Arcadia’s UKnightedTuesday Giving Tops $1.5 Million, Illustrating the Power of Community

Arcadia University is pleased to announce record-breaking results from one of its most powerful giving vehicles, UKnightedTuesday (UKT), with gifts topping $1,523,328*, handily surpassing last year’s record total of $926,397.

The 11th annual event received charitable support from 645 donors from the Arcadia community over a symbolic 1,853 minutes, commemorating Beaver Female Seminary’s founding year. The fundraising celebration was launched at a campus breakfast Dec. 2 and capped off with a two-hour live-streamed Thank-a-Thon on Dec. 3, in the University Commons Great Room. 

“We are so fortunate to have one another—through good times and hard times, in moments of abundance and in moments of need. Nowhere is the power of our unity clearer than in the way we stand with our students,” said Arcadia University President Ajay Nair, addressing the celebratory crowd who gathered to hear the fundraising totals revealed.

This year, many UKT donors earmarked contributions directly to The Fund for Arcadia (TFFA), the University’s unrestricted fund, which also surpassed last year’s achievement by 30% to $312,000*. TFFA touches everything at the university that impacts students, faculty, learning and teaching experiences as well as campus itself. A moving video message by beneficiaries of TFFA was recently released in support of #UKT25 efforts.

Arcadia Junior Amyr Walker ‘27 shared a heartfelt message at the Thank-a-Thon, speaking about the meaningful impact of TFFA on his personal and professional growth. He recalled his first-year student experience when Walker traveled abroad through the Preview the World program.

“I honestly never imagined this would be possible for me. Growing up, traveling outside of the country felt like a dream that belonged to other people,” Walker said. “But because of the generosity of our alumni and donors, that dream became real for me.”

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in us. Thank you for giving students like me the chance to grow, to explore and to see a future beyond what we imagined. Your support means more than you may ever realize,” Walker said. 

As UKT emphasizes Arcadia’s power of unity, the Thank-a-Thon was another opportunity to bring the community together. Students, faculty, alumni, and staff drafted handwritten messages to thank donors while attendees enjoyed student performances from the TKC Dance Team, music, and light refreshments. There was an atmosphere of excitement and gratitude as the results were announced.

“UKT is designed to strengthen us for a brighter future as well as to meet the moment we are in,” said Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Brigette A. Bryant. 

Throughout the 1,853 minutes of active giving, portions of the Trustee’s $150,000 support unlocked and incentivized support from the Arcadia community. Fundraising challenges kept enthusiasm strong as special populations groups  like Young Alumni, Jones Poundstone Society donors, the President’s Cabinet, Scarlet & Grey Society alumni and married alumni couples, stepped in to bolster the support of the Board of Trustees.

University Advancement also expanded UKT for a second year to include two pop-up celebrations on Dec. 2nd in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. These gatherings allowed alumni and families to rekindle the connections and make new connections, all which make the University so special. 

As this year’s tally is reconciled over the coming days, Bryant says she will continue to share the positive impact that donors have had on the Arcadia community. With more than 37,000 Arcadia alumni worldwide, there is still room for greater philanthropic opportunity.

“UKnightedTuesday is about rallying around the institution we all love. We know our alumni are loyal and dedicated to Arcadia. We want to make sure they know that any support, even in the smallest of ways, is at the heart of our fundraising goals,” Bryant said.

Footnote:

*Our UKnightedTuesday giving site has officially closed. Please know that our preliminary results will be refined and totals may change slightly as we continue our review of the days’ results for #UKT25.