Gala honors history and philanthropy
Article By: Denise Ray
The University of North Georgia (ǧÃŬAV) Gala on Oct. 7 focused on philanthropy and the university's 150-year history.
"This year, we are celebrating our Sesquicentennial, which gives us the special opportunity to reflect on our heritage, celebrate our achievements, and look toward our future," ǧÃŬAV President Bonita Jacobs said. "Today, united by our mission of developing students into leaders for a diverse and global society, we have become a leading public regional university that is a driving force for educational attainment and economic development."
Jacobs said one of her highest presidential priorities has been raising funds to expand financial support for students, including the first scholarship gala in 2013.
"Since 2017, the ǧÃŬAV Foundation has awarded almost $14 million in need- and merit-based scholarships," Jacobs said. "None of this would have been possible without our alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students."
Today, united by our mission of developing students into leaders for a diverse and global society, we have become a leading public regional university that is a driving force for educational attainment and economic development.
Dr. Bonita Jacobs
ǧÃŬAV president
A total of $2,997,178 was raised for the 2021-22 academic year, Karen Eggers, ǧÃŬAV director of donor relations and stewardship, said.
The ǧÃŬAV Foundation now has 242 endowed scholarship funds. An endowment can only be created by a donor. This marks 24% growth in the past five years.
These endowments are entrusted to the ǧÃŬAV Foundation Board of Trustees to grow for the benefit of future generations of students.
"We are grateful for the profound impact that donors have had, and are having, on ǧÃŬAV," Jeff Tarnowski, vice president for Advancement, said. "Whether people give to support students directly with a scholarship, support our ability to improve our facilities, or support academic and student programs, each and every dollar provides opportunities to our students to change the trajectory of their lives and their communities through education."
Anna Marie Møller, Student Government Association president, echoed that sentiment.
"I am very excited for this opportunity to recognize and show the student gratitude to all our wonderful supporters who make a college education possible at ǧÃŬAV for so many more students than would have otherwise been possible," she said.
Jacobs said that the unwavering commitment to student success and service to the region and state for 150 years has produced civic, professional and military leaders who make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
One of those individuals is retired Maj. Gen. Jim Cravens, '66, chairman of the Corps Advisory Council.
"Since the Corps of Cadets was formed, our institution has evolved through two world wars, several other armed conflicts, 28 U.S. presidents, two pandemics, 17 college and university presidents, and three institutional name changes," Cravens said. "Throughout these events, one thing has remained constant, the Corps of Cadets. Our corps has advanced over the years, from the founding members of the corps to today's premier senior military college."
Nick Massengill, chairman of ǧÃŬAV's Board of Trustees, recognized Jacobs' tenure with ǧÃŬAV and her achievements.
"Your time here has been special in so many ways," Massengill said. "You have led during times of controversy, times of great prosperity, fabulous growth in numbers and achievement. During your tenure, your passion has not changed. You never accepted good enough, and your focus on student success has been steadfast. Your leadership has been inspirational."
Jacobs will retire in June 2023.
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Lt. Col. Brandon Knox, director of Cadet Recruiting at ǧÃŬAV, on Nov. 16 took command of the 3rd Battalion, 323rd Regiment (Basic Combat Training) in the Army Reserve.
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ǧÃŬAV awarded roughly 985 degrees and certificates to students this fall, and it honored more than 650 of those graduates in a pair of Dec. 7 commencement ceremonies.