One Day for UK Postponed, Donations Being Accepted for Basic Needs Fund

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 31, 2020) — In light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Kentucky has made the decision to postpone One Day for UK — originally scheduled for April 21, 2020.

One Day for UK supports the university’s comprehensive campaign, Kentucky Can: The 21st Century Campaign, which increases opportunities for student success, funds innovative research, improves health care, strengthens the alumni network and enhances athletic programs. 

“At a time like this, we want to be sensitive to everything that our students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans and supporters are navigating,” Mike Richey, vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, said. “One Day for UK is about coming together to rally around UK and encourage giving to the many wonderful programs that distinguish us. Doing this at the right moment is important. Although we are disappointed to postpone giving day, certainly our priorities right now must be for the safety and welfare of our UK family and the community.”

With those priorities in mind, UK Philanthropy recognizes the rapid transition to online education and alternative forms of learning — though necessary — will result in additional hardship for many students. To alleviate some of the burden, supporters are encouraged to consider a gift to the Basic Needs and Persistence Fund.

The fund is the primary way to help students in need. It provides services and support for those experiencing varying degrees of uncertainty around basic needs and/or financial distress, which may otherwise prevent them from continuing their education. The importance of this fund — and the impact it can have — only grows during times of crisis.

If you would like to support UK students, you can make a gift to the Basic Needs and Persistence Fund here.

If you know a student who is experiencing hardship, or are a student who is in need, visit the Community of Concern (CoC) website and file a report using the "Report a Concern" tab. Due to COVID-19, the CoC is operating remotely from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached by email at concern@lsv.uky.edu or by phone at 859-257-3755.

A new date for the second annual giving day will be shared at a later time.