Letter from the Foundation Chair

A year ago, we reached the end of our successful Commit to Georgia campaign, but we also found ourselves in a world requiring more goodwill and generosity. So even as we strode past one finish line, we started a new race to build a brighter tomorrow. Thanks to generous donors and a dedicated staff, we raised over $200 million, and the net assets of the Foundation’s endowment reached more than $1.8 billion. We also achieved an investment return rate above 35%, the highest in the Foundation’s history. The impact of those returns will be felt for years.

Private support continued to enhance and expand UGA’s unparalleled learning environment, attracting the finest students, researchers, instructors, and public servants. We supported new endowed faculty positions like the John H. “Johnny” Isakson Chair for Parkinson’s Research. The GRA Eminent Scholar hired to fill the position will also lead UGA’s Center for Brain Science and Neurological Disorders.

We rallied around our students. In 2020-21, the board provided more funds than ever to support students facing financial hardships, including those caused by the pandemic. As we commemorated the 60th anniversary of desegregation at UGA, donors contributed to support new and existing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This year’s Giving Week featured matching funds from the UGA Foundation to incentivize contributions, and we raised over $2 million from more than 4,000 donors.

Finally, the emeriti trustees launched and surpassed a $10 million fundraising campaign, gaining approval from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents to transform the UGA Honors Program into the Jere W. Morehead Honors College. We have 100% participation among current trustees and 75% participation among emeriti trustees in this effort.

It’s been an incredible honor to serve as chairman of the UGA Foundation. In this role, I’ve stood alongside comrades in a mission of service and witnessed dreams become reality. As I step aside at the end of my term, I do so with confidence because a new leader, Neal J. Quirk, is ready to take the helm. His words will grace this page a year from now, and I can only imagine the accomplishments they will relay.

Sincerely,

John Crawford IV