Founders Day of Giving is February 12! This special day marks the anniversary of Lincoln Memorial University’s founding and coincides with Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. It’s also a time for the entire Railsplitter community—alumni, employees, students, and friends of LMU—to come together and show their support for the Blue & Gray.
Each year, we have asked the LMU community to give their Twenty for the Top Hat to show the power of your gift of any size. This year, 'Twenty for the Top Hat' takes on additional meaning with 20 LMU challenges and projects that your gift can immediately impact.
20 For the Top Hat Challenges
The LMU Annual Fund is the most common option for Founders Day of Giving Donors. The annual fund is used to support LMU’s ongoing operations and priorities. These funds are crucial because they provide flexible resources that can be used where they are most needed.
We need your help to make this Founders Day of Giving our most successful yet! By encouraging a first-time donor to contribute, you can help us expand our community of supporters and ensure the continued growth of our mission. Their support, no matter the size, brings new energy and strengthens the LMU community.
Faculty and staff gifts on Founders Day of Giving demonstrate a strong internal commitment to LMU's mission and values. This internal support encourages others to give and shows that we're all in this together to help our students and programs.
LMU students are at the heart of why we seek your support. Each year, many students give back to LMU and actively participate in fundraising for their organizations and educational experiences. Student contributions continue to help us reach our goals and demonstrate the power of our student community.
Friends of LMU are individuals who, despite never attending or working at LMU, believe in and support our mission. Our friends play a crucial role in shaping the future of our university and ensure that LMU continues to thrive and grow.
The LMU UPLIFT program fund is designed to support undergraduate students attending academic research conferences. Students are awarded a stipend of up to $500 to help cover conference fees, hotel accommodations, transportation, and/or print fees.
This opportunity supports students interested in a summer fellowship in Chemistry at LMU. It would provide students with hands-on research experience, fostering their scientific curiosity and professional growth. Your support will enable aspiring chemists to engage in innovative projects, preparing them for successful careers in the field.
The Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law Student Public Interest Fellowship (SPIF) program provides stipends to students pursuing public interest legal work, such as positions with non-profits, government agencies, and judges. By offering financial support, SPIF enables students to serve those in need without compromising their financial stability.
In April 2025, students from the LMU School of Engineering will participate in the Student Steel Bridge Competition at the ASCE Mid-South Student Symposium. Your support will provide essential materials for this project and future submissions, helping our students showcase their engineering skills and innovation.
The School of Business Case Study Competition is a dynamic initiative designed to boost student engagement, academic excellence, and real-world problem-solving abilities. This competition allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios based on real business challenges faced by local and regional companies. Your support will help fund this impactful on-campus event, fostering the next generation of business leaders.
LMU Arts in the Gap is dedicated to the creativity and cultural heritage of Appalachia as well as providing art opportunities for those living in the Cumberland Gap region and the tri-state region of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. With these sewing machines, Arts in the Gap would be able to offer more Appalachian focused workshops such as quilting and sewing thanks to your support.
With your generous support and contributions from LMU Hall of Fame Members, LMU Athletics will award two scholarships to deserving student-athletes. These scholarships will provide crucial financial assistance to LMU students in need, helping them achieve their academic and athletic goals.
Named after Dr. Randy Evans, a foundational figure in LMU’s veterinary programs and champion of student success, directly supports veterinary students as they pursue their education and career goals.
By donating $50 to cover the cost of a white coat for an LMU-DCOM medical student, you are not just providing a piece of clothing; you are symbolizing the beginning of their journey into the medical profession. Your support helps ease the financial burden on students and allows them to proudly wear their white coat, a symbol of their commitment to healthcare and service to the community.
Your support of LMU-DCOM research helps provide the necessary infrastructure and resources to promote innovation and academic growth. By donating, you give LMU-DCOM students more opportunities to engage in scholarly activities and prepare for their future careers in the medical field.
Legacy inspired grateful alumni and friends to create a scholarship honoring a beloved professor, Dr. Rex Hobbs. Creating an endowed scholarship at LMU-SMS is a meaningful and lasting way to honor a cherished friend, valued mentor, and beloved professor. Your gift can honor Dr. Rex Hobbs and help provide scholarships to outstanding physician assistant students at LMU-SMS.
Celebrate the LMU Caylor School of Nursing's 50th anniversary with your gift to LMU-CSON! Your gift honors five decades of excellence in nursing education and supports the future of our nursing students.
Your support of LMU-CDM research helps provide the necessary infrastructure and resources to promote innovation and academic growth. By donating, you give LMU-CDM students more opportunities to engage in scholarly activities and prepare for their future careers in dentistry.
The J. Frank White Academy (JFWA) is a private, coeducational, college preparatory day school located on LMU’s campus. It serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Your support ensures that we can continue providing a safe, nurturing environment and a rigorous college preparatory education for our students. Each gift helps enhance our programs, maintain small class sizes, and utilize LMU's resources to offer an exceptional learning experience.
The LMU Women of Service (WOS) provide essential resources to our students, and Lincoln's Cupboard is a vital part of this mission. Your support helps ensure that all LMU students have access to nutritious food throughout the year.
