As chair of the University of Georgia Foundation, I am proud to share another year of extraordinary progress. Serving the University during a period of such momentum is both an honor and a privilege, and it is deeply rewarding to see how collective support continues to move UGA forward.
This year marked another record‑setting chapter in UGA’s fundraising success. For the second consecutive year, we surpassed $300 million raised, reaching that milestone faster than ever before, and once again setting a new fundraising record for the University. This total included a transformative gift to name the Victoria Kay Ivester School of Nursing. This sustained momentum reflects the commitment of alumni, donors, and friends who believe in UGA’s mission and future. Further, this growth was anchored by a remarkable three-year rolling average of $300 million and nearly 70,000 supporters, both of which highlight the deepening culture of philanthropy at UGA.
With more than $2.7 billion in total assets and record spending back to campus, the University of Georgia Foundation continues to strengthen scholarships, faculty excellence, undergraduate research, and immersive learning opportunities that benefit students across campus and around the world. That impact was on full display during the fifth annual Dawg Day of Giving when every one of UGA’s 20 schools and colleges benefited from a collective show of support that set a single-day record with more than 13,000 gifts totaling $8.5 million.
This year also marked a significant academic milestone as UGA surpassed 400 endowed positions, reinforcing academic rigor while continuing efforts to expand these vital positions and further distinguish the University among our peers. Our shared commitment to student affordability and recruiting the most academically qualified students was underscored with the launch of the “For Georgia. For Generations.” scholarship initiative. Backed by the largest scholarship match by the UGA Foundation in University history at more than $20 million, this effort will amplify donor impact and accelerate both undergraduate and graduate support for students at every level.
The University of Georgia School of Medicine continued to gain momentum with preliminary accreditation, exceptional applicant interest in its inaugural class, and completed funding for the state‑of‑the‑art Medical Education and Research Building. Support for the School of Medicine included $9.3 million in new gifts to scholarships this year, fueling a new era of physician leadership and medical innovation that will transform the healthcare landscape of Georgia.
All of this progress is made possible by the generosity of our donors, alumni, and friends, and by the faculty, staff, and students who bring UGA’s mission to life each day. It is truly a privilege to serve the University at such a moment, and I am prouder than ever to be a Bulldog.
Go Dawgs!
E. Howard Young