Column by Shaun Denney

On behalf of the Student Development Council, I would like to welcome everyone back for what is sure to be a great fall semester at the University of Kentucky. With football season underway, Keeneland and Big Blue Madness right around the corner and Labor Day weekend behind us, there is much to be excited about as we enter the 2009-2010 school year.

For those of you who are not familiar with SDC, we are a student organization whose mission is to create awareness among students about the importance of private giving to the University of Kentucky. As students, we often fail to associate the prestigious scholarships and latest buildings throughout campus with philanthropy. The generosity displayed through these gifts comes from some of our most successful alumni who have given back to the university that has meant so much to them. Their kindness is helping the University of Kentucky to accomplish its mission of becoming a Top 20 public research university by the year 2020.

We recently dedicated our 15th historical marker, a product of our senior gift program known as the Senior Challenge. This year’s marker is entitled “What’s in a Name” and is a gift from the Class of 2008. Located in front of Lafferty Hall on Central Campus, this marker serves to commemorate the evolution of the University of Kentucky’s name from its beginning as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky in 1865 to what we all know today as the University of Kentucky. Thanks to Dr. Todd and others who attended, this event was a great success, and we look forward to continuing this great tradition with the Class of 2010.

Each spring, SDC also awards ten $1,000 scholarships to UK students. The Joseph P. Kennedy Student Development Council scholarships are made possible through the generosity of the Kennedy Bookstore and are awarded to students who display excellence both in the classroom and the community. Because of these scholarships, SDC is able to reach out and reward students who have invested their time and resources into UK and have fully embraced its culture. Be on the lookout for our scholarship applications early in the spring semester!

With the current economic downturn, the importance of private giving is greater than ever. In order for UK to achieve its goals and aspirations to lead the state forward in the coming years we must find ways to continue our progress with the support of alumni and friends who have enjoyed the traditions of this university as much as we do. Believe it or not, the attitude of giving and wanting to share the opportunities we have all enjoyed at UK starts with each one of us as students today.

SDC hopes that each of you enjoy this year as much as possible, participating in the many great traditions that have come to embody the ‘See Blue’ experience at UK. If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a member of SDC, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you on campus this coming year!