John Crawford III (AB ’62) and Cathie Crawford’s commitment to philanthropy shows in not only the University of Georgia students they support, but also in their children’s similarly strong dedication to giving back.

John III and Cathie established the Crawford Family Scholarship Fund in 2014 to support UGA students in need. Their scholarship program now supports 20 students — five per class — each year at UGA. John and Cathie routinely meet and hold gatherings for the beneficiaries of their generosity in order to build meaningful relationships with each scholarship recipient, known as “Crawford Scholars.”

John III, a Mississippi native, attended UGA on a track and field scholarship and was the 1962 SEC pole vault champion his senior year of college. A well-rounded and involved student, John made the most of his time in Athens with membership in Blue Key Honor Society, Sphinx and Kappa Alpha Fraternity. His commitment to faith and theology is long-documented, as he was the co-founder and president of the UGA chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After graduation from UGA, John attended Drew University School of Theology where he graduated with a master’s degree in divinity and met his wife, Cathie.

The Catherine H. and John H. Crawford III Family Foundation was founded in 2008 in Atlanta and has supported various organizations — both at UGA and outside of the university — over the years. After spending 10 years in the investment business, John III founded his own firm, Crawford Investment Counsel, Inc., where he now serves as chairman and chief investment officer.

John III and Cathie impressed upon their children — John IV, David and Andrew — the importance of philanthropy. John IV (BBA ’88) has been widely engaged at the university, notably as an emeritus trustee and former chair of the University of Georgia Foundation. His giving supports experiential learning for students as well as President Morehead’s highest priorities. He followed his father’s footsteps as a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity, as did his own son, Jack (BBA ’22). John IV is managing director of equity investments at Crawford Investment Counsel, Inc. David has served as president of Crawford Investment Counsel since 1992. He serves on the boards of St. Joseph’s Mercy Foundation and the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Andrew is an accomplished artist whose sculpture of a split screw near the Georgia Museum of Art has become a directional landmark. He has several other iron structures around the Performing and Visual Arts Complex and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, where he is also a member of the Board of Advisors.

The Crawford family has already made an indelible mark on UGA’s campus — both literally and figuratively — and through their shared commitment and dedication to improving students’ collegiate journeys, their legacy on campus will continue for years to come.