UK FUSION History
UK For Unity & Service In Our
Neighborhoods, also known as UK FUSION, is a one-day service event during the Fall Semester Kentucky Welcome Week. It gives all UK students an opportunity to start their semester in a helpful way.
This annual day of service began in the Fall of 2003, bringing hundreds of students, faculty, and staff from UK campus to over 50 project sites. Since 2003, UK FUSION has increased in popularity with incoming and returning students, quickly becoming a big part of UK's Kentucky Welcome traditions.
FUSION 2003
In 2003 it all started with over 680 participants. Of those students over 400 were first year students. A collaborative effort between the Dean of Students and the Student Volunteer Center, UK FUSION '03 was an unqualified success, serving 40 community agencies, and setting the bar high for FUSION '04.
FUSION 2004
In 2004 participation surged to over 800 students, faculty, and staff serving 45 community agencies, many of which returned from the successes of FUSION '03. Of those students nearly 700 were first year students. 2004 was an impressive second year and established UK FUSION as one of UK's most attended new event.
FUSION 2005
In 2005 UK FUSION drew 1000 participants to spend a day at over 56 project sites in Fayette County. Of those students over 850 of were first year students. '05 was also the first year for the FUSION Service Challenge, a competition that recognized UK's top student organization/residence hall for outstanding involvement in UK FUSION. From a roster of twelve, Delta Sigma Phi was chosen to receive the first Service Challenge Award, presented by Lee Todd at a special reception following FUSION 05.
FUSION 2006
In FUSION '06 we moved into the neighborhoods surrounding UK while continuing to serve over 55 agencies in Lexington as well. This event brought the university together with its neighbors and planted friendships that will continue to grow in the years to come. FUSION's participation continued to grow. The Service Challenge Award was presented to UK's Baptist Campus Ministry for their outstanding participation.
FUSION 2007
UK FUSION will mark a year of growth and further commitment to the university's neighbors as well as the community's agencies. Our Planning Team is working hard to make sure this year is like none before. UK students have shown greater interest in leadership within FUSION unlike any year before. We hope you will participate with us this year on August 20th as we reach new levels of service in Lexington!