Lighting Up Our Campus for a Cause
Monday, Feb. 6, 2017
You may have noticed this week that several buildings across our campus— Memorial Hall, W.T. Young Library, Gatton College of Business and Economics, the Main Building, the 90, and residence halls—are reflecting red lights.
These lights symbolize an issue that unites us as Kentuckians, one that our campus is poised to combat in compelling ways. The red lights represent Heart Month.
While Kentucky leads the nation in rates of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease, we are also 6th in heart disease. And as President Capilouto often says, we, as Kentuckians, know that we cannot afford to lead the country in these causes of death. Too many lives are cut short. Too many dreams extinguished.
Researchers across our campus, and particularly in UK HealthCare's Gill Heart Institute, work tirelessly to address the health disparities that plague our state. As a part of Heart Month, the institute is providing information on how community members can make their diets more hearth healthy.
We’re pleased that the lights on our facilities help to raise awareness for this important cause.
Throughout the year, we regularly use special lighting across campus to help draw attention to important issues – from Autism awareness, Alzheimer’s awareness, World Diabetes Day, or to stand in solidarity with our campus community in the wake of a tragedy. And each May and December, we light our facilities blue in honor of our Commencement ceremonies and in celebration of our graduating classes.
During DanceBlue on February 25-26th 8 PM to 8 PM, the special colored lights will be on in support of hundreds of dedicated and passionate students throughout the no-sitting, no-sleeping 24-hour dance marathon. Over the past 11 years at the University of Kentucky, DanceBlue has raised more than $9.8 million to benefit the Kentucky Children’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic as well as supporting research to cure pediatric cancer.
These lights are one small way we can further strengthen and symbolize community across our campus.
After all, as members of the UK family, we face these challenges together. We support each other through difficult times, together. And we celebrate our achievements, together.
Thank you for the invaluable role you play in our community.
Have a great week.
Eric N. Monday
@UKYMonday
#seeblue