The University of Kentucky Women & Philanthropy Network was formed at the request of Former President Lee T. Todd, Jr. More than an organization, Women & Philanthropy is a movement, a network - a gathering of like-minded individuals who are joining their collective talents and resources to make a positive impact on the University and its extraordinary students. During our first year, Women & Philanthropy was able to award $169,000 in need-based scholarships to 39 UK undergraduate students.
These significant scholarship awards were made possible through pooling our membership gifts. We decided as a group that these scholarships would be given to students from different disciplines across campus. We awarded scholarships to Appalachian and minority students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (AMSTEMM), and to other students involved in the health and education through extension leadership (HEEL) program. We likewise provided scholarships for study abroad, and for study on violence against children. We were also able to give scholarships to students in UK's opera program, and in the symphony orchestra program.