UA Little Rock Sets Unprecedented Goal for Giving Day 2023
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has set its most aggressive fundraising goal for the institution’s “Giving Day” to date, working to secure $500,000 in gifts by April 25, 2023.
To achieve that goal, the university’s Office of Alumni and Development is working to increase the number and amount of gifts from alumni, faculty and staff, in addition to securing a gift from every county in Arkansas and every state in the nation.
“The professional success of our alumni has taken them nationwide but, thankfully, so many have a wonderful heart for supporting their alma mater,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “Our goal is to always keep our alumni and friends informed about the great work that is taking place on campus and, this year, we hope that good news inspires them to give even more.”
So far, donors from 60 of Arkansas’s 75 counties and 41 states have made donations that will contribute to the goal for Giving Day. The farthest gift from the continental U.S. came from a donor in Washington state, and the gift farthest by miles overall was from Hawaii.
Dr. Sherri L. Wallace, professor and interim associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Louisville, shared why she supports her university.
“I owe much of my success in my professional academic year to the mentoring and support I received from my professors at UA Little Rock,” said Dr. Wallace. “Because of that, I believe it is my duty to give back, connect with current students and create pathways for generations to come. There is nothing in life that can level the playing field like having access to higher education.”
Proceeds from the university’s annual “Taste of Little Rock” event, which takes place on UA Little Rock’s Giving Day, will also be factored into the total amount raised. Every dollar from ticket sales for Taste of Little Rock benefits general student scholarships that are awarded through the university’s alumni association.
Smith said one reason for the aggressive goal is because the university is working to exceed its goal for the recently-announced Centennial Campaign. In October, UA Little Rock launched the Centennial Campaign, announcing its plans to raise $250 million by its centennial year in 2027.
Every gift made to the university through December 2027 counts toward the Centennial Campaign. The priorities of the campaign are scholarships, program excellence, student support, and the living and learning environments.
Every donation made through April 25, 2023, counts toward Giving Day, and every gift made through 2027 is considered a campaign contribution. To learn more or give, visit https://ualr.edu/giving/product/centennial-campaign/.
