DEAR WILDCATS, OUR PURPOSE, VALUES & PRIORITIES

At the UK Alumni Association we connect alumni and friends, foster loyalty and enhance the lifelong UK experience while preserving the history of the university. In 2022, we brought our purpose to life by being back together, defining our strategic plan priorities and striving to celebrate this wonderful community.

This annual report highlights the integral role we have in planning and supporting the university’s vision through our programs, our shared experiences, our service and our ability to dream about UK’s future.

One of the decisions we made in 2022 that I am most proud of is the $3 million lead gift we contributed for Alumni Commons, a $9 million project designed to turn a portion of Rose Street into a gathering spot for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. The commons area will serve as a destination on campus where we can connect and build new traditions. Much like Bowman has become a focal point of the campus, Alumni Commons will impact this campus, too. We anticipate its completion and opening by fall 2023.

And speaking of Bowman, the bronze wildcat statue that serves as a friendly ambassador on campus turned 10 this year. Can you believe it? He was installed in Wildcat Alumni Plaza by the UK Alumni Association and named for the university’s founder, John Bryan Bowman. We celebrated the campus icon with party hats, balloons and free ice cream.

In February, hundreds of students, faculty, staff and community members joined our inaugural Founders Day Festival in recognition of the university’s 157th anniversary. What a fun day! We look forward to continuing this fun tradition for years to come. For the 158th anniversary, we’re planning to present the Founders Day Award! It will recognize individuals who personify goodwill and a dedication to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its residents. We’re excited to resume the award recognition and reinforce the university’s land grant mission. Our 2022 Great Teacher Award winners were honored in person at the Central Bank Center in Lexington. It was the 61st year of the award. Since we were not able to recognize the 2021 Great Teacher winners in person because of the pandemic, we invited them to join us and all 12 teachers were recognized on the floor of Rupp Arena. We continue to see positive effects from the membership model change that occurred in 2019 with a steady growth of Active and Life Members. We are grateful for their support as they continue to open doors of opportunity and it’s a privilege to keep our Wildcat family connected to UK. And last, but certainly not least, we are beginning 2023 at full staff. What a difference it makes to have a full house at the King Alumni House. We take immense pride in collaborating with our alumni and friends to advance UK. We have great plans for 2023 so believe me when I tell you that everyone will be working hard. This year has given us a chance to reengage and reimagine. We could not be more grateful for our Wildcat family and the support we receive each and every day. Go Cats!

Sincerely,

Jill H. Smith ’05, ’11

Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement Executive Director UK Alumni Association

OUR PURPOSE

The UK Alumni Association creates opportunities that connect alumni and friends, fosters loyalty to the university and enhances the lifelong UK experience while preserving the university’s history.

OUR VALUES

• Building Community

• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

• Achieving Excellence

OUR PRIORITIES

• Grow the Next Generation

• Empower Alumni

• Expand Reach

• Drive Impact