Chancellor Steinmetz Goes 'All In' as the U of A Raises Over $168K on Giving Day

Photo by Matt Reynolds

Students from the Arkansas Alumni Association's Student Alumni Association hosted a Birthday Bash for the university on March 29.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Chancellor Joseph E. Steinmetz and his wife, Sandy, contributed $25,000 to student scholarships through the University of Arkansas’ first online giving day – “All in for Arkansas” – which celebrated the 145th birthday of the U of A’s founding. The event raised $168,404.75 during a 1,871-minute period, March 29-30, in honor of the university’s founding year of 1871.

The gift from Joe and Sandy Steinmetz added to an earlier $25,000 commitment they made to scholarships shortly before coming to the university.

A $100,000 goal was initially set for the event and was attained less than 11 hours after it began at 6 a.m. Tuesday. To celebrate, the university raised the goal to $145,000.

“We want to show our alumni, donors, faculty, staff and students that we are excited about the future of the University of Arkansas,” said Chancellor Steinmetz. “Whether by birth or by choice, we are all Arkansans and should show our support for the state’s flagship when we can. I hope our gift encouraged others to consider how they can support the university in the future.”

Participation was key to the success of All in for Arkansas, and numerous challenges were issued throughout the day to encourage gifts of all sizes. The university did most of the promotion through its social media channels including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Preliminary reports show 993 donors participated in the event.

“We’re nearing the public launch of Campaign Arkansas and the sesquicentennial of the U of A, and we hope All in for Arkansas continues to propel enthusiasm and excitement for our great university,” said Chris Wyrick, vice chancellor for university advancement. “I know I represent the entire Division of Advancement when I say that we’re honored to have Chancellor and Sandy Steinmetz step forward with a lead gift for this effort. Their commitment to the university speaks volumes.

“I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank our Annual Programs staff – under the direction of Rachel Krest – for their incredible organization and execution of this event. They worked tirelessly to market All in for Arkansas to the masses and really pulled off a great accomplishment in an innovative way. The entire division is proud of their success.”

In addition to the social media efforts that took place throughout the day, the university also held a birthday bash for students, staff and faculty at the Arkansas Union. The event was hosted by the Student Alumni Association.

For a complete recap of All in for Arkansas, visit allinforarkansas.uark.edu.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.