By giving donors more options from which to choose, the University of Central Arkansas not only met its goal for its fourth annual Day of Giving but also far exceeded it.
During the 24-hour drive Thursday, March 8, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends easily surpassed the challenge, raising a total of $434,526.95. The 2018 goal was $50,000, but donors were encouraged to make a gift of any amount to support an additional 44 funds that impact students, the campus or the community. In 2017, UCA raised $41,504.80 during Day of Giving.
The UCA Student Government Association hosted a centralized donation station at the entrance to the Student Center on campus, celebrating Day of Giving and the impact it has on students. The first 200 student donors received a free T-shirt with a $5 donation, and the first $1,000 of student giving was matched 100 percent, a challenge that was accomplished by 5 p.m.
Many departments identified challenge matches that were unlocked for Day of Giving. The following donors pledged a matching challenge to benefit a variety of funds: Scott and Kay Adams (Schedler Honors College Enhancement Fund); Mike and Susan Hernandez (College of Education Enhancement Fund); Jeff and Lori Standridge (UCA Annual Fund); Mark and Jennifer Wilson (College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Advancement of Undergraduate Research Fund); Alumni Association Board of Directors, Karen Sullards, Johnny and Stacia Adams, and Pat and Ann Hoy (Alumni Assistance Fund); and American Safeguard Insurance, Edafio Technology Partners, and Conway Development Corporation (Conductor). In addition, an anonymous donor funded a matching challenge to benefit the UCA Athletics Purple Circle Fund.
Donations toward student impact funds will provide scholarships to students in financial need and student-athletes, as well as funds for student support services, such as the Bear Essentials Food Pantry and Greek organizations.
Campus impact includes funds for faculty and student research projects, as well as service-learning opportunities, scholarships and state-of-the-art equipment.
Community impact funds offer experiential opportunities, as well as guest lecturers, first-class exhibits and performances on campus that are available to the larger communities of Conway, Faulkner County and central Arkansas. This includes Reynolds Performance Hall events, Outreach and Community Engagement programs, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, and the Conductor, for example.
“We knew our alumni and friends would answer the call, but we are amazed at the excitement and awareness this day raised for so many worthwhile efforts UCA supports,” said Dr. Kale Gober, vice president of University Advancement. “Regardless of size, each Day of Giving gift signified the value they place on UCA and the impact it has had on them.”
To view a full list of funds and continue giving, visit uca.edu/dayofgiving or call 501-852-2743.
