Allan Challenge

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. On Giving Tuesday, he’s putting up $2,500 for one lucky student to win for their favorite SMCM fund. Here’s how this works…

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 2 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 to be submitted into the drawing.

Step 4: Enjoy the festivities

Once you’ve submitted your ballot, 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.

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 winner of the Allan Challenge will be drawn at random during the SAGE students’ meeting on Friday, December 12, at the Bonnie M. Green Alumni Center.

Last year, the SMCM Veggie Co-op took the prize, thanks to their advocate, Lannon Fritts '25!

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.

2024 Allan Challenge Winner

A blue starburst graphic announces 2024 SMCM Veggie Co-op & Lannon Fritts '25 as winners, with a heart-shaped veggie illustration and collage of event photos in the background.

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".

Who is Allan?

Allan Wagaman is a 2006 graduate in political science and public policy. He served as the 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. Four years ago he was struck by inspiration and offered the generous and eponymous challenge. The rest is history!

For Champions

With its festive decor, the Campus Center Patio during the Allan Challenge is the perfect backdrop for livestreams and photo-ops, like Champion Kenzie Nettleton '25 and her pie-in-the-face challenge for women’s rugby.