Scots Wha Hae fundraiser aims to keep breaking records

By Eli Cauthorn | Oct. 20, 2026

If you know an athlete at Maryville College, there’s a good chance you know about the Scots Wha Hae fundraising campaign. Many campus athletes have been sharing posts about it on social media and encouraging others to pitch in, and MC’s athletics communications department is diving into the marketing by creating videos. The goal for the initiative is to raise $150,000, with last year’s campaign raising $192,620 for Maryville athletics. 

This year’s goal is the same, and the donations have been flowing in. Within the first two days, the athletics department received nearly $35,000, putting it on pace to break the previous record by more than $20,000. Much of that success has to do with the rebranding of the event.

“The previous initiative of ‘20 for (insert year)’ was really ineffective as a whole, and was not really tied to any specific goals or needs. We feel like the Scots Wha Hae ties everything together for the school, the department, our heritage as a school and the community,” Athletics Communications Director Jake Woods said.

The last year of the formerly branded campaign, “20 for 24,” was impressive in its own right, netting $150,357 and landing just over the goal. The year before that, MC athletics received only $76,515. While still a lot of money, that total pales in comparison with the amount raised in 2025 and, hopefully, 2026.

A common question about the event’s name is: what is a Wha Hae, and how does it relate to Maryville College?

“The ‘Scots Wha Hae’ is a patriotic Scottish song dating back to the late 1700s. The song, framed as a stirring speech from Robert the Bruce to his troops before the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, was meant to ignite national pride and resolve,” Woods said. 

“The main goal is to fundraise, but we also use the campaign to engage alums, families, and friends, building excitement about what we’re doing, and expressing how their support benefits the student-athlete experience,” Dr. Andrew Wu, athletic director for Maryville College, said. 

“The obvious connection between our Maryville College Scots and the song’s Scottish heritage is central to the identity of the school and the legacy of the Scots’ bravery, unity and pride. The Scots Wha Hae is not just a song – it is a call to arms. It inspires support, evokes shared struggle and unites us under a common banner. It is our rallying cry,” Woods added. 

The athletics department has been leaning into the heritage of the Scots mascot. This year, as an additional part of the Wha Hae fundraiser, donors can join the Swordbearer Society, an exclusive club that offers extra benefits for those who give $250 or more. Perks include free apparel, parking passes for crowded football games and an invitation to spend time with Maryville College President Dr. Bryan Coker during football games and other special events hosted by the College.

Each sport has its own goal within the overarching $150,000 target. Both basketball teams, for example, are focused on raising money to help cover travel expenses for away games. Men’s basketball also would use its donations for gear, while women’s basketball would use its donations to invest in team analytics. Both men’s and women’s tennis would use their funds to help make a spring break tournament possible and to refresh their uniforms to be more comfortable and more closely tied to the college’s branding.

“The Scots Wha Hae is the primary fundraising initiative of the department and helps fund numerous things throughout the year. A donation to the Scots Wha Hae helps our student-athletes have better opportunities to compete, to look and feel good, to have better equipment and to have a better overall experience. Each team has their own goals that they set and each donation helps achieve those goals. Fundraising is essential for the department,” Woods said. 

Woods credits the initiative’s effectiveness to its unique branding, which leads people to be curious about the fundraiser. The name ties into the history of the Scots and helps the Maryville community rally behind one cause.

“It’s exciting anytime alums, families and friends support what we’re doing because it shows the impact that our athletics program has, and how many people care about our student-athletes and giving them the best experience possible,” Wu said. 

To donate to Maryville College athletics, search “Scots Wha Hae 2026” on Google, and the first link will lead to the donation page.

“Any donation is appreciated,” Woods said.