CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Fundraising history has been made at Austin Peay State University. The university reached a fundraising total of $11.4 million in gifts and pledges for the 2020 school year - an increase of almost 10% in the average amount raised over the last year.
In 2019, more than $10 million were raised. This year's total was the third consecutive year APSU has set a record for the second-highest giving year in University history.
The school originally focused on giving to Govs Give, an online giving campaign benefiting specific University areas. APSU shifted to Govs Give Back this year, which is an initiative that provides financial assistance for students, faculty and staff who have suffered severe economic, medical or similar hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic and other times of crisis.
More than 100 donors contributed nearly $70,000 to the initiative to date. The funding covers expenses including rent, electric bills, childcare, healthcare and access to technology.
“It is inspiring to see the way that our Gov family has responded to this urgent need,” retired Lt. Gen. Ronald Bailey and APSU vice president for external affairs said in a press release. “We are lucky to be a part of a community that cares for and supports each other during challenging times.”
Throughout the year, more than $4.9 million in endowment funding were committed and 25 new endowments were established.
Following President Alisa White’s announcement that she will leave Austin Peay after the commencement ceremonies in August to serve as president of Sam Houston State University, more donors joined in giving to the fund, which will be renamed Dr. Alisa White and Elliott Herzlich President’s Innovation Fund of Excellence.
This new name will honor White and Herzlich for their service to the campus community during their six years at APSU. The fund will continue their legacy by ensuring that future presidents can support programs that significantly impact the University, Clarksville and the Middle Tennessee area.
To establish an endowment or support other fundraising initiatives, contact the Office of University Advancement at 931-221-7127.
