TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama raised more than $730,000 in gifts during its eighth annual giving days, Bama Blitz.
Bama Blitz began at noon April 15 and ended at noon on April 17. This year’s campaign, The Crimson Countdown, channeled the excitement and community of game shows to motivate alumni and friends of the University to give to a variety of funds and passion-driven projects across campus.
More than 1,600 gifts from 1,532 UA supporters in 43 states were made during the crowdfunded, social media-driven campaign.
“This year’s Bama Blitz brought out the best of the UA spirit: quick action, big heart and a shared purpose,” UA President Stuart R. Bell said. “When our community, alumni and friends rally together, the result is always a win for our students.”
All gifts to Bama Blitz are part of The Rising Tide 2.0 Capital Campaign, UA’s 10-year, $1.8 billion effort to elevate the campus to new heights through enhancing scholarships, faculty endowments, facilities and athletics. To date, The Rising Tide 2.0 has generated more than 1,130 new endowed scholarships and nearly 70 new faculty support endowments. Additionally, the campaign has supported the construction of more than 500,000 square feet of facilities on campus. The Rising Tide 2.0 is currently at 96% of its goal, or $1.73 billion.
UA’s Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education’s Military Service Member and Family Endowed Support Fund raised nearly $9,000 from 109 gifts, increasing its Bama Blitz support by 31% over last year. This fund helps students in military families pursue education through OTIDE’s distance learning programs.
“For divisions like OTIDE, crowdfunding initiatives like Bama Blitz are vital in supporting some of the most vulnerable students in higher education,” UA Associate Provost Robert Hayes said. “Through a passion project approach, donors gain a unique window into students’ lives, deepening their understanding, building empathy and partnering directly to help meet real needs. That kind of connection is what makes this effort truly powerful.”
Bryant Bank matched gifts given to campus projects up to a total of $50,000, providing additional support to student-focused funds across campus. To date, Bryant Bank has matched $250,000 through its support of five annual giving campaigns.
“The remarkable success of this year’s Bama Blitz campaign demonstrates the power of our community when we come together for a shared purpose,” Bryant Bank President Claude Edwards said. “At Bryant Bank, we believe in investing in education and empowering the next generation of leaders. The funds raised will directly impact students’ lives, support vital programs and strengthen The University of Alabama’s future.”
UA’s faculty and staff giving campaign, We Are UA, runs in conjunction with Bama Blitz . Both campaigns are managed by the Office of Annual Giving and highlight the impact of a large number of smaller gifts. Of the gifts made during Bama Blitz, 252 were $25 or less.
The next Bama Blitz will be in Spring 2026.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides a forward-thinking environment and over 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
Contact
David Miller, UA Division of Advancement, david.c.miller@ua.edu