This was supposed to be a year of triumph and culmination as we marked a successful end to our Commit to Georgia Campaign. Last year began with excitement and anticipation among our University community. However, it ended with uncertainty. Still, I’m convinced this is a proud moment in our University’s history. Together, alumni and donors contributed $1.45 billion. Your generosity and intentionality changed lives, transformed communities, and created new knowledge. For that, we’re incredibly grateful. I also want to thank the outstanding Development & Alumni Relations staff for their work throughout the campaign.

This year, we surpassed a milestone of 500 endowed, need-based scholarships, exhausting all remaining matching funds for the Georgia Commitment Scholarship program. During the last three years, donors established a total of 528 scholarships. Of trustees who were on the board during that time, 61% contributed to this initiative.

WHAT HAS REMAINED CONSTANT THROUGH THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR HAS BEEN MY GRATITUDE. IT IS A DISTINCT HONOR TO SERVE AS CHAIRMAN, AND I AM THANKFUL FOR THE ROLE YOUR GENEROSITY AND RESILIENCE HAVE PLAYED IN MAKING THIS YEAR ONE OF STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE.

More recently, I was inspired by the Bulldog Nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students lost income from part-time employment, causing the Student Emergency Fund to emerge as an immediate need. President Morehead responded quickly, directing $525,000 in private discretionary funds to assist students. The Foundation followed suit, reallocating $125,000 to further help alleviate financial hardship for over 1,800 students who applied for aid within the first three months. In addition, 65% of trustees privately contributed to the Student Emergency Fund, adding to the over $8.7 million trustees gave to UGA this year.

Engagement from our trustees has been felt all year, and current trustees are not the only ones involved. A team of emeriti trustees is developing a five-year plan that aligns with University initiatives to provide specific programs for former trustees. The goal: to create trustees for life. We also welcomed Brett Jackson to the Foundation as our chief financial officer in November. She is a certified public accountant who also serves as assistant vice president for finance and administration.

What has remained constant through the highs and lows of the previous year has been my gratitude. It is a distinct honor to serve as chairman, and I am thankful for the role your generosity and resilience have played in making this year one of strength and endurance. As we move forward into a new era, UGA depends—now more than ever—on your support. I am proud to answer that call, and I invite you to as well.

Sincerely,

John Crawford IV