On Dec. 1, the University of Georgia announced the official launch of a fundraising effort with an emphasis on need- and merit-based scholarship support for students across campus. The initiative is designed to attract top students to UGA and expand access to higher education — opening doors, fueling potential and delivering on the university’s mission to serve the state.
This initiative is part of a comprehensive effort to recruit, support and invest in top students while reducing overall student loan debt, with an initial fundraising goal of $75 million. Nineteen million dollars in matching funds is available from the UGA Foundation for new endowed scholarships.
In alignment with this effort, the School of Medicine is highlighting the critical role scholarships play in attracting and supporting future physicians. At the time of graduation, the average medical student has accumulated over $200,000 in medical education debt. By investing in scholarships, donors help alleviate the financial burden of medical education for future physicians. Offering robust scholarship support also provides an incentive for top students to attend the School of Medicine without the concern of financial barriers.
“Scholarships play a vital role in ensuring that talented students can pursue a medical career regardless of financial constraints,” said Shelley Nuss, founding dean of the School of Medicine. “The generosity of our donors provides the support needed for students to concentrate on becoming exceptional physicians.”
Through the generosity of its donors, the School of Medicine has already received more than $10.2 million in scholarship commitments through endowed, current-use and estate gifts.
“Scholarships allow donors to be early investors in the School of Medicine’s success by creating a lasting legacy that will touch thousands of lives through the patients that our graduates will one day serve,” said Hudson Clare, senior director of development at the School of Medicine. “Endowed and current-use scholarships are both vital as we recruit our inaugural class of exceptional students and build a foundation for lasting impact.”
Click here to donate to a scholarship at the School of Medicine, or contact Hudson Clare to learn about opportunities to make a lasting investment in the health and well-being of Georgians.