Building a Legacy of Opportunity: The Class of 2026 Gift Campaign
As the University of Central Asia's (UCA) Class of 2026 prepares to embark on the next chapter of their lives, they leave behind more than academic achievements, friendships, and memories. They leave a legacy of generosity.
Through the 2026 Graduating Class Gift Campaign, graduating students, alumni, faculty, and staff from UCA's School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) came together to raise USD 3,440 in support of the SAS Scholarship Fund, helping future students access the same transformative educational opportunities that shaped their own journeys.
Launched in 2024 as a student-led fundraising initiative, the Graduating Class Gift Campaign has become a meaningful tradition that allows graduating students to express gratitude to the institution that has become a second home during their years at UCA. Each graduating class has built upon the efforts of those who came before, helping to foster a growing culture of philanthropy within the University community.
The Class of 2025 set a symbolic fundraising goal of USD 2,025 and successfully achieved it, demonstrating the power of collective giving. This year, the Class of 2026 carried that momentum even further, surpassing previous fundraising records and raising an impressive USD 3,280. Together, the graduating classes of 2024, 2025, and 2026 have now contributed nearly USD 7,800 to support future generations of UCA students.
At the heart of this year's campaign were 15 senior students from UCA's Naryn and Khorog campuses who served on the Graduating Class Gift Executive Committees. Balancing demanding academic schedules, internships, thesis projects, and extracurricular commitments, these student leaders dedicated countless hours to organising events, engaging donors, and promoting the campaign across the University community.
Environmental and Earth Sciences student Dilnoza Mamadrizobekova highlighted its impact on community building:
"The Senior Gift Initiative showed me that giving back is not only about making a contribution but also about strengthening the sense of community that defines UCA. Through the campaign's events, we had the opportunity to connect with people across campus, and this experience strengthened the bond within our class, bringing us closer together as we approach graduation."
Communications and Media student Ayana Supueva described the initiative as an opportunity to reflect on her university experience.
"Honestly, I can hardly believe that five years of living and studying in Naryn at UCA are coming to an end. Joining the Gift Initiative allowed me to fully appreciate this moment, reflect on my journey, and give something back in gratitude for everything UCA has given me."
For Global Economics student Syed Shujaat Ali, the campaign carried a deeply personal significance.
"UCA didn't just give me an education — it gave me community, a purpose, and the belief that someone from a small mountain town belongs in any room. Through this campaign, I found a way to give back in gratitude, and to help open that same door for the students who come after us."
