Georgia State University announced on May 12 that its eighth annual Georgia State Day set a new fundraising record, with more than $1.35 million raised. The event surpassed last year’s milestone of the first million-dollar giving day for the university.
The annual day of giving aims to support hundreds of programs that benefit students at Georgia State University. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends contributed to this year’s total by making more than 1,700 gifts from over 1,300 donors.
“For the second year in a row, the Georgia State community has shown GSU students — and the university — extraordinary support by generously powering us to another new Georgia State Day fundraising record,” said M. Brian Blake, president of Georgia State University. “I’m deeply appreciative of everyone who gave on Georgia State Day and am honored by their belief in our mission and ambitious vision for the future.”
Several colleges and units saw notable increases in funds raised compared to last year’s event. Perimeter College led with a more than 250 percent increase in donations. Other areas experiencing significant growth included the School of Public Health (over 120 percent), Honors College (almost 100 percent), Graduate School (50 percent), and GSU Athletics (10 percent).
Challenge gifts played a major role in this year’s success, providing nearly $600,000 through matches or other incentives. The GSU Foundation Board of Trustees issued challenges that resulted in over $200,000 being directed toward student support initiatives such as wellness programs, emergency assistance, and scholarships; almost $110,000 went to intercollegiate athletics.
“The Georgia State University Foundation Board strongly believes in the important role Georgia State Day plays in uniting the GSU community, highlighting student success and uplifting Panthers,” said Kevin Lofton (M.H.A., ’79), chair of the board. “I want to express my deep gratitude to our Foundation Board trustees and leadership donors for their exceptional support and give my sincere thanks to everyone who gave on Georgia State Day.”
University officials say that donations make a direct impact on students facing financial barriers: more than half come from Pell-eligible households and about eighty percent report unmet financial need each year.
“Those of us who work at Georgia State University have the privilege of interacting with students every day — we observe their spark, hear their dreams and marvel at their determination in the face of financial difficulties,” said Allison Calhoun-Brown, senior vice president for student success. “On behalf of all GSU students, I want thank Georgia State Day donors and volunteers for creating career-building opportunities and sending them a powerful message: that we see them, believe in their potential and are inspired by the future they will help shape.”
