Peacock Nation once again proved its POWER. The Upper Iowa University Athletics Department's Fourth Annual Peacock Power 24-Hour Challenge inspired alumni, families, and friends from across the country to come together in support of Peacock student-athletes — raising a record-breaking $229,558 from 843 donations. While the official challenge window closed Thursday morning, giving pages will remain open through Wednesday, Oct. 29 at UIUPeacocks.com/Power25.
 
During the four Peacock Power Challenges dating back to the inaugural challenge in 2022, Peacock Nation has generously donated nearly $620,000 through 2,999 donations. This year's total eclipsed the previous record set in 2024 by more than $85,000.

"We continue to be amazed and humbled by the generosity of our alumni, families, and supporters," said Rick Hartzell, UIU Vice President for Athletics. "We are very appreciative of the $25,000 gift from Roger '62 and Alice '61 Mangan toward our strength and conditioning program. Their gift will continue to fuel the gains made on a daily basis by all of our student-athletes across every sport."

In addition to the Mangans generosity, several dedicated alumni and friends led the charge with transformational gifts. The inspired leaders included Marshall Richards '75 ($19,000), Deodrick Sanders '03 ($15,000), John and Sharon Orr ($12,100), Nate '11 and Ben '11 Curran ($10,000), and Keela Johnson '99 ($10,000).

Several other Peacock alumni and friends made this year's challenge a huge success with gifts of $1,000 or more including Mike Prochaska '89, Bill De Lauro '78, Pam Whitmore '65 and Fred Koch, Luke Wickham '00, Doug and Carol Shull, Carl and Allison Behne, Mike Eisheid '63, Bradly Loughren '14, Jim '74 and Vickie Bushkofsky, Dylan Burns '25, Tom '69 and Carol '01 Crandall, Dick and Aubrey Hebert, T&S Farms, Brian Benchley '94, David and Tisha Davis, Curtis and Annette Gunter '02, Diane Hosey, Mike Manderfeld, and three other donors that wish to remain anonymous.

"We are humbled by the amount of great philanthropic leaders and blessed by their support to the Peacock athletics department," Hartzell continued.
 
Every dollar raised strengthens the foundation of Peacock Athletics — providing the tools, training, and opportunities that help our student-athletes grow as competitors, scholars, and leaders. The donors' generosity ensures that each Peacock can take pride in representing Upper Iowa, both in uniform and beyond.
 
"Peacock Nation stepped up and showed their love for our great University and our Peacock student-athletes with another record-breaking challenge," said Howie Thompson, Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Operations. "Thank you to all of our donors that dug deep and gave so generously to our programs. Our original goal of $130,000 was eclipsed with more than 12 hours to go in the challenge; and a second goal of $200,000 was put into the distance prior to the end of the 24 hours. The support given to the Peacock sports, as well as strength and conditioning, athletic training, and student-athlete development, is humbling and reminds us all just how deeply-rooted our University and athletics department is in the hearts of our alumni, family and friends. The student-athlete experience is our number one priority and underscores our three core values of grit, pride and growth. This challenge once again showcased the unmatched passion of our Peacock community. The tradition of giving is thriving — and together, we're building something truly special for generations of Peacocks to come."
 
The Peacock men's basketball program won the team total challenge with $33,450, while football ($29,385), women's wrestling ($27,850), softball ($21,020), and baseball ($20,690) rounded out the top five in the challenge in total dollars raised. In terms of donors, the top five programs included baseball (166), football (98), men's wrestling (95), softball (82), and women's soccer (70).
 
To learn more about this year's Peacock Power 24-Hour Challenge, see where each team finished, or join in the giving through Wednesday, Oct. 29, visit UIUPeacocks.com/Power25.