By Lindsey Piercy
Calling all alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students and fans — make an enormous impact by supporting the campus community through "One Day for UK." During the 24 hour campaign, which is currently underway, donors are encouraged to give to the college, unit or cause of their choice.
"At the University of Kentucky, we are harnessing our dogged determination and boundless compassion to do more — and be more — for the state we serve. 'One Day for UK' is an opportunity to join together and follow in the footsteps of those who came before us, those who gave of themselves to change our campus and Commonwealth for the better. Together, we can write the next chapter for our institution; together, we will show the world what Kentucky can do," President Eli Capilouto said.
It its first year, the goal of "One Day for UK" is to raise awareness and encourage giving by creating an opportunity for those across the Commonwealth and beyond to put their UK pride on full display.
“Many people are unaware of the many areas they can support. This is an opportunity for us to spend one day celebrating UK, teaching people about the different ways they can give to the university and showing them how they can help us continue to grow,” Sarah Fitzgerald, the associate director of annual giving, said.
"One Day for UK" also supports the university’s comprehensive campaign, Kentucky Can: The 21st Century Campaign, which increases opportunities for student success, funds innovative research, improves health care, strengthens the alumni network and enhances athletic programs. Now more than halfway to its $2.1 billion goal, Kentucky Can benefits from every gift.
"Kentucky Can is our challenge to give back, to come together, to serve others, to leave a positive mark, to share our good fortune and to show love and compassion,” D. Michael Richey, vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, continued. “'One Day for UK' is one component of that effort. It is an opportunity for us to rally around UK and to encourage giving to the many wonderful programs that distinguish us and are helping us to transform the Commonwealth and inspire the world.”
"One Day for UK" will help provide more scholarships and research opportunities for students, enhance creative outreach efforts and afford colleges and departments the resources they need to achieve continued success. "We look forward to a fun day of showing our support for UK and improving opportunities for everyone we serve," Fitzgerald added.
Most colleges, units and causes have selected a specific fund or funds to highlight. A complete list is located online. Simply visit the "One Day for UK" website to make a gift, track the progress and learn how the campaign benefits UK.
To join the online conversation, follow #OneDayforUK on all social media platforms.
- Read President Eli Capilouto's message about One Day for UK.
- View the College of Fine Arts message highlighting a $10,000 matching gift from Ben Kaufmann and Janet Zusman
This article originally appeared in UKNOW on April 17, 2019.