UCU Coaches Rally for Summer Service and Giving

Maisie Nelson • May 19, 2025

Although student-athletes may be away for the summer, Union Commonwealth University’s athletic staff is staying busy—committed to building stronger programs both on and off the field.


On WednesdayMay 14, coaches and staff stepped up to support Dear Old Union Day, the university’s annual online day of giving. For the first time, Union Athletics participated in the event, joining in the campus-wide momentum by reaching out to alumni and friends of their respective programs.

Each coach personally connected with former student-athletes and supporters to help introduce a new initiative: The 1879 Club.


Named in honor of the university’s founding year, the 1879 Club invites alumni and friends of Union’s athletic programs to make a gift of $18.79 in support of their favorite team. It’s a simple but powerful way for alumni to stay connected to the programs that shaped their college experience—and to ensure current and future Bulldogs have the resources they need to succeed.


Building strong relationships with former student-athletes is a priority for Union, and the 1879 Club represents an intentional step toward strengthening those ties and bringing alumni back into the fold of campus life.


[PHOTO: At left coaches are seen texting former student-athletes during their Dear Old Union Day initiative. 


While the full rollout of the 1879 Club is planned for this fall, this early effort was just the beginning. Members will receive exclusive updates from coaches, Bulldog swag, and special perks at Union athletic events. The fall launch will provide more ways for supporters to deepen their impact and connection through ongoing involvement.

Then, on Friday, May 16, the athletic department gathered again—this time for the first of four Summer Service Days, each planned ahead of summer new student orientation sessions.


The inaugural service day focused on facility improvements, including painting areas of the athletic office complex and deep cleaning and reorganizing the weight room.


[PHOTO: Coaches work to reorganize and clean the weight room during their service day.]


“There’s something really powerful about coming together as a staff and putting in the work ourselves,” said Clay Butler, Vice President of Athletics. “We talk a lot about culture and leading by example—and this is one way we live that out. We’re proud to invest time and energy into the spaces where our student-athletes train and grow.”

These efforts reflect the renewed momentum and culture of collaboration within Union Athletics—and a shared commitment to preparing for the future of Bulldog sports.


To learn more about Union Athletics, visit www.gounionbulldogs.com.


Lynn and Amanda with Union's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on Union's campus.
By Rachel Dorroh June 5, 2025
This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of Union Commonwealth University. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three Union degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect Union’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors from Bell County High School who have committed to continue their academic journeys at Union. Together, these students have been awarded over $190,000 in scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and athletic talent.
By Maisie Nelson June 2, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is inviting school-aged children to enjoy free swim days every Saturday in June, beginning June 7 at the Center for Health & Learning’s Stivers Aquatic Center. These open swim opportunities are a way to give back to the community and celebrate the start of summer with local families.
Miller standing beside the sign for Conway Boatman Chapel.
By Rachel Dorroh May 30, 2025
After 21 years as the chaplain of Union Commonwealth University (UCU), the Rev. David Miller is retiring this month. Since his first ministerial appointment in 1984, he has served as the pastor of several Kentucky congregations, has taken on leadership roles in multiple Kentucky organizations, and has led countless campus programs and groups dedicated to student development. He says supporting students to find their personal calling, however, has been the highlight of his career.
By Maisie Nelson May 27, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program continues to highlight exceptional leaders across diverse industries — from public service and business innovation to healthcare, marketing, education, and law.
Leadership Tri-County class of 2025 with Andra Butler and Tori Doyle standing at the far right end.
By David Saylor May 22, 2025
Leadership is about more than a title, it's a commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and something greater than yourself. For many, this may mean embracing new challenges or simply striving to make a meaningful impact. At Union Commonwealth University, however, leadership also means investing in the potential of others by creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and collaboration at every level.
Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick holding a mounted camera.
By David Saylor May 21, 2025
As Union Commonwealth University (UCU) sends off its new 2025 class of graduates, another farewell is underway. After 40 years of teaching, researching, and mentoring — 31 of them at Union — Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick, Professor of Communication, will retire this May. During her time at UCU, Marley-Frederick has had a profound influence on the Union community. She led the communication program through years of growth and change, served a decade as a department chair, became a faculty trustee, produced ten years of yearbooks, won several teaching awards, and even ran a coffee shop in the basement of Centennial.
By Maisie Nelson May 7, 2025
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Union Commonwealth University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions provided 120 meal vouchers to teachers at Knox Central High School on Wednesday, May 7. The vouchers were redeemable at The Grub Hut food truck, which was set up on-site as a special thank-you to educators for their dedication and impact.
Students studying in Union's library.
By Rachel Dorroh May 6, 2025
The pre-professional program at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) is growing. New partnerships with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and the University of Kentucky (UK) create clear pathways and unique advantages for students wishing to pursue osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, and engineering.
More Posts