ALUMNI, ENGAGEMENT AND PHILANTHROPY 2023-2024
IMPACT REPORT
TOTAL GIVING
TOTAL GIVING
$12,662,847.33
Austin Peay State University received 6,094 gifts and pledges from 2,553 donors and achieved a fundraising total of over $12.6 million during the 2024 fiscal year. In comparison to last year, APSU experienced a 11.3% increase in its number of donors and an 28.7% increase in its number of gifts, which exceeds the national trend. The 2024 fiscal year began on July 1, 2023, and concluded on June 30, 2024.
TOTAL RAISED FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024
Over the last three years, APSU has had a 6.2% increase in its number of donors and a 39% increase in its number of gifts.
$7,093,010.05
$7,093,010.05
Giving for FY24 was impressive, with $7,093,010.05 in cash raised. APSU consistently continues to experience an increase in donors and the number of charitable gifts made for student success.
$1,546,401.25
ATHLETIC CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS
$398,731.00
APSU FOUNDATION SPONSORSHIPS
GIVING BY DIVISION
College of Behavioral and Health Sciences
College of Arts and Letters
College of Business
Eriksson College of Education
College of STEM Athletics
University College
Student Affairs
Military Affairs
$972,971 $939,111 $959,532 $395,053 $837,303 $4,074,387 $1,463,012 $457,025 $253,569
ENDOWMENTS
NEW ENDOWMENTS IN FY24
Over the past five years, 92 new endowments have been created at Austin Peay, for a total of over $17 million in endowment funding contributed to improve the future of the Austin Peay experience.
$3.4 MILLION
IN ENDOWMENT FUNDING WAS COMMITTED BY GENEROUS DONORS
FY24 SCHOLARSHIPS
Endowments are permanently restricted funds managed by the Austin Peay State University Foundation. The amount of each scholarship award may vary and will be determined based upon the value of the endowment and the Foundation spending plan. This scholarship total also includes pass-through scholarships which are supported on an annual basis.
$2,567,484 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
1,011 STUDENTS RECEIVED SCHOLARSHIPS
GOVS GIVE
GOVS GIVE
“Govs for Life” was the theme of Govs Give 2024, the University’s eighth annual online giving event. The campaign celebrated all the inspiring stories students, faculty, staff and community members have to share about their experiences at Austin Peay. From 10 a.m. on March 12 to 7:27 p.m. on March 13, donors gave $325,269 to support APSU Funds of Excellence for academics, athletics and Student Affairs during Govs Give 2024.
This year, alumni and friends made 1,160 gifts during the online giving campaign - breaking the all-time record for the number of annual gifts made in the history of Govs Give. APSU faculty and staff members gave during Govs Give for their participation in the SHAPE Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign, which celebrates how faculty and staff use their talents and gifts to shape Austin Peay. A total of 317 APSU faculty and staff members contributed during Govs Give 2024, making the current giving rate for the 2024 SHAPE Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign 35%.
$2,138,053
TOTAL GIVEN IN THE LIFE OF GOVS GIVE
CANDLELIGHT BALL
At the 40th Annual Candlelight Ball, guests raised $237,000, surpassing 2023’s record-breaking total of $162,500, making it the largest fundraising total in the history of the Candlelight Ball. The event was hosted by Austin Peay State University on May 18, 2024 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Funds were raised through gifts made during the event and the live auction. This is the second year in the history of the Candlelight Ball that donations will benefit Funds of Excellence in each academic college and across other major areas of the University.
Wyatt Johnson Kia served as the Governor Sponsor for the event, with Wyatt Johnson Automotive Group committing to serve as the Governor Sponsor for both 2024 and 2025. This year’s entertainment was provided by our newly established Entertainment Sponsor, F&M Bank. Presenting sponsors included Allstate Insurance Agent Kathryn Minniehan, Fortera Credit Union, Steadfast Mortgage, The Steve Nash Team with Keller Williams, Legends Bank, Jenn McMillion with the Make Clarksville Home team, and Planters Bank.
New this year, Monocle sponsorship levels were offered with a portion of funds used to support individual colleges and other areas within the University. Monocle sponsors this year included Regions Bank sponsoring the College of Business table, Jodi’s Cabinet Sales sponsoring the Military and Veterans Affairs table, and a generous anonymous donor who sponsored many of the other University areas at the event.
Candlelight Ball is an Austin Peay State University tradition that raises funds for student scholarships each year. The Ball was established in 1984 by the late Brig. Gen. (Ret) Wendell H. Gilbert to fund APSU student scholarships. Gilbert served as APSU’s Vice President for Development and University Relations for 17 years. Gen. Gilbert passed away in July of 2022, just a few months after his wife Jean. The 2024 Wendell H. Gilbert Award was presented to Charlsie and John Halliburton (‘69). The Spirit of Austin Peay Award was presented to the Dave Loos family.
The 2023 – 2024 Candlelight Ball Committee members are Co-Chairs Jordan McWhirter and Kimberly Wiggins, Lesleigh Averitt, Betsy Baggett, Adrienne Beasley, Candice Coleman, Andrea Goble, Chandler Hamaker, Andrea Herrera, Ginna Holleman, Amelia Magette, Lillie Millan, Kathryn Minniehan, Nicole Rye, Victor Felts and Lorneth Peters.
ALUMNI, ENGAGEMENT & PHILANTHROPY INVOLVEMENT
ALUMNI, ENGAGEMENT & PHILANTHROPY INVOLVEMENT
Community involvement is a fundamental aspect of the Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy, and our team is dedicated to fostering a culture of connectedness in alignment with APSU’s strategic plan. By actively engaging with different organizations and taking on growth and leadership opportunities, AEP contributes to a vibrant and dynamic campus environment.
During the 2023 fiscal year, AEP employees demonstrated their commitment by:
• Being involved in 32 campus and community organizations
• Serving in over 20 leadership positions outside the division
• Volunteering with 11 community service projects on and off campus
• Participating in 12 conferences and training sessions
GOLD STAR FAMILIES
Honoring Sacrifice: AEP’s Dedication to Gold Star Families
Austin Peay State University’s Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy (AEP) has long been dedicated to supporting military families, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Through several key initiatives taken this year, the division is ensuring that Gold Star families — those who have lost a loved one in active-duty military service — receive the recognition and support they deserve. This commitment was demonstrated through the establishment of two groundbreaking scholarships in February and the dedication of a permanent memorial on campus in June.
Retired Maj. Norman and Edna Landis Gold Star Family Endowment
In a significant move to honor Gold Star families, Johnny and Janet Rudolph (’75) made a generous contribution to the APSU Foundation to establish the Retired Maj. Norman and Edna Landis Gold Star Family Endowment. This endowment, named in honor of Janet’s late parents, is the first scholarship at APSU specifically designed to support Gold Star families.
Janet, a military child who graduated from Austin Peay’s School of Nursing, emphasized the immense challenges that military families face based on her own family’s experiences. Her father was a veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam War who served for 20 years in the Army, and her mother raised three daughters while he served on various assignments, “This scholarship is a tribute to both my mother and father,” Janet said. “When a family serves, it’s just as hard on the spouse as it is on the soldier.”
The endowment provides essential support to Gold Star family spouses or children. In cases where no eligible Gold Star family candidates are available, the scholarship will be awarded to qualifying military dependents. APSU President Mike Licari expressed deep gratitude to the Rudolphs for their philanthropy and said the endowment is a lasting tribute to the legacy of military service members and their families.
CTT2 Jamaica St. George Scholarship Endowment
In another heartfelt gesture, Christopher and Jacqueline George established the CTT2 Jamaica St. George Scholarship Endowment with a $25,000 commitment. This scholarship honors their son, Cryptologic Technician Second Class Jamaica George, who served in the U.S. Navy from 2015 until his passing.
The renewable scholarship is designed to assist full-time and part-time psychology majors. Additionally, recipients are required to demonstrate financial need, be involved with the Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center and have experience in tutoring or a willingness to become a tutor.
Jamaica was born on April 8, 1996, in Clarksville, Tennessee. He is remembered as a kind and loving son, husband, brother, friend and exceptional Sailor, and his parents created the scholarship endowment on his behalf to honor his legacy.
Gold Star Family Memorial
Austin Peay’s commitment to Gold Star families extends beyond scholarships. Joseph Brunner, an Eagle Scout from Troop 365, made a lasting impact on the university by installing a Gold Star Memorial on campus. This project, which AEP celebrated by hosting a dedication ceremony on June 6, stands outside the Browning Administration Building as a testament to the sacrifices of 25 Gold Star families within the APSU community.
“I’m very happy that we were able to get this memorial on campus, and that it could potentially be here for hundreds of years,” Brunner said.
The memorial features custom plaques and freshly planted trees made possible through Brunner’s fundraising efforts. Despite initial challenges, he and his fellow scouts raised the necessary $5,000 thanks to community support, including contributions from service groups and local churches.
“This memorial is a visible display of our reverence as a campus for those who have given the last full measure of devotion to our nation,” APSU President Mike Licari said during the dedication ceremony. “We want each student, alumni and friend of the university to know that we recognize the sacrifices their families have made.”
In addition to the memorial, Troop 365 raised an extra $1,700 to fund a scholarship for a Gold Star family member, further highlighting the community’s dedication to supporting those who have lost loved ones in service to the country.
Ongoing commitment
AEP continues to lead the way in honoring and supporting Gold Star families, ensuring that military families’ sacrifices are recognized and their legacies are preserved. The division’s initiatives exemplify Austin Peay’s unwavering commitment to its military community, providing crucial support and a lasting tribute to those who have given their all.
The Austin Peay State University Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy has finalized our Strategic Plan for 2023 - 2028. Known as the Govs for Life Experience, this plan details our goals for growing the ways in which we engage with our alumni, the Clarksville area and the Austin Peay campus community. This plan has been designed to complement the Austin Peay Experience, which is the overall plan for the University. It is our hope that in the coming years, we can fulfill the goals of this plan to better serve you. For questions, please contact the APSU Office of Philanthropy at 931-221-7127 or give@apsu.edu.
Mission
Inspiring alumni and friends through a network of engagement and philanthropic support for Austin Peay State University that creates Govs for Life.
Vision
Our vision is to be a transformational and inclusive network of alumni and friends who remain engaged and invested in Austin Peay State University throughout their lifetimes.
Values
• Integrity - Ensuring honest, authentic relationships and interactions.
• Inclusiveness and Diversity - Bringing everyone to the table.
• Engagement - Keeping alumni and friends inspired and connected for a lifetime.
• Excellence - Striving for the highest quality in all we do.
• Innovation - Expanding relationships and collaboration through philanthropy and long-term support.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY AREAS
Engagement
Expanding a diverse and inclusive network of alumni and friends that remain actively connected to Austin Peay State University.
• Goal: Establish and enrich connections between Austin Peay State University and its alumni and friends.
• Goal: Provide an impactful experience for board members and volunteers.
• Goal: Increase collaboration with faculty, staff and students.
Centennial
Celebrate a milestone anniversary by engaging Govs for Life.
• Goal: Create a centennial celebration, leveraging current events and growing relationships.
• Goal: Implement an inclusive centennial fundraising campaign that is the largest in Austin Peay State University’s history.
• Goal: Further establish an innovative culture of philanthropy.
Capacity Building
Increase resources to ensure continued success and a great volunteer and donor experience.
• Goal: Provide sufficient staff with the right skills to achieve goals.
• Goal: Ensure that systems and technology are in place to support innovation and increased success.
• Goal: Secure space to accommodate alumni, friends, staff and events.
Communications
Effectively communicate with internal and external constituencies.
• Goal: Develop an internal communications and marketing plan for the division to include key messaging and branding to better communicate with faculty, staff and students.
• Goal: Develop an external communications and marketing plan for the division to include key messaging and branding to better communicate with alumni, donors and friends.
WHAT’S YOUR “GOVS FOR LIFE EXPERIENCE?”
We need your help to share the APSU experience with our community! To tell our narrative of why our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends love this University, we ask you to send us your personal Austin Peay story for us to share on our social media pages, and in future email campaigns. Follow all the action @APSUAlumni on all social platforms.
You can tell us:
· Your favorite experience(s) at APSU
· Your community involvement as an APSU faculty or staff member, student or a member of our alumni community
· How someone at Austin Peay has impacted your life
· How someone giving to Austin Peay has impacted your time here
· Why you give back to the University
or 931-221-7127.
