“Alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends all came together for 24 hours because they believe in our students and the work happening across this campus.”
– President Houston Davis
For 24 hours on March 12, the University of Central Arkansas community came together with a shared goal: supporting the students and programs that make UCA special.
By the end of the day, 3,115 donors had stepped forward to make 2,245 gifts, raising $1,204,379 for scholarships, academic programs and initiatives across campus.
The results were announced during a campus celebration the following afternoon at Buffalo Alumni Hall, where university leaders, students and supporters gathered to recognize the collective effort behind the annual campaign.
While the total raised reflects another strong year of philanthropic support, what stood out most in 2026 was participation.
“This day always reminds us how many people care deeply about UCA,” President Houston Davis said. “Alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends all came together for 24 hours because they believe in our students and the work happening across this campus.”
Day of Giving is designed to connect donors directly with the areas of campus that matter most to them. Throughout the day, supporters gave to scholarships, academic departments, student organizations and campus programs.
Gifts came from 38 states and 70 countries, demonstrating the reach of the UCA community and the strong connections alumni and friends maintain with the university.
Student participation also played an important role in this year’s campaign. When current students choose to give back while they are still on campus, it reflects the pride they feel in their university and their desire to invest in the future of the place they call home.
Vice President for University Advancement Mary Lackie said that spirit of participation is what makes Day of Giving unique.
“Day of Giving works because people choose to be part of it,” Lackie said. “We saw alumni remembering their time here, students giving back while they are still on campus and friends of the university stepping forward because they want to see UCA continue to thrive.”
The campaign is supported each year by volunteers and ambassadors across campus who help spread the message through social media, personal outreach and friendly challenges that encourage others to participate.
Since its launch in 2015, the UCA community has raised $9,382,817 through Day of Giving, creating opportunities for students and strengthening programs throughout the university.
Each year, the campaign serves as a reminder of the power of collective generosity, with thousands of people choosing to show up, give what they can and move UCA forward together.