Big Blue Thanks You

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2015) — It’s time to take a pause to appreciate those who have sacrificed to keep books in your bag and your head in a classroom.

Now in its third year, the University of Kentucky Parent and Family Association created the Big Blue Thank You program to provide an opportunity for students to break from their hectic schedules to say thanks to the parent, family member or mentor back home who has helped them succeed at UK.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 10 and 11, the Parent and Family Association staff will provide students with a pleasant atmosphere — complete with note cards, pens and refreshments — to write a quick thank you to those who matter most.

Tables will be set up outside 102 White Hall Classroom Building from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, and at the Hub at William T. Young Library from 8-10 p.m. Wednesday. Sealed, addressed letters left with Parent and Family Association staff will be mailed at no charge to students.

“We started Big Blue Thank You a few years ago as a response to the UK Parent and Family Association’s Letters from Home program where parents and families can send new students an encouraging note at the beginning of the school year,” said Nancy Stephens, associate director of New Student and Family Programs. “Now in this season of thanksgiving, students get a turn to grab a pen and tell those at home what their support means to them.”

“Students are so busy at this time of year between midterms and finals that we wanted to give them a quick break and a chance to focus on gratitude,” she added.

For more information regarding this event, please contact the UK Parent and Family Association staff by emailing parents@lsv.uky.edu or calling 859-257-6597.

“One of the most important keys to a student's success is building meaningful relationships and developing strong connections to the university through members of the UK community,” Stephens said. “Student Affairs provides many opportunities to facilitate these connections through internships, intramural athletics, volunteer work, student clubs, registered student organizations, community service and much more.”

The Parent and Family Association is a program within the Office of New Student and Family Programs, which is part of the Division of Student Affairs, an integral part of the University of Kentucky experience. With interactions among students, faculty and staff, Student Affairs seeks to facilitate the integration of the students’ academic experience with other aspects of university life that encourage personal and professional development.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gail Hairston, 859-257-3302, gail.hairston@uky.edu