What is UK FUSION?

UK For Unity and Service In Our Neighborhood, more commonly known as UK FUSION, is a one-day service event during KWeek festivities in August. Since its inception in 2003, student, faculty, and staff participation has increased each year – from 461 participants in its first year to over 1300 participants in 2007 – quickly making FUSION one of the greatest traditions here at the University of Kentucky.

Now in its sixth year, FUSION gives all UK students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to start off their school year in a helpful way by serving for three hours at a local non-profit agency or area neighborhood residence. Each year FUSION volunteers positively impact the community by providing over 2800 hours of service in one day. Participants are divided into small groups of 10-20 and sent out to various project sites in the Lexington community. Participants may serve at project sites that involve physical labor, such as landscaping or painting, while other sites focus on promoting student interaction with residents, like talking with the elderly or serving a meal at a homeless shelter.

FUSION is a wonderful opportunity for new students to meet returning students as well as UK faculty and staff all while giving back to the Lexington community. FUSION participants spend quality time with Lexington residents and fellow UK students, forming new friendships while gaining a better appreciation and commitment to service in the community throughout the semester.

UK FUSION is one event that you do not want to miss!

Core Values

Each year FUSION strives to:

Reaffirm the University of Kentucky’s commitment to unity and service at both the individual and institutional level
Reinforce the bond between the university and the Lexington community
Build lasting friendships among new students, upper class students, faculty, and staff

Stats and Figures

FUSION 2007

Had a record number of participants with over 1300 UK students, faculty, and staff
Served 62 project sites throughout Lexington
68% of participants were first-year students

FUSION 2006

950 students, faculty, and staff participated
Served 55 project sites in the community
71% of participants were first-year students

FUSION 2005

950 students, faculty, and staff participated
Served 56 project sites in the community
75% of participants were first-year students

FUSION 2004

Over 800 students, faculty, and staff participated
Served 45 project sites throughout Lexington
78% of participants were first-year students

FUSION 2003

Had 461 participants
Served 40 project sites in the community
82% of participants were first-year students