but on behalf of every Heidelberg student whose life has been changed because someone in this room chose to give,” Garrett said.
A recipient of multiple scholarships, Garrett shared how donor support has made it possible not only to attend Heidelberg, but to fully engage in the college experience.
“Your generosity is not just helping me afford an education. It is allowing me to fully experience Heidelberg. It is giving me the freedom to grow, lead, and pursue opportunities that are shaping my future,” he said
During Garrett’s two years at Heidelberg, he has embraced a wide range of opportunities, serving as a member of the golf team, a Resident Assistant, Student Senate treasurer, president of Rho Eta Delta, and a Student Alumni Association member. He also represented the University as a social media brand ambassador, helping tell Heidelberg’s story to prospective students and families.
Among the most transformative experiences of his college career has been his involvement in Model United Nations. Through conferences in San Francisco, he has collaborated with students from across the country, explored complex global issues, and gained confidence applying classroom learning in real-world settings.
Experiences like those, he emphasized, are possible because donors choose to invest in students. “Someone in this room chose to create a scholarship. Someone chose to give back. And that decision changes lives.”
He concluded, “Thank you for believing in Heidelberg. Thank you for making journeys like mine possible.”
Following Garrett’s remarks, donors watched a heartwarming video with personal messages of thanks from ’Berg students whose educational journeys have been enriched by donor support.