The University of West Georgia celebrated its 40th year of A Day to Give West with another milestone number: a record-shattering $1.59 million.

UWG’s Director of Annual Giving Jess Lassetter said the longevity of UWG’s annual fundraising drive illustrates its importance to students, faculty and staff, alumni, friends, and the entire university community. 

“Philanthropy is critical to the success of our students, and that support allows our institution to meet the needs of our students each and every day, whether that be through scholarships, creating enhanced learning spaces or providing experiential learning opportunities,” he explained. “UWG is so fortunate to have so many generous supporters from our alumni to students to faculty and staff who, every year, answer the call to support our institution as it advances the lives of students.”

University supporters, leaders and key figures in this year’s campaign joined together on campus Thursday evening to celebrate the record-breaking 40th year. During the event, UWG President Dr. Brendan Kelly said A Day serves as the intersection of the three pillars of the university’s strategic plan: relevance, competitiveness and placemaking.

“The University of West Georgia is dedicated to being a first-choice university for the communities to which we are in service that are also striving to be first-choice, and A Day is proof of that shared commitment,” Kelly said. “It is also a time in which we celebrate the outcomes that our supporters have helped to create: enhancing our students’ experiences inside and outside the classroom, fueling our pursuit of excellence, and elevating our visibility and reputation across the state and beyond our borders. For that support, we are incredibly grateful.”

Since 1982, A Day has inspired students, rallied faculty and staff support, and encouraged community partners of the institution to give back to ensure the university’s continued growth and success. 

But although rich in history, there is always room to start more traditions – like this year’s Champions Brunch, which honored A Day board chairs for the past 40 years, and a watercolor print by student Rachel Christianson, which served as an extra appreciation for those who gave $100 or more.

“As a university of the community – rather than just in the community – UWG fosters a sense of belonging and connectedness with traditions like A Day,” said Dr. Meredith Brunen, UWG’s vice president for university advancement and CEO of the university’s foundations. “We are so appreciative of this million-dollar support from our community to advance our institution in service to students so they are better positioned to launch their careers before they graduate.”

In addition to the funds raised on A Day, Homecoming royalty recently raised approximately $14,000 during Homecoming Week to support the A Day campaign, and UWG Athletics brought in $80,000 through a crowdfunding campaign. 

For more information on how you can support UWG students through an endowment, scholarship or annual giving, please visit the UWG Give West webpage.

photography by Miranda Daniel