President Houston Davis speaks during a special announcement of Day of Giving results held Friday, March 11. He is joined by UCA Student Government President Mya Hall who holds a sign showcasing the 2022 total of $758,130.
The University of Central Arkansas ended its eighth annual Day of Giving with near-record totals. Donors gave $758,130, making it the second-highest Day of Giving in university history.
The 2022 event also marked the sixth consecutive year the university exceeded its annual goal, as the Day of Giving contributions brought UCA’s year-to-date giving total to $9,957,771, which surpasses the current year’s fundraising goal.
A total of 1,963 donors from 40 states and 14 nations contributed to the success of the 24-hour fundraising effort held Thursday, March 10. The highest Day of Giving totals came in 2020 when the university topped $1 million.
The 2022 Day of Giving event also further fueled the momentum of UCA Now: Impact Arkansas and Beyond, the institution’s $100 million comprehensive capital campaign, which now sits at $84,517,095.
UCA President Houston Davis announced the fundraising milestones during a celebration Friday, which included students, faculty, staff, campus partners and donors. Centennial Bank provided grilled hamburgers and hot dogs to all in attendance.
“We are one of only a few institutions that had the confidence in its alumni, donors and friends to announce a comprehensive fundraising campaign during a pandemic,” Davis said. “To be nearly 85% towards our $100 million goal is a testament to the incredible support for our students and our university.”
UCA Now kicked off its public phase last April and is the largest fundraising campaign in school history. It focuses on four primary initiatives: success, culture, wellness and excellence.
“The success of UCA Now means students’ lives are being changed forever, our communities are healthier, and Arkansas is made stronger through UCA graduates who have the creativity and critical thinking skills needed for a modern economy,” said Davis.
Funds raised during Day of Giving support a wide range of needs including scholarships, state-of-the-art equipment, research and experiential learning opportunities that equip students to be leaders in the regional and global economies.
“Transforming this university and our culture of giving is about participation,” said Mary Bane Lackie, vice president for University Advancement and UCA Foundation President. “It’s about embracing the urgency of now and what we can accomplish by joining together for a common cause.”
More than 85 campus and community partners worked as Day of Giving ambassadors and helped make the event successful, while numerous other departments and individuals stipulated challenge matches.
UCA’s Student Government Association provided a 100% matching gift for the first $3,000 in student donations. Donors Jim Bunyard, Melissa Galloway, Angela and Don Greenland, Victoria Groves-Scott, Mike Hernandez, Carolyn Ishee, Rebecca Mills, Mary Mosley, Jeremy Owoh, Karen Sullards, Robert and Cathy Toney and Tammy Woosley supported the College of Education through challenge matches. Conway Regional Health System, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Conway Development Corp. and Edafio Technology provided challenge matches for the Conductor.
Since its inception in 2015, UCA’s combined annual Day of Giving efforts have raised more than $3.9 million for students and programs, establishing the university as a leader in the state for Day of Giving efforts.
To see more details about the results and the breakdown of individual funds, visit the Day of Giving website.
