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More than 2,500 Donors Go 'All In' for Lindsey Wilson University, Give $874,211

Campaign's theme demonstrates 'the power of us.'

by Duane Bonifer

COLUMBIA, Ky. (09/17/2026) — In 48 hours, more than 2,500 alumni and friends were "all in" for Lindsey Wilson University as they combined to donate $874,211.

That's an increase of more than $36,000 over the 2025 All In campaign, which raised $838,252 on Sept. 15-16.

"I want to thank each and every person who took the time to be 'all in' for Lindsey Wilson, especially the students who participated in the process and the work by Vice President for Development Kevin Thompson and his incredible staff," said Lindsey Wilson President William T. Luckey Jr.

The theme of this year's All In campaign was "The Power of Us," and "us" certainly rallied to support the university's students. The money raised will be used to benefit numerous student needs, including academic programs and scholarship aid.

"We're extraordinarily thankful for the generosity of our alumni and friends," said Lindsey Wilson Director of Annual Giving Travis Smith '05. "Their belief in and commitment to our mission is truly amazing, and our students will experience the benefits of their support in numerous ways."

Throughout the 48-hour period, several Lindsey Wilson alumni and friends posted video messages on the university's YouTube channel, providing campaign updates and extolling the virtues of making a gift to support Lindsey Wilson students and academic programs.

"We are so fortunate to have Lindsey Wilson University in our community," said Columbia Mayor Pam Hoots '75. "They make Columbia a great place -- every student, every day."

Lindsey Wilson Student Government Association President Luke Popplewell '29 of Russell Springs, Kentucky, took time off from Malvina Farkle Day, the university's annual day of service, to thank alumni and friends for supporting the university's students and academic programs.

Alumni also recalled how their Lindsey Wilson experience shaped their careers.

"It gave me so many opportunities and opened doors for my career," said Samantha Rich '15, a fourth-grade teacher at Adair County Elementary School.

Supporting enhanced academic and cocurriculuar opportunities for students -- such as the Lindsey Wilson Singers, study abroad and the R.V. Bennett Honors Program -- was a big part of this year's All In campaign. And as alumni pointed out, those opportunities are what make a difference in students' lives.

"I did not dream or imagine the opportunities Lindsey Wilson would provide," said Rich's husband, Will, also a 2015 graduate who is Adair County Elementary School assistant principal.

Lindsey Wilson University is a vibrant liberal arts university in Columbia, Kentucky. Founded in 1903 and affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the mission of Lindsey Wilson is to serve the educational needs of students by providing a living-learning environment within an atmosphere of active caring and Christian concern where every student, every day, learns and grows and feels like a real human being. Lindsey Wilson offers 30 undergraduate majors, five graduate programs and a doctoral program. The university's 29 intercollegiate varsity athletic teams have won more than 120 team and individual national championships.

Media Attachments

Lindsey Wilson Director of Annual Giving Travis Smith ’05 records a video message on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from Will and Samantha Smith, both 2015 alumni who serve at Adair County Elementary School, during the 48-hour All In for LWU campaign. The campaign raised $874,211 from more than 2,500 donors.

Lindsey Wilson Director of Annual Giving Travis Smith ’05 records a video message on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from Columbia Mayor Pam Hoots ’75 during the 48-hour All In for LWU campaign. The campaign raised $874,211 from more than 2,500 donors.

Lindsey Wilson University students gather in front of the John B. Begley Chapel on Wednesday, Sept. 16, the final stages of the university’s 48-hour All In for LWU campaign. The campaign raised $874,211 from more than 2,500 donors.

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