UK has become one in just a handful of universities in the nation to make a physical step toward promoting philanthropy, by unveiling its new Center for Student Philanthropy.

On Friday, President Eli Capilouto and members of the new Student Philanthropy Board cut the ribbon on the space, opening its doors for future generations of student philanthropists. The spick and span new cubby is one of the many new offices within the Gatton Student Center.

“One of these days, this university will be looked upon as being a university that enhances the promotion and growth of philanthropy… all across this world,” said UK Vice President for Philanthropy Mike Richey.

The center’s existence was plotted by members of the administration in hopes of offering students “opportunities to see the benefits philanthropy can have on their community and on their own lives.”

The space will serve as an epicenter for education on philanthropy, coming complete with a resource library filled with relevant books and materials. The center will also host events aimed at providing hands-on learning to UK students interested in philanthropy.

Because this is the Center for Student Philanthropy, you can expect to find students at the core of the operation. The 27 new members of the Student Board of Philanthropy Board will head the center’s programming and organize philanthropic events.

“When we envisioned the center, we wanted it to be student led and student driven to fully engage students in the giving process and to show them the impact they could make,” said UK associate vice president for philanthropy. “We cannot wait to see what these students accomplish.”

Members of the Student Philanthropy Board were chosen for the various experiences leading philanthropic efforts of their own.

“I would like to focus on today, as just this initial seed of empowerment and inspiration of the endless possibilities that the future of the Center for Student Philanthropy can really hold,” said senior political science major and member of the Student Philanthropy Board Kendall Hitch.

The center’s birth fits neatly into the university’s recent celebration of philanthropist Bill Gatton, one of the university’s largest donors.

“The essence of true giving– giving to those who may never know you, giving on behalf of a cause and mission larger than one’s self, giving as a way of reflecting a lifetime of service to others– is reflected across the University of Kentucky campus,” said Capilouto.