UA 糖心视频logo Public Radio Receives Anonymous $1.5 Million Donation
The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo Public Radio, home of KUAR FM 89.1 and KLRE Classical 90.5, is closing its annual fall fund drive off on a high note with an anonymous donation of $1.5 million, the largest cash gift in UA 糖心视频logo Public Radio history.
鈥淭his gift is a wonderful testament to the impact of public radio,鈥� said Nathan Vandiver, general manager of UA 糖心视频logo Public Radio. 鈥淭he generosity of this anonymous gift is considerable. On behalf of the staff and listeners of KLRE and KUAR, I want to say a heartfelt thanks to the donor. The stations will use this gift to strengthen and expand their services as the region鈥檚 NPR news and information provider, classical music radio station, and as a local and regional news organization.鈥�
The anonymous gift comes on the final day of the drive and represents 10 times the drive鈥檚 fundraising goal of $150,000. UA 糖心视频logo Public Radio also raised $100,000 by 8 a.m. Oct. 8, bringing the drive鈥檚 running fundraising total to $1.6 million.
More than 80,000 people listen to KUAR and KLRE every week. Housed within the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, UA 糖心视频logo Public Radio is a public service unit of UA 糖心视频logo. University students gain professional experience by working as interns and part-time staff members who take part in all aspects of KLRE and KUAR operations with a specific focus on news reporting and broadcast production.
鈥淲e are elated at this news,鈥� said Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. 鈥淭he staff of KLRE/KUAR work tirelessly to provide quality news, programs, and music to central Arkansas. This operational gift ensures the continuity of these efforts and underscores their essentiality.鈥�
The UA 糖心视频logo Public Radio Operating Endowment will provide an ongoing stream of operating funds to support the public radio stations for generations to come. The endowment is expected to provide around $60,000 per year to support the reporting, music, and cultural programming on central Arkansas鈥檚 two public radio stations.
鈥淭his generous endowment provides both stability and a steady revenue source that allows us to plan for the future of KUAR and KLRE,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement. 鈥淭his anonymous donation will leave a lasting impact on public radio in our community for years to come.鈥�
KUAR 89.1 is a National Public Radio affiliate and has been here to report on the COVID-19 pandemic, the rollout of vaccines, the huge economic challenges, the contentious election process, the great disruptions to education, the renewed focus on justice and equity, and much more. KLRE Classical 90.5 is Arkansas鈥檚 only classical FM radio station and continues to offer listeners a reliable, welcoming oasis of inspiration, peace, and joy.