Every year on April 10, millions of people all over the world share tributes to their brothers and sisters on social media using the hashtag #NationalSiblingsDay. From milestone moments at graduations and weddings to funny holiday memories and old childhood photos taken in a JCPenney’s studio, sibling-themed posts flood social media feeds all day long. If you haven’t posted a photo and heartfelt message of your own, you’ve likely been the subject of one or have engaged with siblings day posts by others. You may even be contemplating which photo you’ll choose to honor your sibling this year at this very moment.
This year marks the 30th anniversary since the founding of National Siblings Day, which was established on April 10, 1995, by University at Albany grad Claudia Evart ’76.
Evart was in her local library when the idea to formally honor siblings came to her. “I was spending my birthday – which was a very, very lonely birthday – in the library, missing my siblings who had passed,” she recalls of that day in late March 1995. Tragically, both of Evart’s siblings died at young ages in separate accidents. Her sister, Lisette, died when they were teenagers, and her brother, Alan, died 14 years later. To honor her brother and sister and celebrate their relationship, Evart began researching the process of establishing an official day of recognition and created the Siblings Day Foundation in Massachusetts. She chose April 10 as National Siblings Day in honor of Lisette’s birthday. The foundation became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization in 1998. Today, the organization has satellite offices in New York, South Carolina and Virginia. Its mission is simple yet heartfelt: to recognize, appreciate and strengthen the unique connection shared by siblings.
While it’s not a federal holiday, National Siblings Day has increased in popularity — particularly online in more recent years, thanks to family-favorite platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Major retailers carry sibling-themed greeting cards and gifts for the occasion, too. Even former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama have all issued letters recognizing the day. Siblings Day has also been recognized by governors in 49 states; several former and current members of U.S. Congress including senators Chuck Schumer, Hillary Clinton and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York; six former White House cabinet members; two New York City mayors; and, most importantly, America’s siblings.
With its increased popularity and viral sibling tributes by celebrities including Jimmy Fallon and star athletes like Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Siblings Day has been featured on major media outlets like CNN, NPR, Disney publications, International Business Times and Voice of America. Oprah Winfrey featured and celebrated Siblings Day on her TV show for three years. National Siblings Day has been a trending topic on social media for nearly 15 years.
Evart, who now resides in midtown Manhattan, lived in off-campus housing when she studied at UAlbany in the early ’70s, including an apartment in Latham she shared with her boyfriend, Jeffrey Pofit. "We first met on campus during a guest lecture by women's rights activist Gloria Steinem, who spoke about the fight for gender equality.” When Evart conceived the idea for Siblings Day in 1995, Pofit was there for the ride and remained dedicated to the cause until his passing in June 2023. “Our journey was a true love story and together we nurtured the vision of Siblings Day, allowing it to grow and thrive for years to come,” she said.
Evart graduated with a dual major in political science and sociology, and credits a class taught by Clifford Brown as having a lasting impression on her. “He focused heavily on the topic of war, and we were required to read 20 books for that one seminar.”
In addition to earning her bachelor’s degree from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, Evart earned a brown belt in Judo while at UAlbany. “When I met Jeff, I taught him everything I knew. He achieved his brown belt within six months, while it had taken me six years to reach that level.” Evart and Pofit practiced Judo three to four times a week under the guidance of their sensei, Kudo. “Kudo was a true master, holding the prestigious red and white Master rank — one of the highest ranks one can achieve.” The University gym quickly became their favorite hangout spot.
Now that it has achieved social media super-star status as one of the top-trending recognition days in the US and has received global recognition in 16 countries, what’s next for National Siblings Day?
“I plan to continue my mission with Siblings Day and the four programs I developed — each inspired by conversations I’ve had with siblings over the years,” Evart said. The National Sibling Foundation’s Sibling-to-Sibling Support Group, the Sibling Rights Project, the Lost Sibling Registry and an Adopt-a-Sibling Program are all designed to strengthen sibling bonds and provide support. In addition to building on these initiatives, Evart also hopes to write a book about Siblings Day and is looking for a co-author.
Amid preparations for National Sibling Day’s 30th anniversary, Claudia took the time to share some words of wisdom for her UAlbany family:
On pursuing your dreams
“If you work hard and stay committed, you will succeed. Keep pushing forward, and if you have a passion, follow it — don’t look back. Your ambition and perseverance will lead to success, whether in academia, sports, or any other field. Keep striving for the top!”
On trying new things
Evart recommends exploring activities like martial arts. “It’s a powerful way to enhance physical fitness, build self-confidence and develop discipline, stamina and resilience. The benefits of Judo, for example, go beyond physical strength — it builds character and can help you navigate life’s challenges.”
On helping others:
“Never underestimate the value of volunteering. It offers a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing you’re doing something meaningful for others. Volunteering not only helps those in need but also enhances your own sense of self-worth and gratitude.”
“Keep striving for success, stay passionate, and remember that giving back makes the journey even more rewarding.”
To learn more about the Siblings Day Foundation, visit www.siblingsday.org.
Author’s note: The first time I talked to Claudia Evart, I was, quite simply, missing my older brother. Steven and I were raised in a safe and healthy home in the mountains of West Virginia, and had a great childhood filled with riding 4-wheelers, watching WWE, playing in the “crick” and spatting over who got to play F-Zero on the Super NES first on a Saturday morning. Steven served as my Uber to school and basketball practice, but he also was my protector in those teenage years. He drove me to college on the snowiest Sunday nights, helped me move in and out of the dorms, and walked me down the aisle in the absence of our dad, who passed away suddenly when I was just 18, Steven 23. He’s a good guy, that Steven. And on this 30th anniversary of National Siblings Day, I want him to know that I love him so, so much – even though he made fun of my singing along to Madonna’s “Immaculate Collection” that one time when I was in second grade.
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Stephanie, Thank you for this and all you do to make the UAlbany community strong.