Why I Give
The investments of our donors are sowing the seeds of tomorrow’s success. Learn how donor generosity has made life-changing impacts on the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
A new scholarship program funded by CAES alumni and benefitting qualified students from rural areas of Georgia who seek to earn degrees from UGA’s College CAES is now recruiting students for its first cohort to begin in fall 2021. Read more about the CAES Rural Scholars Program.
"Personally, I feel a strong desire to help students in agriculture. I think that it is still a great opportunity for young people to continue in a field that is near and dear to my heart and that is changing with the times."
- Robert Varnedoe (BSA - Animal Science, ’83)
To honor their family legacy in poultry, the R. Harold and Patsy Harrison Foundation has gifted and pledged more than $2.6 million to establish the R. Harold and Patsy Harrison Distinguished Chair in Poultry Science to support programs in the Department of Poultry Science in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Read more about the Foundation’s legacy at UGA.
"We hope this gift will provide support to bring the best and brightest to poultry science and enable students and faculty to make their mark on the world.”
- Graham Harrison Reynolds
Elliott Marsh’s passion for farming stems from his grandparents. At an early age, the Statesboro, Georgia native helped tend to his grandparents’ livestock and crops. He learned firsthand how difficult and rewarding a career in agriculture can be. Now, he is determined to promote this vital industry. His family supports CAES students with the Elliott and Christy Marsh Legislative Internship fund.
“UGA and CAES gave me experiences I never thought I would have in my life. They taught me how to communicate with people, how to make connections, create a network. It made me able to do what I do now.”
- Elliott Marsh, BSA - Agricultural Economics, '02 and MAL - Agricultural Leadership, '11
"CAES greatly impacted my life. I came to UGA from a town that is roughly one-third of the size of the college and I searched for a way to leave my mark at a very large place that means the world to me. By donating to CAES, I am able to make a lasting impact at my college that will help create opportunities for future students."
- Dowdy White, BSA – Agricultural Communication, ‘16
An endowment by veteran UGA turfgrass researcher Wayne Hanna and his wife, Barbara, allowed Tifton Campus senior Lolita Munoz (right) to present her research on root-knot nematode resistance in grain sorghum at a professional conference in April 2016.
"We are pleased that she was able to use it (the endowment) to help her with her experiences. We want recipients of this endowment to have an enriching experience."
-Wayne Hanna
"CAES has given me an incredible environment to learn and grow. I look forward to the days of visiting campus, reflecting on my memories here, and being able to see my name on the Senior Signature plaque and on a Four Towers brick. 'I was here as an undergraduate student,' I will one day be able to say with pride."
- Charles Orgbon III, BSES - Environmental Economics & Management, '17