February 29, 2024

While CSU GIVES kicks off officially on April 9, Columbus State University campaign volunteers are already mobilizing to share how this year’s fundraising effort tells the story of philanthropic impact. With a goal of encouraging 540 donors to give through the 24-hour campaign, the university’s story is as much about inspiring its alumni and friends to get involved as it is about raising funds to support its students’ academic and professional dreams.

“CSU GIVES is about more than donations to Columbus State. It’s a time to celebrate the impact of philanthropy on our campus and to empower today’s students to be our community’s future leaders,” said Katie Evans, Columbus State’s director of annual giving and alumni engagement.

The goal—540 donors—isn’t arbitrary, according to Evans. The university’s beloved mascot, Cody the Cougar, turns 54 in April, and the CSU Alumni Association is ready to celebrate his birthday and a successful fundraising campaign.

“The CSU Alumni Association Board of Directors is ready to spread the word about CSU GIVES! The event brings a buzz to campus and the greater CSU community,” said the association’s president Twilya Toombs ‘05. “We hope to see many of our proud Columbus State alumni as part of those 540 donors!”

Columbus State will celebrate Cody’s birthday—and its alumni and friends’ CSU GIVES generosity—at a community-wide birthday party on Wednesday, April 10. The party begins at 5 p.m. during the university’s softball double-header against the University of West Georgia. Admission to the party, and the games at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., is free.

The campaign will feature some friendly competitions between Greek Life chapters and athletics teams during the 24 hours of giving. Dr. Margie Yates—dean of the College of Education & Health Professions and a Columbus State alumna herself—is rallying the troops in her college as they compete with other academic colleges for the coveted Dean’s Battle Trophy.

“The College of Education & Health Professions is ready,” she declared. “We are mobilizing our students, faculty and staff to support the college during CSU GIVES. We want to bring home the Dean’s Battle Trophy!”

Student campaign volunteers like Ta’Mya Talley, a junior majoring in mathematics, see CSU GIVES as both an educational and inspirational opportunity for her fellow classmates who are Columbus State’s future alumni.

“My goal through CSU GIVES is to educate my fellow students about the impact of philanthropy on our campus and to encourage them to start giving back now—regardless of the size of their gift,” she explained. “That way, when we graduate, we’re in the habit of giving and will support our alma mater.”

The university’s last day of giving, held in conjunction with its October 2022 Homecoming festivities, told the story of the Columbus State faithful supporting their alma mater and local university. That campaign raised more than $63,000 and resulted in more than 945 gifts—both of which doubled that of its 2021 giving-day effort.

This year’s campaign will focus on giving to the CSU Fund, however, donors can designate their gifts to any academic, athletics, programmatic or scholarship interest they have. The CSU Fund gives university leaders flexibility to immediately direct donations to “areas of greatest need,” which can include student scholarships, academic programs, community outreach, student and faculty development, or opportunities of distinction.

“Each donation to Columbus State, whether it’s $1 to $100,000 and more, represents an investment in our students—and by virtue of our role in local tourism, quality of life, workforce development and economic development, our community as well,” said Dr. Rocky Kettering, CFRE, CSU’s vice president for university advancement. “The unwavering support of our alumni and community partners demonstrates the value of a providing a quality college education to our students and the value of a college degree to our society.”

Alumni and friends can already begin giving toward CSU GIVES, and donors who donate at specific giving levels related to the university’s founding in 1958 will receive special gifts in return for their generosity. Donors can give to the CSU GIVES campaign online or through other giving options.

For more information about ways to give or volunteer, contact Katie Evans at katie.evans@columbusstate.edu or 706.507.8946.

Media contact:
Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu