Allan Challenge – Giving Tuesday

An Additional $2,500 Up for Grabs

For students only! Allan Wagaman ’06, past president of the Alumni Association and one of the pioneers of Giving Tuesday at SMCM, continues to inspire students to embrace the spirit of philanthropy. This Giving Tuesday, he’s putting up $2,500 for students to direct to an SMCM fund.

Here’s how this works…

Get to the Patio
Take Action
Cast Your Ballot
Enjoy the Festivities
Win Big
Who is Allan?
For Fund Reps

People gather under a black canopy decorated with string lights at an outdoor evening event, with tables set up for food or drink service.

Step 1: Get to the Patio

Stop by the Campus Center Patio on Tuesday, December 1 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Step 2: Take Action

Embrace the Giving Tuesday spirit by doing ONE of the following:

Option #1 - Drop off a non-perishable item for Solomon’s Shoppe
Option #2 - Sign 25 thank you postcards for our Giving Tuesday donors
Option #3 - Donate $10 or more to an SMCM fund that’s important to you

A clear plastic bin filled with canned food items labeled as a donation box for Solomon’s Shoppe, promoting Giving Tuesday.

Five people dressed in winter clothing stand and converse under a canopy decorated with holiday lights, next to a table with a donation box and a Santa hat.

Step 3: Cast your ballot

Fill out the Allan Challenge ballot onsite with your name and the SMCM fund you want to support and submit it for the drawing. If your ballot is selected, the fund you chose will receive $2,500.

Step 4: Enjoy the festivities

Once you’ve submitted your ballot, stick around for the fun. Treat yourself to our hot chocolate bar with next-level candy fixings, toast a s'more (or two) over the fire and enjoy the lights, music and holiday cheer on the Campus Center Patio.

Two people at an outdoor table with a light-up snowman decoration; one is writing, while the other stands nearby wearing a winter hat and scarf.

People gather in a sunny brick courtyard near a tent and informational signs, with several trees and a building in the background.

Step 5: Win Big

The winning Allan Challenge ballot will be drawn at random during the SAGE students’ meeting on Friday, December 11, at the Bonnie M. Green Alumni Center.

Who is Allan?

Allan Wagaman is a 2006 graduate in political science and public policy. He served as president of the Alumni Association from 2016 to 2020 and worked with the Alumni Relations team and the Alumni Council to bring Giving Tuesday to St. Mary's College of Maryland back in 2014.

A few years later, Allan came up with another idea — give current student meaningful ways to take part in Giving Tuesday and a chance to direct additional support to a cause they care about. The rest is history!

Text reads: "THE GIVING TUESDAY ALLAN CHALLENGE #SMCMGIVES" on a blue background with faint heart shapes and a heart symbol replacing the "V" in "GIVING".

A man in casual clothes and a cap is pressing a pie into a woman's face outdoors; both are wearing "Giving Tuesday" hoodies. Broken pie plates and a sheet are on the ground.

For Fund Reps: Make Some Noise!

The Allan Challenge is also a great opportunity for Fund Reps to connect with students, promote their cause and have some fun with Giving Tuesday.

The Campus Center provides a natural backdrop for photos, videos, challenges and other creative ways to rally support from your fund.

A Tradition Where Every Vote Counts

A record 234 students took part in the 2024 Allan Challenge. With just one vote cast for the Veggie Co-op, it proved that one person—and a little effort—can make a huge impact.