University of Georgia president Jere Morehead delivering his state of the University address this afternoon. The president discussed some of the accomplishments over the past year, including the success of the Commit to Georgia fundraising campaign.
“Creating over 500 endowed scholarships, totaling a commitment of more than $77 million dollars to help students from low-income backgrounds earn a degree,” according to Morehead. “Last year, 16 months ahead of schedule we surpassed our $1.2 billion campaign goal. We now have our sights set even higher.”
Morehead also mention the financial impact UGA has on the state.
“We are invested in the prosperity of our communities and it’s no wonder that our annual economic impact on the state has now risen to an estimated at $6.5 billion.”
Student achievement was also a topic of discussion during the address.
“Our completion rates increased again. Now 87 percent of students finishing their degrees in six years, and 69 percent finish in in four. Well above our peers, I might add.”
Morehead also announced a $3.5 million gift from Delta Airlines to complete renovation on the Spring Street Building, part of a $5 million pledge from Delta that will also support the student success center in the College of Engineering.
The Spring Street Building will open in January 2021 as the second capital project of the Innovation District and will provide space for project-based learning, startup companies, and industry collaboration.