Woodruff Foundation gives $30 million to UGA

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation has committed $30 million to the University of Georgia, the largest single gift ever received by the school, officials said, as part of the university’s $1.2 billion fundraising campaign to increase scholarships and other opportunities for students.

UGA and Woodruff officials made the announcement during a reception Thursday at the Georgia Aquarium.

“We recognize that many bright, hard-working Georgia students face significant financial barriers to attending the university, and that far too many students graduate with burdensome debt. UGA’s ambitious campaign will help ensure both the educated workforce and the leadership our state needs to prosper in future years,” said Woodruff Foundation president Russ Hardin.

The Commit to Georgia fundraising campaign has goals that include improving faculty research, creating more endowed professorships to recruit top-notch educators and setting up more opportunities for hands-on learning and mentorship.

The campaign has thus far raised about $680 million. It hopes to reach the $1.2 billion goal by 2020.

About the Author

Eric Stirgus

Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.

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