Soaring to New Heights

Georgia Southern Foundation Exceeds $110 Million in Assets

For the first time in its 59-year history, the Georgia Southern University Foundation, Inc. reported more than $110 million in assets — funds that support the University and its students.

The number is double the amount of assets from only eight years ago. In 2013, the Foundation reported $50,668,922. Michael R. Sanders, chairman of the Georgia Southern University Foundation, says the new record is an amazing achievement accomplished by a dedicated team.

“Having the Foundation’s total assets cross the $110M mark is an accomplishment our entire University can look on with pride,” he said. “The leadership of the Foundation Board and University Advancement, and the hard work of the Development Team deserve so much of the credit. Our Board wholeheartedly supports and assists with these fundraising initiatives, knowing they reinforce our mission to provide scholarships and opportunities, such as the Eagle Payment Option, to our most valuable resource…our students.”

The Georgia Southern University Foundation, Inc. was founded in August 1962 as a way to support the growth of the University with the help of its greatest supporters — Statesboro and Bulloch County. With the full support of local business people and community leaders, the Foundation raised more than $170,000, a significant sum in ‘60s-era dollars, during its formative years. In 1971, the Foundation raised more than $100,000 in annual donations for the first time.

By 1995, just a few years after Georgia Southern became a university, the Foundation reported $9,165,103 in assets.

Sanders says the new record is not a stopping point, and looks forward to shattering financial records well into the future.

“I want our students, faculty, staff and alumni to know that our University has not reached a goal; we have passed a milestone,” he said. “We, Eagle Nation, have only begun to maximize our potential as we enter the era of ‘Doing more with MORE!’”