The University of West Georgia community made history this year, raising a record-breaking $4.5 million during the 44th annual A Day to Give West, the most successful fundraising day in the tradition’s 44-year history.
Last week, university leaders, donors and community supporters gathered to celebrate the milestone and the students whose lives will be changed through the generosity of alumni and friends.
During the celebration, UWG President Dr. Michael Johnson reflected on his own journey as a first-generation college student and how A Day transforms opportunities for students and strengthens the university.
“We are incredibly proud of the recent accomplishments of the university – our growing enrollment, our national reputation and rankings, and our economic impact in the region,” Johnson said. “But numbers alone are not the story. The story is a first-generation student – like me – who earns a degree, a scholarship recipient who remains enrolled because someone believed in them, and a graduate who launches a career, supports a family and creates opportunities for the next generation. That is the real impact of philanthropy. That is the real impact of A Day.”
Since its founding in 1982, A Day has united students, faculty, staff and community partners in a shared mission to support the university’s growth and success. The campaign invites the entire UWG community to contribute to the university’s legacy through gifts to the Annual Fund, General Scholarship Fund, Wolves Fund or any area of personal significance.
This year’s A Day Ambassador, Nia-Tyi Montford, was introduced during UWG’s Homecoming celebration – having raised over $1,700. Together, members of the Homecoming Court raised $7,065 for A Day.
In addition to the funds raised on A Day, supporters of UWG Athleticscontributed more than $32,000 to the Back the Pack crowdfunding campaign.
“For 44 years, A Day has represented something truly special about the University of West Georgia – a community that believes in this institution and is committed to its success,” said Allyson Bretch ’14, CEO of UWG’s foundations and vice president for university advancement. “Raising a record $4.5 million is an extraordinary milestone, but what makes it even more meaningful is the collective generosity and commitment behind it. I am deeply grateful to our alumni, friends, faculty, staff and community partners who continue to invest in our students, strengthen our university and help shape its future.”
For more information on how you can support UWG students through an endowment, scholarship or annual giving, please visit the UWG Give Westwebpage.
Author: Miranda Daniel; Photography by Becca Campbell, Sidney Chansamone and Hailey Wilkinson
