Augusta University sets donor record, raises $629K on giving day

More than 1,100 donors – the most in the event’s history – contributed $629,308 to Augusta University during its seventh annual day of giving, Augusta Gives, on March 18.

“Augusta Gives is about investing in a university that, in turn, invests deeply in its community,” said AU President Russell T. Keen. “The impact of Augusta University extends far beyond our campus. We are an economic engine that transforms the lives of our students and strengthens the region we proudly serve. Meaningful partnership with our community is not just part of our mission, but central to our identity.”

“I am truly moved to see our community’s dedication to Augusta University in action,” said Jeff Snow, executive vice president of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. “The excitement of our Augusta Gives power hours and student‑led events, combined with the unwavering support of our alumni, community partners, faculty and staff, showcases the very best of who we are and what we can accomplish in just one day. Your collective generosity fuels the life‑changing and life‑saving work happening every day at Augusta University. We are profoundly grateful for the remarkable impact you make possible.”

Snow may be new to AU, but he and his wife, Mia Alexander-Snow, PhD, got into the giving spirit with a generous matching gift for the “We Are All Champions! Student Match,” wherein gifts made by students to any area were matched dollar for dollar up to $2,000.

AU students showed up strong for Augusta Gives this year, with more than 125 students making gifts through the 2026 Homecoming Court coin wars, participating in lawn parties and driving engagement during power hours, helping secure bonus funding for key university initiatives. When Augusta Gives concluded, an impressive 293 students contributed gifts, placing them second among donor groups, behind faculty and staff at 295, while alumni came in third at 288.

During power hours, a $1,200 bonus was awarded to initiatives or areas that received the highest number of unique donors. Power hours generally see a boost in donations to their respective areas, but the biggest boost this year came during the Athletics Power Hour, when 164 donors showed their support for various programs within AU Athletics.

“Y’all are amazing!! From all of us in athletics, you killed it,” said Kadija Dickens, director of athletic media relations. “Thank you so much for all of your hard work.”

This year’s campaign also reached an exciting new milestone – donations came in from all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., another first in the seven-year history of this giving day.

“The goal of Augusta Gives is participation, to engage the community, alumni, friends, donors, retirees, parents, employees and students to give at any level, driving growth and impacting the future at and through Augusta University,” said Kelly Schulte, director of Annual Giving. “It’s a powerful reminder that Augusta Gives is more than a fundraiser – it’s one day, one community, one powerful difference, because of the people who believe in our mission.”