Columbus State University Foundation Chair Tim Money '86 speaking to donors at the Sept. 19 Celebration of Support event.

Columbus State University alumni and friends gave more than $5.9 million to the university during its 2023-24 fundraising year, according to newly compiled figures that show significant, steady donor support over the past three years. 

The university celebrated many of its donors on Sept. 19 during a “Celebration of Support” dinner at its Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center. The event highlighted the private support from donors that expand the quality of student experiences in the classroom and the availability of scholarships to fund their educational experiences, such as study abroad trips. 

“The future is so bright here at Columbus State,” President Stuart Rayfield told the crowd. “We have an amazing group of people on this campus who are working day in and day out to support students. But we also have a community—many of you sitting in this room—working every day to support this university. 

“We are at a pivotal moment in this state, and at a pivotal moment for higher education,” she continued, referencing local and statewide workforce needs. “This is an opportunity for our community that has built a foundation of entrepreneurship and innovation and the attitude of ‘Why not Columbus State?’”

Dr. Rocky Kettering, CFRE, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the CSU Foundation, pointed out that the university’s most loyal donors are also excited about the future. Last year, about $4 million was directed to the colleges, including the Honors College. Giving to university athletics reached a three-year high with more than $1.1 million raised. Imbedded into those totals is more than $1.7 million that went directly to student scholarships.

“The university has seen a lot of transition over the last few years, but the support from our community has not wavered,” Kettering said. “With President Stuart Rayfield on board and a newly adopted strategic plan in place, we are poised to make great strides this year in advancing the future of CSU and ensuring success for our students.”

“The state funds good universities, but it’s the community and private giving that funds a great university—and [Columbus State] has support that is unmatched across the [University System of Georgia],” Rayfield said.

Kettering noted that the university’s endowment is nearing $100 million, placing it seventh among the USG’s 26 public colleges and universities. That puts it above its state peers and second only to USG’s research and comprehensive universities.

“We are the smallest school in that category of top seven, but by far the strongest, and that’s because of people like you,” he told those attending the event.

One of the most notable new endowed scholarship funds came from Dr. Ellen Roberts, a former educator and professor who retired in 2019 after a 32-year career at Columbus State. She established two new endowed scholarships. The first of these scholarships honors her parents, George and Norma Roberts. It also pays homage to students who, like Roberts, are first-generation college students. 

The George and Norma Roberts First-Generation Undergraduate Scholarships will award $2,000 each to two students annually, with preference for those pursuing bachelor’s degrees leading to teacher certification. The second scholarship, which pays tribute to Roberts’ devotion to graduate education, will annually award $3,000 to a graduate student.

Roberts (pictured) is among almost 2,300 donors who gave during FY24. They included alumni, friends, corporations, businesses, foundations and private organizations.  

Their support translates to quality instructors and facilities, as well as programs and other experiences that equip students for their chosen careers and strengthen the state and region’s workforce. This also includes quality-of-life opportunities like engaging campus programs and competitive college athletics. Gifts to the university are received by the Columbus State University Foundation, the university’s nonprofit charitable arm governed by a volunteer board of trustees comprised of alumni and community leaders. 

“An investment in this university is an investment in your businesses, your homes, the future of your children and their children,” Foundation Board Chair Tim Money ’86 (pictured) said of the multiplying effect of donations to Columbus State. “It is a pivotal moment for this university to address the human capital needs, and to provide the talent needed for the growth trajectory here in Georgia. You are at the right place, at the right time, to make a huge difference in the lives of people where it really matters.”

Short-term campaigns such as CSU Gives, the university’s annual Day of Giving, inspire alumni support and guide alumni and donors alike to donate toward specific giving areas. The April 2024 campaign set a 24-hours-of-giving fundraising record of $208,607 in donations—tripling the previous giving day record of $63,000 set in 2022. The campaign also exceeded its 540-donor goal with the help of seven alumni-sponsored matching gift challenges.

Visit the university’s website to learn more about ways to give to Columbus State, or make an online donation.