The University ended its Archway to Excellence campaign, which proved strong for the Athletic Department in recent years but showed a drop in dollars raised for academic programs.

During the seven-year fundraising campaign, the University raised more than $650 million to support academic programs, scholarships and professorships.

But of the $653 million raised, 25.5 percent will go to the Athletic Department, which saw record contributions this year.

Money for academics dropped 5.2 percent ($3.6 million) from last year and 10.9 percent ($8 million) from 2006.

More than 102,000 donors gave to the campaign, propelling it $150 million past the initial goal. Academic programs were slated to recieve $486.1 million, and $166.8 million is bound for athletics.

By campaign’s end, the Athletic Department, which received gifts to the Bulldogs Club and other athletic purposes, saw a $1.1 million boost during 2007 – a 2.94 percent jump.

Academic and research related contributions started to decline in 2007, when the previous year’s $73.4 million intake was followed by a drop to $69 million.

Athletic contributions have steadily risen throughout the campaign, except for a dip in 2004. The department bounced back in 2005, raising $36.5 million – a $14 million leap.

For the 2008 fiscal year, contributions to the Bulldog Clubs were $29.9 million, and other gifts and pledges for athletic purposes were $8.6 million, totalling $38.5 million.

Athletic gifts are used to support scholarships, the athletic general endowment and other needs.

The results of the total campaign were a reflection of the support from Georgians and people from across the country, University President Michael Adams said in a news release.

“We will be forever indebted to all the alumni, friends, businesses, foundations, faculty and staff members and students who so generously supported the campaign,” Adams said. “And we assure them that their contributions will have a profound and lasting impact on the university by significantly strengthening our educational programs and enhancing our contributions to Georgia’s growth and prosperity.”

Of the money raised, $174.3 million will support academic and research programs; $82.3 million for student scholarships, awards and other support; $54.7 million for endowed professorships, chairs and faculty; $51.9 million to build the learning environment and $38 million for public service outreach, said Tom Landrum, senior vice president of external affairs.

Also included in the total is $84.9 in unrestricted support for the University and specific schools, colleges and other units, $151.8 million for the Georgia Bulldog Club’s support of varsity athletic programs and more than $15 million for other projects and needs.