“`html
The University of Georgia Parents Leadership Council collected an unprecedented total of $1.5 million to aid student programs during the 2025-26 academic year. This community-focused assembly of highly involved UGA parents contributes an annual donation of $5,000 or more from each family, which is allocated to various campus organizations and initiatives that enrich student life. Notable initiatives that gained from the PLC’s fundraising activities include the new UGA School of Medicine, the Sunshine Fund, the Let All the Big Dawgs Eat Food Scholarship Initiative, and Freshman Welcome.
The PLC Grants Program was launched in 2012 with around 150 families granting nearly $145,000 to 22 organizations. Currently, the council has expanded to over 375 families, endorsing 142 organizations. Throughout the past 13 years, the council has dispensed nearly $8.5 million to undergraduate student programs, scholarship funds, and various campus resources.
The council also decided to donate $100,000 to the President’s Venture Fund, which provides financial assistance to students for small programs and projects on campus, typically ranging from $500 to $5,000. This year, the PLC’s dedication to enhancing the college experience for students was clearly evident in the programs they supported.
School of Medicine
As the construction of the University of Georgia’s Medical Education and Research Building progresses, attention now shifts to providing financial aid for prospective medical students. PLC grants contributed $100,000 to the UGA School of Medicine to assist in funding scholarships for students in its inaugural cohort, expected to commence in fall 2026.
Student debt poses a considerable challenge for medical students. The PLC’s financial support to the School of Medicine marks a step towards easing this financial strain, remaining a primary concern for the upcoming academic year.
“Offering robust student financial aid will greatly enhance our efforts to attract an exceptional first class to Athens,” remarked Dr. Shelley Nuss, founding dean of the UGA School of Medicine. “By helping to offset the expenses of a medical degree, we can motivate the finest medical students to join us as Bulldogs.”
Sunshine Fund
Established in 2020 by PLC members Christie and Scott Krase, the Sunshine Fund aims to promote the mental health of UGA students. This year, the fund received $100,000 from the PLC. Students may apply for funding to cover mental health services and/or to alleviate circumstances that may adversely affect their well-being.
Several fraternities and sororities have set up their own designated Sunshine Funds and collaborate closely with UGA’s Office of Student Care and Outreach, which administers the Sunshine Fund and assists students confronting complex, challenging, or unexpected situations. Sean Glennon, a recent graduate and member of the Chi Phi fraternity, recognized a need for mental health resources within his chapter and sought the Sunshine Fund for assistance.
“To me, the Sunshine Fund exemplifies our transition towards wellness and mutual support,” Glennon stated. “The reputation and momentum generated are tangible proof of that. Whenever I think of the Sunshine Fund, I’m reminded of our community’s true commitment to supporting each other and the willingness to contribute to make this happen.”
Let All the Big Dawgs Eat Food Scholarship Initiative
The Let All the Big Dawgs Eat Food Scholarship Initiative is a scholarship based on need that provides meal plans to UGA students each fall, spring, and summer semester. Contributions from private donors, including the PLC, which allocated $54,000 to the initiative, fund this scholarship. All donations go directly to meal plan scholarships for students.
Founded in 2014, the Let All the Big Dawgs Eat Food Scholarship addresses food insecurity at UGA. The scholarship allows students to focus on academic success without the anxiety of securing their next meal.
“Thanks to the scholarship, having access to the dining hall enables me to maintain a nutritious diet that nourishes both my body and mind,” said recent graduate Daniel Zavala-Palafox. “After long study sessions, I can sustain my energy and motivation by consuming meals that support my mental recovery. Consequently, I’ve been able to devote more time to studying and concentrate on my academic responsibilities, maintaining a GPA of 3.92. This achievement would not have been possible without the Let All The Big Dawgs Eat scholarship.”
Freshman Welcome
The Freshman Welcome is a yearly event that takes place the day before classes commence in the fall for new freshmen at UGA. Hosted by UGA Development and Alumni Relations, students will unite in Sanford Stadium to officially commence their journey as Bulldogs. Freshman Welcome received $18,000 from the PLC.
During Freshman Welcome, students connect with one another on Reed Plaza before entering Sanford Stadium for a pep rally, where they learn about game day traditions and cheers. Following this, they listen to speakers such as UGA President Jere W. Morehead, the Student Government Association president, the Student Alumni Council president, and head football coach Kirby Smart. The event concludes with a class photo on the field, captured between the hedges.
“For me, there was an immediate sense of belonging as a Bulldog,” expressed UGA student Isabelle Stephens. “Starting college can feel somewhat isolating, but forming that Power G during the class photo truly makes you feel part of something larger.”
The post Parents Leadership Council raises $1.5M for student programs appeared first on UGA Today.
“`