This is the University of Kentucky's institutional commercial for the 2024-25 academic year. In this spot, you hear the voices of students, graduates, faculty and staff who work every single day (and night) to teach, discover, serve, learn and care. Their efforts to advance Kentucky reflect the mission of our University. Video produced by UK Public Relations Strategic Communications and UK Marketing and Brand Strategy. Script written by Deidra White. Special thanks to UK Research Communications.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2024) — As a new academic year begins at the University of Kentucky, President Eli Capilouto shares a special message about the people across our campus who are motivated to teach, learn, serve, lead, discover and heal as we work to advance Kentucky. 

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Campus Community,

As we welcome back our students, I am reminded of our “why.” 

Last week, I saw it in the smiles of our facilities staff — who were joined by hundreds of other faculty, staff and students — as they volunteered to help move in the newest members of our Wildcat Family. They didn’t just help move carts — they provided much-needed comfort and reassurance to these students and their families.

I see it in the way our faculty are dedicated to providing an education that will best prepare our students for lives of meaning and purpose. 

I see it in the physicians, nurses and staff who work to comfort, treat and heal an increasing number of patients at our hospitals and clinics in Lexington, Ashland, Morehead and beyond.

I see it in our students who put others first, as they stop to help a new Wildcat find their way across campus or mentor younger peers. 

We may all have a different “why” as we work to learn, serve, teach, heal and discover, but our efforts ladder up to a common mission — to build a healthier and stronger Commonwealth.

That is why, this year, I would like to focus many of my campus messages on the people of this community. Our institutional television spot, which I shared earlier this month, highlights just a few of them. 

My goal is to share more of their stories — your stories — in the coming year. 

Thank you for your “why” and for all that you bring to this special place as we work together — as a community — to advance Kentucky. 

Eli Capilouto
President