On Tuesday, Dec. 1, the Arcadia community participated in the international celebration of philanthropy with a record-breaking sixth annual UKnightedTuesday. With awe-inspiring pride and care for the institution, 595 Arcadia alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends joined together to exceed its target, raising $315,949 for Arcadia University’s annual fund, Preview, athletics, student scholarships, and other important initiatives that propel our students to success.

Intentionally raising the bar from last year’s pace-setting total of $129,077, the University, inspired by its community, set an ambitious target of $200,000 in this critical year. In a charge toward the largest, most spirited UKnightedTuesday to date, the community UKnighted and exceeded its target by 157 percent—more than doubling results from the successful UKnightedTuesday in 2019.

In addition, the contributions and efforts of a team of 62 UKnightedTuesday Ambassadors helped to secure more than 115 gifts for a total of $22,583 toward the target. 

For the first time, UKnightedTuesday was an entirely virtual experience. From east coast to west coast and beyond, the spirit of giving and Arcadia pride was alive and well, and the community gathered to celebrate their generosity and the impact of their support during live virtual events. 

On Dec. 1, Arcadians began their day with President Nair, President Emerita Bette Landman, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Brigette A. Bryant, and Board Chair Alison Aaron Madsen ’85 during the UKnightedTuesday Community Kickoff. The UKnighted@Noon programs offered the opportunity to learn from alumni and professionals of Arcadia’s International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) program and the chance to witness an artist’s masterpiece come to life during a live painting demonstration with Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Art & Design Abbey Ryan ’03. In the evening, alumni, students, faculty, and staff could choose to connect in a variety of activities including Arcadia trivia, game nights, and networking events during UKnight & Network sessions.

In the highly anticipated final 53 minutes of UKnightedTuesday, the community gathered for the UKnightedTuesday Celebration. Attendees enjoyed student performances, heard from President Nair and Bryant, announced the recipient of the 2020 Senior Golden Disc Award, Secondary Education and History major Michael Costigan, and celebrated the beloved legacy of Beaver College and Arcadia University in a surprise alma mater reveal. 

In high pursuit of the $200,000 target, and with the end of UKnightedTuesday in sight, the liveliness and outpouring of love and support during the celebration inspired even more donors to step forward in belief of the future of the institution. This included gifts of all sizes, several Jones Poundstone Society gifts, and a $10,000 gift to the BAAAU Preview Travel Support Fund from Lois Haber ’71. Arcadia also revealed that community partner, Delran Builders, made the largest UKnightedTuesday gift with a 4-year commitment of $100,000 to the Arcadia Athletics Fund.

Witnessing the unwavering and purest display of generosity in a year like no other, Bryant was ecstatic as she announced that together, the Arcadia community far exceeded its goal on UKnightedTuesday.  

“I am so stunned by what this community can do when it puts its mind to it,” said Bryant. “This most amazing moment proves what lies within us. We are resilient. We are strong. We have the fight no matter what challenges come our way. Thank you, Arcadia.” 

With five months left before the end of the 2021 fiscal year, UKnightedTuesday provided an encouraging and positive outlook as the University continues it’s fundraising efforts through May 31, 2021.

To learn more about UKnightedTuesday, catch up on the giving challenges, and relive the virtual events, visit uknightedtuesday.arcadia.edu. Community members are invited to make a gift any time throughout the year at arcadia.edu/givenow.