By: Michael MacEachern
Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | Georgia College & State University Athletics celebrated a successful Day of Giving campaign, bringing together 1,368 gifts and raising over $243,000 in support of Bobcat student-athletes.
The campaign reached 114 percent of its donor gift goal, representing a 16.5 percent increase in the number of gifts compared to last year. Dollars raised also increased by six percent, demonstrating the continued commitment of alumni, families, friends, current players, fans and supporters to the success of Bobcat Athletics.
The generosity of the Bobcat community provides meaningful support for GCSU student-athletes, helping the department enhance the student-athlete experience and meet the needs of its athletic programs. These contributions help support the resources, opportunities and experiences that allow student-athletes to compete, develop and succeed both on and off the field.
"Day of Giving is a powerful reminder of what makes the Bobcat community so special," said Assistant Director of Athletics Partnerships Hampton Pelton. "The generosity we saw from our donors is more than reaching a fundraising goal. It is about making a difference for our student-athletes right now. Every gift helps provide opportunities that strengthen our programs and enhance the experience of being a Bobcat. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who chose to invest in our student-athletes and be part of this success."
GCSU Director of Athletics Wendell Staton emphasized the importance of community support in advancing the department's mission and providing student-athletes with the best-in-class collegiate experience.
"We are incredibly thankful for the outpouring of generosity from our Bobcat family," said Staton. "Raising nearly $250,000 and exceeding our donor goal reflects the belief our alumni, families, friends and supporters have in our student-athletes and the future of Bobcat Athletics. These gifts make a meaningful difference by helping us provide the resources and assistance our student-athletes need to grow, compete and succeed. We could not accomplish this without the commitment of our community, and we are proud of what we have achieved together."
The success of this year's campaign reflects the collective impact of a community united by its commitment to GCSU and its student-athletes. From alumni and families to current players and dedicated fans, every contribution helped move the department closer to its goal of delivering an exceptional student-athlete experience.
GCSU Bobcat Athletics extends its sincere appreciation to every donor who participated in this year's Day of Giving. The department looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to provide student-athletes with opportunities to excel academically, athletically and personally.
About GCSU Athletics
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for five consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 13 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won six consecutive Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence and is a two-time winner of the PBC Commissioner's Cup and a four-time winner of the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in postseason competition as well as high-level academic success and community service involvement. Bobcat Athletics embodies the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life."