Campus News

UK, United Way kick off 'Live United' campaign

Live United, United Way artwork

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 10, 2022) — The University of Kentucky has partnered with United Way of the Bluegrass to kick off its annual campaign, “Live United,” on Monday, Oct. 10, which will run through Monday, October 31.

For 101 years, United Way of the Bluegrass has united the full force of the community to fight for the basic needs, education and financial stability of every person in Central Kentucky. The impact your gift makes will help our community move forward. This year alone, United Way of the Bluegrass will invest $1,218,000 in 97 programs through 67 partner agencies and three WayPoint Centers in our 10-county service region. This would not be possible without the support of donors like you!

As a university, UK raised more than $193,000 last year and made a vast impact on the work being done within United Way of the Bluegrass. The university's goal is to raise $213,000 during the 2022 campaign which can easily be surpassed with your help.

To begin fundraising efforts, there will be a giveaway of two sets of Big Blue Madness tickets during the first week of the campaign! Anyone who is currently enrolled (and continues their contribution) in United Way payroll deductions or enrolls by end of business on Thursday, Oct. 13, will be entered into the two drawings.

This year there will be a universitywide pet photo/pet costume contest. To enter, please complete the survey found here by Monday, Oct. 17. The winner(s) will be determined by the photo that raises the most funds (each dollar raised will count as one vote). Voting will begin online Wednesday, Oct. 19, and will continue through Friday, Oct. 28. To vote please visit here beginning Oct. 19. *Please note that the voting site will not be active until this date.

For payroll deductions, employees can easily enroll through the myUK portal. To make a payroll deduction or pledge simply visit myUK and click on the Employee Self Service tab to begin a United Way pledge.

Additionally, individuals can donate via cash or check, payable to United Way of the Bluegrass or complete a credit card donation at http://uwbg.org.

For more information about the campaign, please visit www.unitedwaycampaign.uky.edu. If you have any questions about the campaign or competitions, or would like to become more involved, please contact Paige Noland at uk-unitedway@uky.edu.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.