The Commit to Georgia Campaign Kickoff Celebration is a special event that allows the campus and Athens community to learn more about private funding and the University’s top three priorities.

“We don’t want students to be in a position of having to make a decision: do I go to the University of Georgia or not because I can or can not afford it.” Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Kelly Kerner said.

President Jere Morehead was enthusiastic about sharing the stage with a few UGA students, but he also made sure to explain how removing financial barriers, enhancing the learning environment and solving grand challenges are his top three priorities.

“The top priority of this campaign is to raise private support for scholarships and need-based aid to ensure that academically qualified students have access to a UGA education regardless of their financial background.”

To UGA Homecoming queen Ashitha Rajeurs, the generosity of UGA’s sponsors and donors have made a huge impact in her life.

“I have benefitted tremendously from private support,” Rajeurs said.

The university says so far, the fund has spent 107 million dollars to award more than 25,000 student scholarships.