About the Centennial Campaign

As the University of Central Arkansas approaches its centennial anniversary, it is time to ask you, our alumni and friends, for a commitment. We ask you to join us in ensuring UCA is a leader in higher education for another 100 years.

UCA leaders have established a clear vision for the new century. This vision includes:

• Creating permanent support for student scholarships, faculty resources and program needs.
• Building new facilities and enhancing the campus to attract and retain top students and faculty.
• Ensuring annual support is available for programs and projects not fully covered by state funding.

Because this is UCA’s first time to seek this magnitude of support, we want to begin by responding to some common questions.

Why is UCA choosing to do a campaign at this particular time?
As UCA approaches its centennial celebration, campus leaders have never had a better opportunity for sharing a new vision for this university. Strong academic integrity along with increased enrollment has challenged UCA to offer additional scholarships, programs and services.

I thought UCA was a state-supported institution. Why do you have to raise money?
UCA, as well as other public universities in the state, have transitioned from being state-supported schools to state-assisted schools over the last 20 years. As this trend continues, the university must make up that funding in other ways, including your generous support.

As the university makes every effort to meet our vision for the new century, we are calling on our alumni and friends to make a commitment to support the future of UCA by making a gift to New Vision, New Century: The Centennial Campaign for UCA.

 

Is this the only time UCA will have a campaign?
This is UCA’s first campaign, but it will not be the last. As state assistance is unable to support increased demands for an affordable, quality education, we must seek continued support from our alumni and friends.

What is UCA going to do with the money it raises?
This campaign will equip UCA to put its new vision into motion. With your support, we will be more competitive for top students through scholarship assistance, and enhance the learning experience through curricular and co-curricular programs. We will continue to recruit and retain expert faculty and equip them with the latest educational tools for teaching and research. We will maintain our position as a leader in technology, and we will continue to provide new programs that are housed in new and updated facilities.

How much am I expected to give?
That is an individual decision. We hope that your appreciation for UCA’s mission of providing a quality, affordable education to future generations is such that you will make a sacrificial commitment in support of UCA. After all, this is an opportunity to invest in the future, which we are confident will pay dividends for years to come.

How long do I have to make my gift?
As UCA alumni and friends, you are encouraged to make your gift in support UCA’s new vision over a three to five year period. We are pleased to offer you a variety of payment options and schedules to meet your needs.

I give to the annual fund, isn’t that sufficient?
Your annual support is vitally important, but we hope you will consider a “stretch” gift beyond your annual gift to help make possible needed facilities, programs, scholarships, and permanently endowed funds.

What is the Margin of Excellence Fund?
Margin of Excellence Fund gifts are made without restrictions. Gifts to the Margin of Excellence Fund support the areas of greatest need as determined by the UCA Foundation Board of Directors.

Can I designate my gift?
While undesignated gifts made to the Margin of Excellence Fund have been the core of our fundraising efforts, we recognize that some donors prefer to direct their gifts to a special program or project. These gifts are very important to the university. You may direct your gift to an endowed scholarship, academic department, athletics program or student services program.

Are gifts tax deductible?
Yes. Gifts to the UCA Foundation are tax deductible to the maximum amount allowable by law. We encourage you to consult your financial advisor for more information.