Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) will celebrate the impact of giving on its seventh annual Giving Day, Wednesday, April 22. With the theme “Your Gift, Their Future,” alumni, students, employees and friends are invited to join this one-day fundraising effort to support EKU students.
“Giving Day is about the future of our students,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “It’s a day when we unite as One Eastern, and through our collective support, we can create meaningful experiences that shape their future. Every gift expands opportunity, and together, we can make a lasting impact.”
This year, EKU’s fundraising goal is 2,134 donors before midnight, representing the number of students who graduated from EKU last spring.
Giving Day celebrations on April 22 will include a late-night bingo for students and a Trivia Night for employees and friends. Throughout the day, donors can follow progress on the Giving Day website, where a real-time leaderboard will track contributions and unlock challenge gifts at key milestones, highlighting the collective support of the EKU community.
Gifts made during Giving Day support several university initiatives, including scholarships, academic programs, student resources and other areas across campus. Donors may choose to support the area that matters most to them.
“Giving Day is exciting because every donor can be a part of our goal,” said Krista Rhodus, EKU senior director of annual giving and stewardship. “From a gift of $5 from a student to a major gift commitment from an alum, every dollar combines to make a difference on the Campus Beautiful and helps toward our goal of 2,134 donors.”
In 2025, EKU exceeded its donation goal, raising more than $1 million in support of students – the most funds raised in a single Giving Day since the tradition began in 2019.
Gifts of any size on April 22 help shape the future of EKU students. To learn more and make a contribution, visit go.eku.edu/givingday.
By: Jake Hall
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