Surpassing Goals

DURING CHALLENGING TIMES, ALUMNI AND FRIENDS HELP COLLEGE SURPASS GIVING GOALS

In the 1870s and 1880s, America–and much of Europe–found itself in what historians now refer to as the “Long Depression.” This economic downturn proved incredibly severe in the American South and ravaged many industries, higher education among them. Georgetown College was certainly not immune to this economic fragility of the time, and this string of misfortune peaked in 1882 when the College graduated a total of two students.

Each year staff of this era at the College would wait with bated breath to see if enrollment would top 100 students. Most years, it did not. Somehow, in spite of those troubling times, the College launched a $100,000 fundraising drive (quite a lot of money back in those days) to reverse the College’s fortunes. Of course, alumni, friends, and donors helped achieve this goal, even during what was one of the most challenging economic periods for the College, the region, and much of the world.

“SUPPORTING GEORGETOWN COLLEGE MEANS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST FINANCIAL GIFTS...”

— JOHN DAVIS,

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT

In the early 1930s, Georgetown College once again struggled during an economic downturn, this time the Great Depression. While enrollment had slightly improved since the late 1800s, the College was struggling to pay off its debt during another difficult period. Once again, though, alumni and friends of Georgetown College far exceeded expectations to help the College find steadier footing.

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

Maybe it shouldn’t be surprising that during a global pandemic, when uncertainly seems to lurk around every corner, once again alumni and friends of Georgetown College have stepped up in such a major way to help surpass the annual fund goal for FY21.

With history on their side, College officials trusted that alumni and friends love Georgetown College and would support it fully even during these uncertain times. With a goal of raising $1,750,000 for the annual fund, alumni and friends helped raise $1,769,000 for the annual fund and a grand total of $4.2 million this year, which will directly benefit current and future Tigers.

“The support of alumni and friends of the College has been overwhelming this year,” said Vice President of Advancement John Davis. “Your gifts help us reach more students and change more lives. Seeing your faithful support of our current and future students is so humbling.”

13% 16% 18.5%

2019

OPPORTUNITY FOR GENEROSITY

Much like the term “education” means more than facts and figures learned in the classroom, “generosity” means more than just financial gifts to the College.

“Supporting Georgetown College means so much more than just financial gifts,” said Davis. “It means introducing a student to the College, inviting campus leaders to speak at your organization, or coming back to visit us on campus. We always look forward to connecting with alumni in any way we can.”

As the College enters a new calendar year and enrollment continues to climb, more students than ever need support. Davis added, “I would encourage you to stay connected and do what you can to help current and future Tigers receive that same life-changing education you received here at Georgetown.”

2020 2021

The percentage of alumni making gifts to Georgetown College continues to grow.