University of Georgia donors contributed $242 million last year toward the school's Commit to Georgia Campaign, the second year that gifts and new pledges surpassed $200 million and the fifth year donations have increased.

The campaign’s goal is to raise $1.2 billion for scholarships, learning and research. More than $1 billion has been raised, through more than 140,000 donors, in the campaign that ends in 2020.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” President Jere W. Morehead said about the donor contributions. “Without their strong leadership and commitment to this institution, this level of success would not be possible.”

So far, the campaign contributions have resulted in construction of the Business Learning Community, which includes Amos, Benson and Moore-Rooker halls, named after major donors with ties to Terry College; The West End Zone project in Sanford Stadium, which includes a new locker room for the Bulldogs, space to host prospective players and a new scoreboard; and several dozen endowed faculty positions.

About the Author

Featured

8/26/17 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia leaders, including Gov. Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, members of the King family, and Rep. Calvin Smyre,  were on hand for unveiling of the first statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday at the statehouse grounds, more than three years after Gov. Nathan Deal first announced the project.  During the hour-long ceremony leading to the unveiling of the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. at the state Capitol on Monday, many speakers, including Gov. Nathan Deal, spoke of King's biography. The statue was unveiled on the anniversary of King's famed "I Have Dream" speech. BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres