Bob and Leza Witherington have announced on Apr. 13 a planned gift that will divide their estate equally among four endowments at Augusta University, aiming to support students and programs in areas that reflect their long-standing commitment to the institution.
The couple’s decision is intended to ensure ongoing assistance for students in the Department of Communication, the Medical College of Georgia, AU Cheerleading, and men’s basketball. Their planned gift will fund the Bob and Leza Witherington MCG White Coat Support Endowment for first-year medical students, an AU Men’s Basketball Endowment for scholarships and team needs, an AU Cheerleading Endowment for programmatic support, and a Department of Communication Scholarship Endowment with preference given to first-generation college students.
“We’re fond of education. Students need all the help they can get nowadays, and we don’t have any children of our own,” Bob said. Leza added further context about their personal investment in student success: “We’ve had ‘adopted’ children over the years, kids that I met through the Department of Communication and through cheerleading, who stayed with us, and who we’ve helped through other things.”
Leza has worked at Augusta University for nearly 25 years across several departments including Alumni Engagement, Enrollment and Student Affairs Office, Registrar’s Office as well as serving on cheerleading staff until 2024. She has also been an advisor to AU men’s basketball alongside Bob who volunteers at university events. Gia Johnson, director of Protocol and Special Events said: “Leza is the kind of volunteer everyone hopes for… Leza and her husband are incredible supporters of AU, and their passion for our students… shines through in everything they do.”
Bob’s background includes earning a degree from Augusta Technical College before working on mobility devices at A+ Medical and Eagle Parts & Products. Since retiring in 2021 he has volunteered extensively—including as a counselor at Camp Rainbow supporting children with cancer—demonstrating his continued dedication to service beyond campus life.
The Witheringtons’ connection to Augusta University is also rooted in family history; Bob’s father Roy Witherington was a Medical College of Georgia alumnus who supported medical student scholarships throughout his career. “My father always gave every penny he could to the endowed chair he had at MCG… I think he’ll be happy with us doing this,” Bob said.
Looking ahead, Leza reflected: “Bob and I have talked about this for years… We want to give back to the things that have been good to us… We hope to continue doing so.” Their endowments are expected to provide lasting benefits for future generations.
