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

These kits are being distributed to public schools across Georgia to help students who suffer an opioid overdose. (Courtesy of Georgia Department of Education)

Credit: Georgia Department of Education

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez