Report Notes Union College’s Impact on Community

A report published by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities was released this week, and in it several Union College programs are referenced as contributing to the community’s social and economic well-being.

The report, “Private Colleges, Public Good: The Economic and Community Impact of Kentucky’s Independent Colleges and Universities,” measures how these institutions benefit their communities both economically and through the social benefits they provide. The report finds that institutions like Union College have a significant economic impact through the funds they spend locally on operations-related services and items, and through the cash that students, employees and visitors spend off-campus. Independent colleges and universities are also leading employers and revenue producers, according to the report.

In addition to the direct economic contributions already mentioned, Union College was also included in a section on how specific services and partnerships support economic development. The section noted Union College’s 1999 launch of Knox Partners, Inc, the resulting Appalachian Rural Wellness Initiative, and the $12 million center that is part of the initiative.

In the section on public service contributions, the report cited the nearly 6,000 hours of community service completed by Union College students, faculty and staff during the 2003 spring semester alone (part of the year the report covers). Also included are several key programs that either originated at Union, are currently active at Union, or with which the college is a partner: Appalachian Local Pastors Conference, Appalachian Service Program, Common Partners and the Bennett Center. The report also mentions Union’s library and its participation in programs that provide free access to government information for all citizens and public Internet access.

The Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities is a nonprofit organization that supports Kentucky’s 20 nonprofit, non-tax supported, regionally accredited four year colleges and universities. Union College is a member.

For more information about the report, visit www.aikcu.org. To learn more about Union College and its programs, visit www.unionky.edu.

November 10th, 2006

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