On May 2, 2018, local businessman and philanthropist, Peter Knox IV, donated $1 Million to Paine College.  Mr. Knox  submitted a quote that was displayed during the press conference that read, "Let's make it about Paine and Paine's rich, lengthy history in Augusta; about Augusta being a college town and the strength of having more, not fewer, centers for learning and growth; about "building bridges" in town; about our youth; about love and respect." Read the article published about the donation by the Augusta Chronicle  here.