USAO Celebrates Record Breaking Giving Day
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma has officially shattered its previous fundraising records, announcing a preliminary total of $160,000 raised during the 10th anniversary of its annual Giving Day. This year’s event saw a massive surge of participation, driven by a community of generosity and impact.
“To see the community show up and help us exceed such an ambitious goal is so exciting,” said Shelby Hurst, USAO’s Director of Development. “We are seeing a shift where the community isn’t just watching from the sidelines – they’re becoming active participants in the success of our students.”
The funds raised are earmarked for a wide variety of programs, with a heavy emphasis on student scholarships. According to the team, scholarships seemed to be the recurring theme of the day, as donors moved to beef up both general endowed funds and specific family named scholarships.
Before Giving Day officially began, a large percentage of the goal had already been pledged thanks to 100 percent participation from the University Regents and Board of Trustees. Additional support came from many local businesses, making USAO’s 10th annual Giving Day one of the most community-driven fundraising events in the university’s history.
Hurst credits the success of the event to the leadership of Dr. Kayla Hale, President of USAO, whose vision and support were instrumental in bringing the event to life.
“These gifts reflect the power of partnership between our campus and the broader community,” said Hale. “Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities for our students by strengthening the support systems that surround them and investing in their success. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and shared commitment that make this collective impact possible.”
If you missed out on Giving day, there’s still time to make a difference. You can show your support by visiting usao.edu/giving or by contacting shurst@usao.edu. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly benefits our students by enhancing academic programs, expanding scholarship opportunities, supporting campus improvements, and addressing emerging university needs across the university.
ABOUT USAO:
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts college. Located in Chickasha, USAO is a distinctive institution offering a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. With a focus on broad-based education and civic responsibility, USAO prepares students to become well-rounded, adaptable leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
Contact: Hannah Thompson | 405-574-1362