Donors transform vision into impact with record $23.6M fundraising year

September 17, 2026

Columbus State University reached extraordinary new heights in Fiscal Year 2026, receiving $23,634,627 in total gifts, commitments and planned giving from its philanthropic partners. This record-breaking total marks a 29% increase (+$5.3 million) over FY25 and a remarkable 280% surge (+$17.5 million) over FY24—along with noteworthy growth in the university’s endowment.

FY26 stands out as only the third time in university history that single-year philanthropic support has surpassed the $20 million mark—the other two being during multi-year comprehensive fundraising campaigns.

“This milestone year demonstrates what happens when our generous donors invest in the transformative power of a college experience,” said Dr. Stuart Rayfield, Columbus State’s president. “From state-of-the-art innovation in teaching, experiential learning and emergent technology to expanding opportunities in the arts, humanities and health professions, these gifts directly empower our students to become persistent problem-solvers and prepare them to lead with vision, empathy and purpose.”

Lead donors, beneficiaries

The university’s record year was propelled by 5,439 individual gifts (an 8.8% increase over FY25), with an average gift size of $3,007. More than half of the total raised—$12.75 million (54%)—came from several notable commitments and initiatives:

• Dr. Robert & Linda Patton, to advance opportunities for Columbus State’s most academically driven and ambitious students enrolled in the Honors College.
• Jack & JoRhee Pezold, to launch the Center for Emergent Technology currently in development and to support students’ readiness for next-generation careers in the state’s highest-demand and growth fields.
• Ride for Miracles’ continuing support of the College of Education & Health Professions beyond fulfilling the organization’s $1 million multi-year commitment that created three simulation labs and is bolstering students’ career readiness in the School of Nursing.
• Barbara C. “Bobsie” Swift, to extend her support elevating students’ artistic excellence, international acclaim and community engagement in the Joyce & Henry Schwob School of Music.
• Kenneth H. Thomas Jr., to preserve local and military history through the efforts of the Columbus State Archives & Special Collections and to continue strengthening the university’s reputation as a scholarly destination of choice.
• CSU Golf Clubhouse Campaign, led by CSU Foundation Chair Will White and Troy Woods ’74, has garnered more than 60% in gifts and commitments toward its $3.2 million fundraising goal.

Overall commitments spanned philanthropic priorities benefiting academics, athletics and community engagement: annual gifts supporting immediate needs and priorities (31%); planned gifts through bequests, estates and trusts (26%); endowed gifts invested into perpetuity (23%); and capital gifts supporting facility construction and maintenance (20%).

Endowment growth translates to sustainability

Concurrently, Columbus State’s endowment reached a record-setting year-end value of $112.5 million as of July 30.

“The continued growth of the endowment remains an important component of Columbus State’s long-term financial strength, providing a sustainable source of support for scholarships, faculty, academic programs and other university priorities for generations to come,” explained Karen McCauley, CFRE, the university’s chief advancement officer.

The endowment’s current value places Columbus State first among the University System of Georgia’s nine state universities and seventh among all 25 of its public institutions.

Donors create endowments with a gift of at least $25,000 to support various university priorities, from scholarships and student programs to academic programs and faculty initiatives. These can be one-time gifts, pledges fulfilled over multiple years or planned gifts like real estate, stocks or other assets pledged through a donor’s estate.

When a donor creates an endowment, the original gift (the principal) is invested, and only the investment income is used to support the endowment’s established purpose. This preserves the donor’s original gift in perpetuity, ensuring it benefits the university for future generations.

Donors may establish an endowment to support practically any area of the university. Endowments also provide donors with naming opportunities to attach themselves, their business or someone of their choosing to scholarship funds, named professorships or buildings. Those opportunities are defined by the university’s fundraising policies and commensurate with the donor’s contribution.

The Foundation’s role

The Columbus State University Foundation and its volunteer trustees provide guidance on managing the endowment funds. The Foundation’s Investment Committee, made up of seasoned banking professionals and financial advisors, counsels foundation and university leadership regarding Columbus State’s investment strategy.

“Our alumni, corporate partners and friends have stepped up with unprecedented momentum and show the deep confidence they have in Columbus State’s mission,” said Will White, volunteer chair of the CSU Foundation. “Every gift—whether endowing scholarships or expanding hands-on learning—helps us build an enduring legacy for our students and the entire region.”

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Media contact:  Michael Tullier, APR