Union Commonwealth University launches “Reimagining Our Residences” campaign to enhance student living spaces

Maisie Nelson • March 12, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is proud to launch Reimagining Our Residences, a $125,000 fundraising campaign dedicated to revitalizing student housing and elevating the residential experience for future Bulldogs. This initiative will fund essential upgrades to Lakeside, Pfeiffer, Stevenson, and Stewart Apartments, creating modern, comfortable, and welcoming living spaces that foster academic success and community.


For generations, these residence halls have been more than just a place to sleep — they have been the heart of campus life. They are where students have built lifelong friendships, pursued their academic dreams, and created cherished memories. Now, UCU is calling on alumni and friends to help refresh common areas, enhance lighting, upgrade furniture, and make other essential improvements that will transform these spaces for the next generation.


“We recognize that a student’s experience extends beyond the classroom,” said Dr. DJ Washington, President of UCU. “Residence halls play a crucial role in shaping that experience. Through this campaign, we have the opportunity to invest in future generations of Bulldogs by creating spaces that foster connection, learning, and personal growth.”

This effort builds on recent enhancements to residential facilities, including the installation of 60 high-efficiency washers and dryers across all housing units earlier this month. With improved laundry facilities already in place, the next step is to refresh traditional living spaces and ensure that every student feels at home at UCU.


How to Give

• General Donation: Support the overall dorm refresh by leaving the “Special Instructions” box blank. Your gift will be directed to the areas of greatest need.

• Specific Dorm or Item Donation: If you’d like to fund a specific dorm or item, please include your preference in the “Special Instructions” box.


“For many alumni, like myself, their residence hall isn’t just a building — it’s where lifelong friendships were formed, late-night study sessions were held, and, for some, where they met their future spouse,” said Maisie Nelson ’11, Interim Vice President of Development & Communications. “That’s why we’re inviting alumni to be part of this transformation, whether by supporting the overall campaign or designating a gift to the hall that meant the most to them.”


With various giving levels available, alumni and friends can directly impact students' daily lives and help shape the future of UCU housing.

Your Dorm, Their Future: Invest in the Next Generation

Learn More & Donate
group photo of 25 students who make up the newest cohort of Presidential Fellows
By Ford Edwards September 17, 2026
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has welcomed the second cohort of its Presidential Fellows Program, the leadership initiative designed to prepare students for success through mentorship, career development, and hands-on professional experience.
By Maisie Nelson September 15, 2026
Building on the success of the Tuition-Free Pathway launched in Knox County last year, Union Commonwealth University is extending the initiative to the Class of 2027.
drone shot of football field during a game with crowd
September 11, 2026
On Family Day, students from around our region have parents and grandparents in the bleachers. However, our international students’ parents aren’t always able to make that trip. That's especially true of our men's and women's soccer rosters, where most players are from across the globe, and the games fall at the end of
4 students sitting on top of the campus spirit rock making a
By Maisie Nelson August 6, 2026
Union Commonwealth University is preparing to welcome what is anticipated to be the largest freshman class in the institution's history as students return to campus for the Fall 2026 semester.
Photo of former First Lady Juanita Fhillips and President, Rev. Dr. Jack Phillips
By Maisie Nelson July 27, 2026
Union Commonwealth University mourns the passing of former president, Rev. Dr. Jack Carter Phillips, who died on June 30, 2026, at the age of 91 in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Middlesboro pool patrons enjoy donated equipment
By Ford Edwards June 9, 2026
Union Commonwealth University donates over 6,000 in equipment to Middlesboro City Pool
Eli Sizemore and Cameron Winebarger standing with their poster on traveling to Montana.
By David Saylor May 19, 2026
This April, Union Commonwealth University’s Circles of Purpose grant program came to a close, completing a two‑year journey of vocational exploration made possible through funding from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges.
photo of students in their cap and gown walking in the processional
By Maisie Nelson May 13, 2026
Union Commonwealth University celebrated its 137th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9, as 287 graduates crossed the stage inside Robsion Arena to receive their degrees and begin the next chapter of their lives.
By Brandy Crase May 1, 2026
Union Commonwealth University and Rural Up recently celebrated a major milestone with the Presidential Fellows Showcase & Reception, recognizing the success of the first cohort of the UCU Presidential Fellows Program, powered by Rural Up. More than a student achievement event, the showcase highlighted what can happen wh
By Maisie Nelson April 30, 2026
Union Commonwealth University continues to build momentum through its Knox County Pathway initiative, awarding more than $2,180,197 to local students as part of its commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable.