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.
