July 15, 2020
by Jere W. Morehead, President
On June 30, the University of Georgia’s Commit to Georgia campaign concluded after raising $1.45 billion, making it the most successful fundraising effort in UGA history. The campaign publicly launched in November 2016 with a $1.2 billion goal—a mark it surpassed 16 months ahead of schedule—and garnered donations from 175,488 donors, who hailed from all 50 states and 62 countries. On behalf of the entire University community, I want to thank each and every person, foundation, and business that contributed to this significant accomplishment.
The campaign launched with three priorities: increasing scholarship support, enhancing the learning environment, and solving grand challenges through research and service. We achieved extraordinary growth in each of these areas during the campaign. UGA donors funded over 3,600 new scholarships, including 528 endowed, need-based awards. Campaign giving helped to construct over 900,000 square feet of new learning and activity space and endow 94 new faculty chairs and professorships—a vital tool in the University’s ability to recruit and retain world-class faculty.
Indeed, alumni and friends have helped our great institution expand its positive impact across Georgia and around the world, and future generations of students will have transformational experiences at UGA because of their tremendous generosity. The Commit to Georgia campaign demonstrates that, with the support of our alumni and friends, no goal or aspiration is out of reach for the University of Georgia. Working together, we can—and will continue—to improve lives and communities through our missions of teaching, research, and service.