Arcadia University’s 11th annual day(s) of giving, UKnightedTuesday (UKT), held Dec. 2-3, reached new heights with a record total of $1,523,328* in gifts from 645 donors in support of the University and its community. This total smashes last year’s total of $926,397 from 555 donors.

Before revealing the UKT grand total, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Brigette A. Bryant announced that the late Barbara Rebmann ’62 left an additional gift of $1.3 million for The Fund for Arcadia.

“UKT reminds us that we are responsible for our own destiny – particularly when you consider that what we can do together far outweighs what we believe we can do alone. This is the very definition of our collective service,” said Bryant at the Thank-a-Thon, where students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered to write thank-you cards to donors and celebrate together in the University Commons Great Room, capping off the day(s) of giving. “We give of ourselves for the benefit of others, and for this campus. UKT is how we show up for each other.”

The 1,853-minute duration of UKT reflects Arcadia’s historical roots, honoring the 1853 founding of Beaver Female Seminary. Throughout the fundraising effort, participation poured in from the Arcadia community, with donors directing their support to a variety of causes, primarily The Fund for Arcadia but including The Arcadia University Pro Bono Clinic, new and endowed existing scholarships and athletic programs, and more.

At the Thank-a-Thon, Amyr Walker ’27 spoke about how donor support has transformed his Arcadia experience before inviting University President Ajay Nair to the stage.

“In my first year, I had the opportunity to travel to Barcelona, Spain. I came back with a deeper sense of responsibility for the kind of person I want to become. That experience has already made me a better student, a better teammate, and a better leader. Your contributions help open doors.”

“Nowhere is the power of our unity clearer than in the way in which we stand with our students,” said President Nair. “We show exactly what your united community can accomplish, and today our stories are moving together.
United with purpose and conviction to help our students become world-ready, so they can leave their footprint on the campus community and the world around us. Thank you all for all that you do for our community.”

To further engage alumni in local metro areas, University Advancement hosted two UKT pop-up gatherings on the evening of Dec. 2, with celebrations in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Alumni enjoyed food, drinks, and the opportunity to connect with other alumni.

*The total may fluctuate as the University continues to reconcile gifts.