Senior Class Giving Campaign: Building a Legacy of Giving and Student Philanthropy
In 2024, the University of Central Asia (UCA) launched its first Graduating Class Gift Campaign, a student-led effort encouraging final-year School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) students to give back to the institution that shaped their journey. The campaign raised US dollars (USD) 1,167 from 86 donors, including 57 alumni and students, reflecting strong appreciation for UCA. This marked the beginning of a powerful tradition.
Building on the momentum of 2024, the Class of 2025 embraced the campaign with remarkable enthusiasm, setting a symbolic goal of raising USD 2,025. By the campaign’s close on 20 June at the SAS Student Awards Night, students had surpassed their goal, raising USD 2,646. This growing tradition is becoming a valued part of UCA’s student life and culture of giving.
The campaign’s success was driven by the dedication of 14 senior students from Naryn and Khorog who made up the Graduating Class Gift Executive Committees. They shaped the campaign with creative, community-focused events such as Zharamazan gatherings, Valentine’s photo booths, shirchoy nights, and a student-run thrift shop - raising funds while uniting students in a spirit of giving.
UCA has given us so much - education, opportunity, and a community that shaped who we are. The Class of 2025 saw this campaign as our chance to give back. By supporting scholarships, we’re opening doors for future students just like others once opened them for us.
Nafisa Khudonazarova, Class of 2025.
A key factor in the campaign’s success was the support of UCA’s extended community—students, staff, faculty, and alumni - who gave what they could to support future students. Some students even chose to donate a portion of their earnings from internships with UCA projects. A donation corner on campus served as a physical symbol of this shared commitment, while awareness activities during major events such as the UCA Co-Op Networking Event, Bazaar, and Diversity Week kept the campaign front of mind.
All funds raised will support the School of Arts and Sciences Scholarship Fund, helping deserving incoming students follow in the footsteps of the graduating class. Through this collective effort, one student’s dream will come true-powered by the generosity and foresight of those who came before.
On 20 June, UCA Chairman Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Advancement and Public Affair Director Malik Kotadia, SAS Dean Dr Maxim Khomyakov, and Associate Dean Dr Kholiknazar Kuchakshoev officially recognised the Class of 2025’s exceptional commitment to creating a legacy of support and opportunity.
UCA has been a home and has given us so much. Contributing back through this initiative feels like a meaningful way to say thank you and leave a lasting legacy for the next generation. It’s not just a gift; it’s a message to our future students that you belong here, and you’re supported
Faryal Nayab, Class of 2025.
I didn’t expect the Class Gift Campaign to be so emotional, but it truly was. It made me appreciate the journey we’ve all had together and gave us a chance to give something meaningful back to the place that shaped us
Najiba Maqbulshoeva, Class of 2025.
The Executive Committee also delivered heartfelt remarks during the Awards Night ceremony, capturing the spirit of the campaign and the legacy it leaves behind:
“We did this together. What began as a campaign has become something more - a tradition of student giving, and a message to those who come after us: You belong here. You are supported. And we’re cheering you on.”
They continued:
“Though we’ll soon leave UCA, a part of us remains—through this gift and the hope that it helps open a door for someone else.
Thank you for believing in this journey. And thank you for helping us pass the torch—with both hands and full hearts.”
With the bar set high, future classes are inspired to continue the tradition, building a culture of philanthropy, shared success, and lasting impact.
