Countdown set to begin for Upper Iowa University Giving Day

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FAYETTE, IA (04/16/2018) For 1,857 minutes on Wednesday, April 25, Upper Iowa University (UIU) is providing an opportunity to alumni, faculty, staff, current and future students, and friends of the University to make a positive impact in the lives of future UIU students. As part of Giving Day 2018, UIU will highlight more than 10 unique giving challenges that will be unveiled online at uiu.edu/givingday.

"This year's Giving Day theme is based around the university's unwavering commitment to accessible higher education and lifelong learning since its inception in 1857," UIU Director of Annual Giving Naomi Aziz said. "For 1,857 minutes, however large or small amount of support a person can provide through Giving Day will result in a meaningful impact to the future of UIU and its students."

Aziz noted that last year's inaugural Giving Day far exceeded the organizers' expectations. Over 360 donors unlocked 12 challenges and contributed $81,215. Among the targeted funds benefitting from the generosity of alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and other friends of UIU, were the Student Life - Cabby Dean's Fund, School of Science and Mathematics - Churbuck Dean's Fund, School of Liberal Arts Dean's Funds, School of Business Firth Dean's Fund, Andres School of Education - Betty's Team Funds, Peacock Athletic Fund, Team Peacock and UIU Annual Fund.

Giving Day 2018 begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, and continues through 5:57 p.m. Thursday, April 26. Once again, UIU will incorporate a number of interesting, fun challenges that will be unveiled as the event approaches. As they are completed, these challenges often unlock major matching gifts from generous UIU donors. As an example, UIU Board of Trustees Michele Matt, Mary Cheddie and Josem Diaz have committed to matching the funds raised by UIU's Class of 2018. Other challenges are in some cases based on participation rather than the size of the gift; thus, a small donation has just as much impact as a larger one in beating the challenge and unlocking a large matching gift.

Event organizers suggest there are several ways people can show their support for UIU through Giving Day. In addition to making a gift of their choice during the event, participants can help spread the word by using the hashtag #UIUGivingDay, follow the UIU Alumni & Friends Facebook page and other UIU social media to receive regular updates on the progress of individual challenges, and share their favorite UIU photos via social media during Giving Day.

To follow the exciting progress or make a gift, visit the UIU Giving Day webpage at uiu.edu/givingday. Those individuals who have questions about Giving Day or would like to find out how they can be more engaged in the fun challenges are invited to contact the UIU Alumni Office at alumni@uiu.edu or 563-425-5388.

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 5,800 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette, Iowa, campus, 20 U.S. education centers, as well as centers in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.