Fundraising Campaign
With gifts and pledges totaling more than $11 million, “The Pillars for the Future Campaign” for Georgia College has exceeded its goal.
“I am elated,” said Campaign Chair Stan Wilson, ’77, who reported Monday that the Georgia College & State University Foundation actually raised more than $11 million, more than half a million dollars more than its $10.35 million goal.
Wilson said he was astounded by the commitments of the donors, the excitement and diligence of the GCSU Foundation staff and the tremendous response by the Georgia College faculty, alumni and friends.
“We entered this campaign—the first comprehensive fundraising campaign the college has ever undertaken—in the most challenging of times,” said Wilson. “But we had real needs and a great story to tell. The campaign’s strong reception on and off campus left me awed by the generosity and sense of community that followed.”
The success of the campaign has an immediate impact on student scholarships, faculty endowments and program support, Wilson noted.
The $11 million, made possible by thousands of donors, includes funding for a variety of programs
Campaign committee member and former Foundation Board Chair Tad Brown said that he was humbled by the loyalty, passion and diversity of donors.
“It is one thing to make a donation, quite another to give,” remarked Brown. “The thoughtful responses to the campaign reflected a keen understanding of the mission of the college and the importance of liberal arts education today.”
More than 450 Georgia College staff and faculty members contributed to the campaign.
“That the rank and file showed such commitment to the programs they steward and the students they mentor was nothing short of inspirational,” said Brown.
Campaign member and Georgia College alumna Jo Slade Wilbanks, ’69, said the success of the campaign highlights that “Georgia College, the state’s designated public liberal arts university, is a jewel in the USG system, providing quality educational opportunities worthy of continuing private support.”
Those who donated more than $10,000 to the campaign will have their names inscribed on benches in the Russell Auditorium plaza.
Vice President for Exter
nal Relations and University Advancement Amy Amason remarked that the strong leadership of the campaign committee was paramount in its success.
“We simply could not have accomplished the goal without our volunteers’ tireless efforts and constant attention,” said Amason. “The committee was terrific.”
Pete Robinson, current Chair of the Georgia College & State University Foundation Board of Trustees, takes particular pride in the campaign’s success. “I feel particularly gratified to stand at the helm after such a resounding effort,” said Robinson. Not one to rest, however, Robinson noted meaningful opportunities still exist.
“While the Pillars Campaign has officially ended,” he said, “we are still seeking gifts to further the university’s unique mission. We have diverse philanthropic opportunities for scholarships, programs and campus improvements.”
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