FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Private gift support is a critical source of funding at the University of Arkansas, like all institutions of higher education, and on Wednesday, Feb. 23, the campus community will come together to say thanks. The first University of Arkansas Thank a Donor Day, organized by the office of annual programs within University Development, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Connections Lounge of the Arkansas Union.

Chancellor G. David Gearhart will make remarks at noon.

During this celebration of benefactors to the university, students, employees, alumni and friends are invited to sign a hog-sized thank you card and, optionally, offer a few words of thanks that will be videotaped and used in fundraising and stewardship efforts. The intention of the celebration is to bring visibility to the many gifts that may go unnoticed by members of the campus community, and to educate the Arkansas family about the importance of private gifts and how they can get involved. Another component of this event is to acknowledge the donors who are a part of campus each day already — the many faculty, staff and students who choose to support the institution through financial contributions.

“There can never be too much attention given to the impact of private gifts on our campus,” said Rachel Neeley, director of annual programs. “We always thank donors individually for every gift they make, but it is our hope that a public event of this nature will help every person connected to the University of Arkansas realize that we not only need private gifts, we are forever grateful for each one. And no matter the size, each gift makes a big difference.”

During Thank a Donor Day, representatives from the Red, White & True faculty and staff giving initiative will be available to answer questions about the program. Additionally, students in attendance will have the opportunity to learn more about the university’s Class Gift program and student council.