Campaign for UAFS
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is the catalyst that will continue to lead the region's economic success. By educating the workforce and shaping the minds that will lead new thinking, we will safeguard economic stability for thousands of students and their families throughout western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.
It is more important than ever to retool our industries with employees who understand service and high-tech business and are informed, educated leaders for Arkansas, the nation, and the world. As the region's university, we are keenly aware of our responsibility to prepare educated, knowledgeable, and community-minded graduates for a global society.
The Giving Opportunity campaign for the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is our response to this bright future for the Greater Fort Smith region and the state. We seek $50 million in private gifts to fund our priority initiatives, and we call on our friends and alumni to join us in positioning UAFS for this next level of excellence. The return on your investment will be extraordinary—productive, educated citizens who will energize the region's economic and cultural vitality and lead fulfilling lives.
In March 2009, campaign leaders announced the results of the "silent phase" of the campaign and embarked on the public phase. “The practice of having a silent phase calls for a university to raise a significant portion of the goal before making the public announcement that a campaign is underway and inviting further participation," said Dr. Marta Loyd, Executive Director of the Foundation. “We are so pleased at the involvement we’ve already experienced by members of the community and are excited about what all of us can do together.”
The groundwork for the campaign had begun in 2004 with a $5 million lead gift from Mrs. Donnie Pendergraft, and the silent phase concluded with approximately $31 million raised. Now, with more than $41 million raised, campaign leaders are entering the home stretch and focusing on support for faculty leaders and funding for a new university learning and research center.
Your generosity is instrumental in realizing the University's ambitious plans for Giving Opportunity.
