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

Keep Reading

Kara Amouyal, a parent of a Westchester Elementary school student, speaks as Decatur parents met with Education Planners, a consulting firm, on Nov. 13, at Beacon Hill Middle School in Decatur to discuss the possibility of one of the district's five K-2 schools closing. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Featured

More metro Atlanta sellers are deciding to take their homes off the market, according to a new report. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC