Mission
Dear GCSU Friends,
As the great thinker and creator Walt Disney once said, “Progress is impossible without change.” Fiscal year 2024 (June 1, 2023 - July 30, 2024) was certainly a time of significant change for the Georgia College & State University Foundation, but it was also a time of remarkable progress.
When I joined the GCSU Foundation in December 2023, almost at the midpoint of the fiscal year, notable adjustments affecting our operations had already occurred in the areas of department staff and the number of substantial gifts. Throughout the year, we made even more modifications toward improving our processes and procedures, especially in our efforts to keep alumni, donors and friends connected to Georgia College, regardless of where they are today. You may have noticed our revamped digital and print communications but, if not, be sure to check out our social media presence.
Additionally, we augmented our accounting practices by selecting a new investment management company that will help strengthen the performance of our endowments.
I commend the trustees of the GCSU Foundation for accelerating many of these central and crucial changes that have resulted in substantial progress for our institution in a very short period.
Most importantly, this year marks the most
significant forward growth in our history in terms of total dollars raised. We are proud of the steady and robust increases that occurred throughout fiscal year 2024, and we are excited to continue this momentum as we seek to “thrive in 2025.”
The Foundation promotes and supports the mission of Georgia College by acquiring and administering funds and by utilizing the creative leadership and expertise of Board members. This mission cannot be accomplished by any one group or person; it will take all of us working together. We are witnessing considerable growth and interest in our institution, and we know that, as a Foundation, we must continue to invest in change and progress to ensure that our students, faculty and staff have the resources they need to fulfill our university’s unique role as Georgia’s designated public liberal arts institution.
The character and quality of education our students receive is precisely what the ever-changing workforce desires. Because of your support, our students receive lifeenhancing opportunities while earning their degrees, and our graduates are skilled leaders who leave campus ready to embrace the workforce.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the success of Georgia College & State University.
facebook.com/georgiacollegealumni
linkedin.com/in/ georgia-college-alumni-association/ instagram.com/georgiacollegealumni/
Seth Walker Vice President, University Advancement Executive Director, GCSU Foundation, Inc.
FROM THE CHAIR OF THE GCSU FOUNDATION
When I first arrived at Georgia College & State University 40 years ago, I was one of the few students not from the immediate Middle Georgia area. Coming from Franklin County, in the far northeastern corner of the state, I was often regarded as someone “not from around here.”
Today, as Georgia College celebrates record enrollment, it’s inspiring to see a dynamic student body representing regions from across Georgia and beyond. This growth underscores the appeal of GCSU, not only as the state’s designated public liberal arts university, but also as one of its premier institutions.
The far-reaching influence reflected by the increase of students at GCSU highlights the critical work we do at the Georgia College & State University Foundation. By providing resources for innovative teaching, immersive learning experiences and student scholarships, we ensure that the university has the support it needs to continue growing and thriving.
We are deeply grateful to our generous donors and board members, whose ongoing support and new philanthropic commitments have played a vital role in our success. Over the past year, we’ve seen tremendous strides in fundraising and are constantly exploring new opportunities to embed philanthropy even further into the culture of Georgia College.
In fiscal year 2024, the Foundation’s board undertook several significant initiatives. We selected a new investment provider, adjusted our endowment calculation, established a dedicated committee for athletics and appointed a new Vice President and Executive Director of University Advancement.
Furthermore, we updated our bylaws, allowing for stronger volunteer leadership and a streamlined process to better serve the university’s evolving needs.
As I enter my final year as board chair, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. I’m equally excited about the work ahead. Our commitment to growing the Foundation’s endowment and our strategic focus on fundraising will provide the resources GCSU needs to flourish for generations to come.
Jeff Wansley, ‘87 Board Chair GCSU Foundation
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
As of 6/30/24 • *Student Trustee
Susan Allen ’87, ’92
Donna Barwick
Pam Booker ’97
Rob Betzel ’99
Ainsley Brown, ’24
Max Crook
Cathy Cox, Ex officio
Larry Edwards
Anresa Davis ’75
Alex Gregory ’78, ’79
Jay Harrington ’79
Kyle Hood ’06, ’08
Jane Kidd
Bill Jones ’86
Madison Marcinkowski*
Kim Martin ’82
George Martinez ’83, ’91
Corey New ’07
Zach Mullins ’11
Donald Rhodes ’88
Richard Russell Dilanka Seimon ’03
Dan Slagle ’88
Maria Sheffield ’95, ’97
Ted Smith
Les Callahan Genie Chamberlin ’82
Derek Chitwood ’07
Jimmy Childre Jr.
Chris Clark ’97
Susan Stewart ’70
Murali Thirumal ’91, ’95
Pam Trawick ’90
Gary Thrower ’83
Seth Walker, Ex officio
Stan Wilson ’77
Jeff Wansley ’87
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
The Lois Bradley Akins Legacy Scholarship for Excellence in Music Education
After 14 Army moves, Georgia was supposed to be the penultimate assignment for us. Sara was just six weeks old when we landed here, and then 9/11, just four months later, changed everything. Years later, Dave retired here and continued working as a civilian, so here we stayed.
As we put down roots, Sara was able to build long-term relationships with friends and teachers. One of the most influential relationships was with one of her violin teachers, Lois Akins, class of ’68. Lois had created and directed the Suzuki Strings of Augusta and had been teaching Suzuki violin for decades when Sara joined the group. There were over 160 students, age 3 to adult, and Sara was holding down the front row of the littlest of the Twinklers those first few years.
The Suzuki violin journey starts with “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and ends 10 books later with Mozart’s Concerto in D Major. The Suzuki philosophy, however, is not just focused on nurturing a student’s ability to learn how to play an instrument but help develop the student’s character through learning how to master music with diligence, dedication and repetition. For fifteen years, Lois was part of Sara’s Suzuki education, and in those many years of lessons, group classes, concerts, recitals, and the annually packed December calendar of nursing home performances, Lois spoke often of her time as a student in Milledgeville at the Women’s College of Georgia, now Georgia College & State University, where she earned her degree in music education.
After those 15 years of violin, Sara decided to continue her music education in the field of music therapy, and GCSU was one of only two schools in Georgia that offered it as a major. Everything happens for a reason, and Georgia College was meant for Sara, who is now a board-certified and licensed music therapist credentialed in Neurologic Music Therapy. We now share the same excitement for Georgia College that Lois had. Sara has performed on some of the same stages as Lois and sat in some of the same classrooms, and it all became more poignant when Lois passed from Parkinson’s.
Lois’ work lives on in her students who continued in her footsteps to teach others the joy of having passion for music and the discipline and excellence that can be
attained through it. She touched our lives and molded Sara in so many ways that we felt her legacy needed to continue on the campus that started her journey. We created the Lois Bradley Akins Legacy Scholarship for Excellence in Music Education so that Lois’ work continues, and students can find inspiration and see their own greater purpose in Lois’ life story.
Dr. David and Micki Carr
Sara Carr ’23, ’25
Above Left: Sara and Lois at the beginning of their relationship with Joan Johnson, Sara’s private lessons teacher.
Above Right: Last photo of Sara and Lois before Parkinson’s made it too hard for her to perform at the spring concerts.
2,610 TOTAL DONORS
1,002 FIRST TIME DONORS
273 FUNDS SUPPORTED
U.S. News & World Report Rankings
#6 Among Public Universities in the regional south #15 Among All Public & Private Universities in the regional south #3 Best Undergraduate Teaching among public universities in the regional south #4 Most innovative schools among public universities in the regional south
#1 Student-Athlete Graduation Rate among all NCAA D2 Public Universities
Among Public Universities in Georgia #1 Nursing Program #1 Best Undergraduate Business Programs #1 Best Undergraduate Computer Science Program #1 Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs
$303 MILLION IMPACT ON OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
Record Breaking Bobcats 2023 ATHLETICS DAY OF GIVING
827
TOTAL DONORS 875
PROJECTs FUNDED
Men’s Golf
New indoor golf simulator
TOTAL GIFTS
$121,350
DOLLARS RAISED
Baseball
Trackman analytics system and stadium improvements
Women’s Soccer
New rain and cold weather gear for the whole team
TEAM RANKINGS
Baseball
261 donors raised nearly $20,000 for their program
Tennis
197 donors raised over $11,000 for their program
Softball - 86 Donors
Soccer - 86 Donors
Volleyball - 85 Donors
Cross Country
Surpassed their donor goal with 47 donors who raised $3,000
$3,082,051.93 IN DONATIONS
As many of you already know, we have rebranded the President’s Society to the President’s Circle. This transition signifies not only a change in name but a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence and inclusivity. The President’s Circle will continue to serve as a community of dedicated donors who are instrumental in advancing our university’s mission and initiatives.
Along with this rebranding, we have increased the annual commitment. This adjustment reflects the evolving needs of the university, allowing for greater support in key areas such as scholarships, academic programs, athletics, and campus enhancements – areas many of you are already supporting. Your contributions to the President’s Circle have made a profound impact on the lives of our students and the future of our institution. Your generosity knows no bounds, and for that, we are deeply thankful.
I look forward to thanking and celebrating you in person!
Warm regards,
Cathy Cox, JD President
TOTAL DONORS
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE HONOR ROLL
Mr. and Mrs. Kyle B. Allen
Mrs. Susan C. Allen
Mr. William R. Allen
Ms. Sherry S. Ambler
Mr. and Ms. Blaine B. Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. Blake B. Anderson
Mrs. Melissa C. Anderson
Mr. Charles Andrews
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Aquino
Mr. and Mrs. Harlan T. Archer
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Arienzo
Dr. Thomas F. Armstrong
Mr. and Mrs. Robbie Attaway
Mrs. Jennifer Aultman
Mr. Travis J. Aultman
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Avants
Dr. Larry Bacnik
Mrs. Betty George C. Baugh
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Belcher
Mrs. Barbara J. Bender
Mrs. Jo D. Benton
Mrs. Lynsey Benton
Mrs. Stacy Benton
Dr. and Mrs. Roger J. Best
Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Betzel
Mr. James C. Bonner, Jr.
Ms. Pamela Y. Booker
Mrs. Anna K. Boscacci
Mr. and Mrs. John Bowling Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Max L. Brabson, Jr.
Mrs. Amber B. Brannon
Mr. Calvin W. Brantley
Dr. Sarah K. Brooks
Mrs. Dorothy D. Brown
Mrs. Suzanne P. Brown
Mrs. Frankie F. Brule
Mr. Charles P. Bryant
Mr. Malcolm S. Burgess, Jr.
Dr. Dwight Call
Mr. and Mrs. Les Callahan
Mr. James Cameron
Mrs. Rosalie G. Campbell
Mrs. Lynnette A. Cannon
Dr. Mae M. Carpenter
Dr. David and Mrs. Micki Carr
Dr. Tammy Carroll
Mr. Kevin L. Carter
Ms. Evan Cavenaugh
Mr. Pete and Dr. Genie S. Chamberlin
Mr. Erik B. Chambers
Mrs. Ruby L. Cheesman
Mr. Donald C. Cherry, III and Mrs. Whitney L. Cherry
Mr. Jimmy Childre, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Derek S. Chitwood
Mrs. Belinda Christensen
Mr. and Mrs. J. Chris Clark, Jr.
Mr. Russ Clayton
Ms. Barbara J. Colvin
Dr. Sally Combs
Mrs. Ruth W. Compton
Mrs. Brenda G. Corbin
Dr. Mary K. Corbitt
Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Couch
Ms. Cathy Cox and Mr. Mark Dehler
Dr. Leslie W. Crawford
Mrs. Judy Crittenden
Mr. and Mrs. Max Crook
Mr. Fred P. Crouch, II
Mr. Richard P. Crumpton
Dr. and Dr. Robert Culberson
Dr. Flor Culpa-Bondal and Mr. Jerome Bondal
Ms. Beate M. Czogalla
Mr. Jeffrey M. Davidson
Mrs. Anresa M. Davis
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew S. Davis
Mr. Joseph W. Dent
Ms. Ann Bruce Doster
Mrs. Charlee P. Duke
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Eason
Mr. Chris Easterwood
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Edens
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Edwards
Dr. Steven Elliott-Gower
Mrs. Sharon Elowitz
Ms. Amy Erickson
Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Fly
Mr. Roger Folsom
Dr. Catherine and Mr. William Fowler
Mr. and Mrs. John R. Fraser
Mr. and Mrs. Lee A. Fruitticher
Mr. James B. Fulbright
Dr. Sandra K. Gangstead
Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Garrett
Mr. Richard Garrett
Ms. Lorraine G. Garrity
Mr. Donald C. Gary
Dr. Richard Giannone
Dr. Harold L. Gillis
and Dr. Jude Hirsch
Mr. Jon Glasgow
Mr. and Mrs. David R. Glass
Mr. Fred and Dr. Joy Godin
Mr. Rick and Dr. Tanya Goette
Dr. Jennifer W. Goldsberry
Dr. Sarah Gordon
and Ms. Betty Littleton
Dr. Dana C. Gorzelany-Mostak
Mrs. Judith K. Greer
Mr. and Mrs. E. Alexander Gregory, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Floyd L. Griffin, Jr.
Ms. Grace R. Griffin
Mr. Jesse C. Griffin
Dr. Lisa Griffin
Mrs. Jean C. Hall
Mr. and Mrs. Hill Hammock
Mrs. Linda L. Hansen-Lowe
Dr. John F. Harrington, Jr.
Mrs. Carlene O. Harris
Drs. Don and Robin Harris
Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Harshbarger
Mr. Steven F. Hauser
Mr. and Mrs. Steven J. Hazel
Mr. Daniel L. Heflin
Dr. Shantee S. Henry
Mrs. Sherry Henry
Mrs. Kelly S. Herman-Roberts
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Herron
Mrs. Deanna E. Hibbard
Ms. Nancy H. Hill
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hines
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hirsch
Dr. Leta M. Holder
Dr. Shawne Holder
Mr. Howard Holsenbeck
Mr. C. Nolen and Mrs. Penny Howard
Mrs. Mary L. Howard
Mr. and Mrs. William L. Humphrey
Dr. and Mrs. Walter L. Isaac
Dr. Jeffrey A. Ivie, PhD
Dr. and Mrs. Paul K. Jahr
Dr. and Mrs. Sulekh C. Jain
Mr. and Dr. Howard Spofford
Mrs. Julie M. Jenkins
Mr. William R. Jenkins
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce L. Joiner
Drs. Kenneth and Jo Ann Jones
Ms. Sherry L. Jones
Dr. and Mrs. W. Alan Jones
Mr. and Mrs. William B. Jones, Jr.
Mrs. Margaret S. Judkins
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Kellum
Ms. Susan M. K. Kerr
Mr. and Mrs. David A. Kidd
Mrs. Sun Kim
Dr. Joy L. King
Mr. and Mrs. R. Cameron Kline
Mr. and Mrs. James Knight
Mr. Gary Kriewald
Mr. Bruce B. Lacle
Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Lacour
Mr. and Mrs. J. Michael Laidlaw
Dr. Martin Lammon
and Ms. Libby Davis
Ms. Elizabeth R. Larkins,
DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Ms. Lynn Lavery
Mr. Kyle B. Lawton
Ms. Katelyn Leffler
Ms. Kathryn Leverone
Dr. Pamela C. Levi
Mr. and Mrs. J. Russell Lipford, Jr.
Dr. Catrena H. Lisse
Mr. Keith A. Longacre
Mr. Julian A. Lopez Hanson
Mrs. Rebecca P. Lovett
Dr. and Dr. Christopher M. Lowery
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Luckhurst
Dr. and Ms. Jan E. Mabie
Mr. Michael F. MacEachern
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Madison
Dr. and Mrs. Kelly A. Mann, DVM
Mr. and Mrs. David Markey
Mr. Jack Markey
Ms. Kimberly Martin and Mr. Marty Martin
Dr. George E. Martinez
Mr. and Mrs. Dell Mason
Mr. and Mrs. Harold D. Mason, Sr.
Mrs. Sandra L. Massell
Mrs. Judith H. Maxwell
Mr. and Mrs. James McAfee
Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. McCabe
Mrs. Elizabeth W. McCollum
Mr. and Mrs. Reed McConnell
Mr. and Mrs. Albert McGalliard
Mrs. Carol N. McGinnis
Mr. Dennis McNearney
Mrs. Phyllis A. Meyer
Mr. Mark Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Brett Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Matt Mize
Dr. Nancy B. Mizelle
Dr. Jasvant Modi and Dr. Meera Modi
Ms. Vivian Momah
Mr. Colton F. Montgomery
Dr. Doris Moody
Ms. Kimberly Moore
Mrs. Mary J. Morris
Mr. and Mrs. Ian Morrison
Dr. James W. and Mrs. Jena W. Mozley
Mr. and Mrs. Zach R. Mullins
Mr. James R. Myers, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Napier, Jr.
Mrs. Donna H. Neibch
Mrs. Eliza G. Nesmith
Mr. and Mrs. Tony Nicely
Mr. D. Michael Nifong
Mrs. Priscilla Noah
Mrs. Alice G. Noel
Dr. Sheri R. Noviello
Dr. Maidana K. Nunn
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Oeland
Dr. Kristin and Mr. Cameron Oja
Mr. George A. Olive
Mrs. Wendy O’Toole
Mr. William Ottewill
Ms. Frances L. Padgett
Dr. Shailendra
and Mrs. Rajkumari Palvia
Mr. David D. Parden
Mrs. Cecile H. Parker
Mrs. Jennifer L. Parker
Mrs. Nicole N. Paulk
Mr. Grant E. Peagler
Mr. and Mrs. George F. Pearson, Jr.
Dr. Marcia D. Perry
Dr. Vijaykumar Phade
Mr. Erich C. Thorp
and Ms. Whitney B. Pickett
Mr. Richard L. Pirkle
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew L. Pitts
Ms. Mary R. Plunkett
The Honorable and Mrs. Dick Porter
Mrs. Deborah E. Powell
Mr. and Mrs. Del E. Presley
Ms. Susan F. Presley
Ms. Jean L. Pridmore
Mr. James Proctor
Mr. Mike Prosperi
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Pursley, III
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Raatz
Prof. Brian A. Ragen
Mr. Doyle Ransom
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Rauschenberg
Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Rhodes
Mr. Darryl Richardson and Ms. Laverne A. Renfroe
Mr. and Dr. Edward A. Richardson
Mr. Clifford L. Roberts and Dr. Holley
M. Roberts
Mr. and Mrs. James Robertson
Dr. Barbara C. Roquemore
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rosseter
Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Rowland
Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie E. Rozier, Jr.
Mr. Richard B. Russell, Jr.
Dr. Stephen M. Rutner
Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth S. Saladin
Dr. and Mrs. John E. Sallstrom
Dr. Joe and Mrs. Patti Samprone
Mr. and Mrs. Mark W. Sanders
Dr. and Mrs. James R. Schiffman
Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Schmidt
Mrs. Carole Scofield
Mr. Keith Seeloff
Mr. and Mrs. Dilanka Seimon
Dr. Stanley and Mrs. Patricia Self
Mr. and Mrs. David M. Semple
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Sewell
Mr. Nitin J. Shah
Ms. Raymell P. Shannon
Dr. Betsy T. Short and Mr. Lynn R. Short
Mr. and Mrs. Larry E. Simpson
Mr. Michael Sims
Mr. and Mrs. Dan T. Slagle
Mr. and Mrs. A. Mark Smith
Mr. Craig D. Smith
Mr. Jeffery L. Smith
Mr. Marshall and Mrs. Millie Smith
Mr. Michael K. Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Ted S. Smith
Mr. Timothy Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Chandler J. Snell
Mr. and Ms. Robin J. Snell
Mr. and Mrs. Lee A. Snelling
Dr. David R. Snow
Mr. and Mrs. Preston Snyder
Dr. and Mrs. Costas Spirou
Mr. William S. Spohn
Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Starley
Mr. and Mrs. Wendell R. Staton
Mr. and Mrs. Courtney Stephens
Mr. Stephen M. Stewart
Dr. Susan C. Stewart
Mrs. Barbara J. Stickel
Ms. Kendall M. Stiles
Mr. Leonard G. Stinson
Mrs. Virginia Y. Stone
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Strack
Mrs. Rosemary S. Strickland
Mr. Albert J. Swann, IV
Miss Robin G. Tarpley
Mr. Gordon M. Telford, Jr.
Mr. Muralidharan Thirumal
Ms. Beth Thompson
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Thrower
Mrs. Nell G. Tiller
Col. and Mrs. Thomas G. Torrance
Ms. Pamela D. Trawick
Ms. Debi L. Bevins
and Mr. Timothy Udicious
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin J. Usery
Dr. Scott Van Sant
Mr. Thomas Varnell
Ms. Mary E. Vaughn
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Vick
Mr. Mahesh Wadher
and Mrs. Usha Wadher
Mr. and Mrs. Russ Walden
Mrs. Heather M. Walker
The Honorable Peggy H. Walker
Mr. and Mrs. Seth Walker
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff T. Wansley
Ms. Mary Watts
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Wells
Mrs. Lori M. Westbrook
Dr. Harriett L. Whipple
Dr. and Mrs. J. Noland White
Ms. Anna E. Whiteside
Mrs. Petra Wiggins
Ms. Laura Willis
Mr. and Mrs. Stanford G. Wilson
Dr. Edward M. Wolpert
Dr. Stephen Wolpert
Dr. Barbara C. Wommack, PhD
Mr. and Mrs. George Wood
Dr. Virginia Wray
Mrs. Betty S. Wright
Mr. and Mrs. Jody Yearwood
Dr. and Mrs. Dale Young
Mr. Pradhuman Zaveri
Mr. Feng Zhou
Mrs. Patti P. Zimmermann
FOUNDATIONS OF EXCELLENCE FUND
For years, the Heritage Fund has been the cornerstone of impact at Georgia College & State University. This annual fund provides the university with the flexibility to address the greatest needs on our campus. We are proud that the Heritage Fund has supported dynamic and deserving student scholarships, enhanced our academic programs and facilities and strengthened our athletics programs. It has been pivotal in advancing our mission of excellence.
As the university continues to grow and evolve, it’s essential that our philanthropic efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation. To better embody these values, the Heritage Fund
IMPACT
has been rebranded to the Foundations of Excellence Fund as of July 1, 2024.
Georgia College has undergone many transformations since its founding in 1889 as Georgia’s public women’s college. Throughout these changes, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to excellence. As Georgia’s designated public liberal arts university, we continue to uphold this tradition. The Foundations of Excellence Fund builds upon the legacy of the Heritage Fund, signaling a new era of philanthropy and support for our university. This annual fund will continue to address the areas of greatest need, including scholarships, academic enhancements,
research opportunities and community events that enrich the lives of our students, alumni, and the wider community.
As we embark on this exciting new chapter, please accept our deepest gratitude to all our donors, supporters and friends. Your contributions to the Foundations of Excellence Fund have made a significant impact on our students, faculty and staff. Your generosity and commitment to our university’s mission is truly inspiring.
ALUMNI GIVING CHALLENGE
TOTAL DONORS 20% INCREASE OVER 2023
433 TOTAL GIFTS
44 FUNDS SUPPORTED
ALUMNI DONORS
FACULTY & STAFF SUPPORT
237 NUMBER OF DONORS
105 FUNDS SUPPORTED
246 STUDENT GIVING SOCIETY
$80,202 TOTAL GIVEN
$63,400 TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ü Nearly 100 first-time donors to GCSU
Ü College of Health Sciences raised over $17,000
Ü College of Business & Technology raised over $16,000
Ü Wellness & Recreation led the way with the most donors and raised $3,240
189 CURRENT STUDENTS MADE A GIFT BACK TO GCSU IN FISCAL YEAR 24 (COMPARED TO 21 IN FY23)
FOUTS BROS.
On May 13, 2024, Georgia College & State University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Fouts Bros., aka Fouts Fire, Inc. to foster a partnership aimed at increasing workforce development and readiness in the region. Fouts Bros., a familyowned company based in Milledgeville, builds fire trucks, tanker, and other emergency vehicles used worldwide.
The MOU between GCSU’s College of Business & Technology and Fouts Bros. provides experiential learning, research and engagement opportunities for students and faculty. Through the university’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and individual classes, students will have new options to put theory into practice.
KEY ASPECTS OF THE PARTNERSHIP:
• Faculty Consulting: Business faculty will act as consultants, helping Fouts Bros. address research challenges.
• Student Participation: Students from a variety of disciplines, such as marketing, finance, business technology and management information systems, will participate in teams.
• Collaboration: Students will collaborate with Fouts Bros. staff on existing and emerging ventures, supervised by faculty experts.
• Internships: Semester and summer internships at Fouts Bros. will provide juniors and seniors with paid training while supplying additional personnel for ongoing projects.
• Lead Intern: Fouts may hire a lead intern through the university’s Double Bobcat Program to ensure smooth transfers of responsibilities.
• Professional Development: Fouts Bros. leaders will facilitate a professional development workshop for students as part of the GCSU Column Society monthly series.
STATEMENTS FROM UNIVERSITY AND COMPANY LEADERS
“We are proud as a university to partner with Fouts Bros. both for their benefit to show the local community what intellectual capital we have, and for our students’ benefit of experiential learning,” said President Cathy Cox. “These students and graduates speak for themselves. We hope that Fouts Bros. will find this to be a big winwin partnership in so many ways because we’re really grateful for this opportunity and for all the things that will grow out of it.”
Fouts Bros. CEO and President Scott Edens highlighted the company’s growth and the potential for local talent: “We’re currently just a little over 300 employees and adding about 8-to -10 per month. We’re trying to recruit as many people to stay in Milledgeville. Not all the options have to be in Atlanta or New York or somewhere else. There are options here. The GCSU interns are out on the floor, they’re in the office, we’ve already got them activated. And I can’t wait to get more here.”
Grant Motley, a junior MIS major from Canton, Georgia, and one of Fouts Bros.’ new interns from the College of Business & Technology, shared his experience: “It’s a lot that I’ve learned in my MIS classes and now seeing it firsthand. The real-world experience has been great because it feels like when you’re in the classroom sometimes you wonder ‘Am I ever going use this one day?’ and then getting here and actually seeing it firsthand.”
This partnership represents a significant step forward in bridging academic learning with practical, real-world experience, benefiting both the students of GCSU and the local community.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA
The Knight Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation of Central Georgia awarded a $75,000 grant to Georgia College & State University to be the lead sponsor of the Depot Interpretive Center Project.
During recent renovations, lintels on the exterior of the old train depot on campus were discovered labeled “Colored Waiting Room” and “White Waiting Room.” This became a moment of inflection for the leadership of the university. After consulting with local civil rights leaders, campus leadership and Dr. Bob Wilson, the official historian of GCSU, the decision was made that this bitter piece of our shared past could serve as an educational, cultural and social resource that aligns with the institution’s mission to promote knowledge, diversity, inclusivity and critical thinking. When completed, the project will allow students, faculty, and staff to gain a deeper understanding of the
history, struggles and achievements related to civil rights movements and the role that Georgia College played in that history.
The Depot Interpretive Center will benefit the broader Milledgeville community by providing access to educational resources and promoting a shared sense of history and responsibility.
In addition, the Knight Foundation Fund for Milledgeville awarded a $31,000 grant in January 2023 for a beautification project in downtown Milledgeville. The awarding of this grant provided a unique opportunity for the faculty and staff at GCSU. While preparing to embark on this project, it was discovered that the Historic Downtown District of Milledgeville had no city ordinance which allowed for public art to be created and displayed. At the request of the City Council, Downtown Development Authority and Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, GCSU students set to work to
develop just such an ordinance. The project has allowed students to explore the life cycle of public policy from ideation through implementation and evaluation. In the process of drafting the ordinance, the class had several community stakeholders come to class to present their various viewpoints.
“We have done quite a bit of grants over the years with the university. The main gist of why we work with the university is that it is a tremendous asset in the community – with students, researchers, and professors. We like to partner and leverage that expertise to improve physical connections from downtown to the riverfront and support neighborhood revitalization.”
Lilly Weinberg, Senior Director, Community & National Initiatives Knight Foundation
There is a new way to support Georgia College & State University Athletics this year.
The GCSU Bobcat Athletic Association, launched on July 1, 2023, has already accomplished many key goals in its first year.
The association is dedicated to generating private philanthropic support for all NCAA programs offered at Georgia College. Its mission is to enhance the overall athletics experience for approximately 200 student-athletes, fostering a foundation of success for current students and facilitating dynamic recruiting efforts to attract top-tier Division II student-athletes to Milledgeville. The association’s primary objective is to provide resources to ensure GCSU Athletics provides a first and best-in-class experience for student-athletes, including scholarships, facilities and holistic student support.
“We are so appreciative of this opportunity to enhance the studentathlete experience,” said GCSU director
of athletics Wendell Staton, ’03. “I’m so grateful for the leadership of (GCSU) President (Cathy) Cox. I can’t thank Ted Smith enough for his efforts in making this happen and for serving as chair. Great things are on the horizon with his passionate leadership.”
“Athletics is one of the most visible aspects of the university,” added Staton. “We are so proud of our studentathletes and coaches for the great work they have done academically, socially and athletically. This organization will help enhance the experience for our student-athletes, coaches, our university and community.”
The main goal is to enhance the most pressing needs of the GCSU Athletics Department and provide general overall support. The GCSU Bobcat Athletics Association will always have a focus on student-athlete scholarships, facility enhancements and a better way to support coaches, according to Staton. This association will support the immediate and long-term goals of the department.
One of the first jobs of the association was to come up with its board of directors, which is a subcommittee of the GCSU Foundation Board of Trustees. Staton and development officer for athletics Caroline Attaway ’17, ’23, recruited 16 members from the community and GCSU alumni for the board. Leading the board has been Chair Ted Smith, founder and CEO of Arcilla Mining in McIntyre. He was succeeded as Board Chair on July 1, 2024 by Stan Wilson, ’77.
ATHLETICS IS ONE OF THE MOST VISIBLE ASPECTS OF THE
UNIVERSITY
GCSU Director of Athletics Wendell Staton
• Brandon Beach
Georgia State Senator and Lake Sinclair neighbor
• Don Beasley
former college basketball coach and owner of Trademark Capital
• Heath Colvin ’94
Atlantis Commercial Group President
• Ed Donatell Retired NFL
Defensive Coordinator
• Neil Dyer ’72
Dyer Construction President
• Earl Grant ’00
Men’s Basketball Head Coach at Boston College
• Shanteona Keys ’15
Cambridge High School teacher & women’s basketball coach, Knight Commission Board member
• Kathy Kurtz retired educator, matriarch of GCSU Baseball, and former GCSU parent
• Mike Prosperi
Founder and former CEO of Bug House
• Gus Pursley
Fowler Flemister
Concrete’s President and CEO
• Tripp Simpson
Oncologist, and former GCSU parent
• Ted Smith*
Arcilla Mining Founder & CEO – also serves as a GCSU Foundation Trustee, founding and now former Board Chair
• Chandler Snell ’11
E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc.
Assistant Vice President and former GCSU Alumni Board member
• Robin Snell
Former President, E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc.
Former GCSU parent, and former GCSU Foundation Board member
• Rick Williams
Georgia State Senator for Milledgeville/Baldwin County
• Stan Wilson ’77*
Employment Attorney – also serves as a GCSU Foundation Trustee
“This is an all-star list that we are so fortunate to have help start the association,” said Smith. “We are excited to go to work!”
The Varsity Scholarship Club is a new fundraising initiative of the GCSU Bobcat Athletic Association. To become a member, donors make a commitment of $1,500 a year for four years ($6,000 total). The donor can choose which sport their scholarship supports and will be recognized at the GCSU President’s Circle level, allowing special recognition.
Another meaningful way to make a lasting impact and leave a legacy is to establish an endowment. This requires a $25,000 commitment spread across five years and ensures continuous awards in perpetuity. Donors can specify the endowment’s purpose and give it a distinct name.
Gifts of any kind and size will benefit Bobcat student-athletics.
*Current Board Chair
For more information about the GCSU Bobcat Athletics Association, contact Wendell Staton at wendell.staton@gcsu.edu.
Top: Earl Grant, ’00, Left: Chandler Snell, ’11, Right: Shanteona Keys, ’15
Charles Grady Elder and Katharine Elder Scholarship
Katharine Elder was born on February 18, 1908. She graduated from Georgia State College for Women (now known as Georgia College & State University) in 1929. Her degree was in education, and she had a long career as a teacher. She so loved her alma mater that she established the Charles Grady Elder and Katharine Elder Scholarship, named for her and her husband. Students must have completed at least one year in a designated course of study in the field of education and be in the top third of their class to qualify for this award.
Nearly 100 years after graduating, Katharine’s passion for education lives on through her bequest to Georgia College, awarded this year to Autumn Wilson (’25).
“Every kid should be able to receive good education and I hope that I will be able to help with that. I used to live in South Africa and my family and school would help in underprivileged areas where the schools were only one or two classrooms yet with 75+ kids. It broke my heart because these kids WANTED to learn. They were eager and excited to learn new things but due to their circumstances they didn’t have the quality education that every child should have. These experiences are what fostered my love and desire to teach,” said Katherine Elder.
Sara Nelson Endowed Scholarship
Dr. Sara L. Nelson graduated from Georgia State College for Women (now known as Georgia College & State University) in 1926 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in chemistry. After receiving her Ph.D. in mathematics from Cornell University, she joined the faculty of Georgia College and was a beloved teacher of mathematics until her retirement in 1968. As a result of a generous endowment from Dr. Nelson, the Department of Mathematics awards several scholarships each academic year.
Though she retired almost 50 years ago, the legacy of Dr. Nelson continues to this day thanks to her bequest to Georgia College. This year’s recipient is Julia Ralston (‘27)
“With this scholarship, I get to succeed further than I might have ever on my own. It pushes me out of my comfort zone to do things that will benefit my future here at Georgia College along with my future career. I plan to strive for nothing less than success and hope to have a meaningful impact on my peers, along with any future math majors who may seek guidance,” said student recipient Julia Ralston.
Brooks, with regards to page 18 and President Cox’s note on the quotes, yes, in the first section, that quote is from Katherine Elder and in the second section the quote belongs to the student recipient, Julia Ralston.
Interested in making a Legacy Gift?
When you include a gift to Georgia College & State University in your estate plan, you open up a world of opportunity for future Georgia College students, giving them the tools they need to achieve great things. Through a legacy gift, you can ensure that Georgia College will continue to provide a liberal arts education to a new generation of students. Beyond the benefits your legacy gift will provide to Georgia College, it can also provide real benefits to you, including substantial tax advantages. To learn more about the types of legacy gifts and how to maximize your impact, please visit https:// www.gcsu.edu/advancement/ planned-giving
Dear Alumni and Friends,
It’s a new era in Alumni Engagement at Georgia College & State University.
We spent intentional time aligning ourselves to the new strategic plan for the university, Imagine 2030, and set the vision for how we can provide the greatest possible experience for our over 50,000 alumni. We even changed the name of the office to better align with one of our strategic pillars and to more accurately depict the very heart of what we desire to do … ENGAGE. The former office of Alumni Relations is now the Office of Alumni Engagement. Finally, we focused on increasing engagement opportunities and hosted over 35 alumni engagement events in FY’24 with more than 1450 attendees. Our alumni came out to meet us at both on- and off-campus events and brought their family and friends!
This year, the Office of Digital Engagement and Annual Giving was launched. Our partners in this office were superstars in collaborating with us to create more timely, frequent and effective communication through our social media channels and through the revamp of our electronic newsletter, the Pergola Post.
We want to ensure that you know about the great things happening around campus, at exciting off-site venues and among your fellow alumni. It’s vital to us that you feel and are connected to your beloved alma mater.
FY’24 also saw us ramp things up by bringing Alumni Weekend and Homecoming back together for a collaborative experience in February.
We enjoyed seeing you there at Tent City and are thankful that you returned to campus for other events such as the Spring Concert. It was exciting to cheer on 1300+ alumni as they crossed the stage in May, adding to the host of world changers who will Think Independently and Lead Creatively.
In June, the Alumni Association also underwent a transition as we updated the Association By-Laws to reflect greater clarity of vision, mission and purpose.
We also voted in the largest incoming class of new Alumni Association Board members and are now eager to see the ways in which they will add to the future of GCSU.
It is our sincere hope that you felt the positive energy and could feel the breeze of a new day in Alumni Engagement through the ways in which we communicated, cared for and connected with our alumni this fiscal year. I invite you to mark your calendars and prepare to join us in even greater possibilities as we Thrive in FY’25!
With gratitude,
Nadirah Z. Mayweather Director, Alumni Engagement Chief Operating Officer,
Alumni Association Board of Directors nadirah.mayweather@gcsu.edu 478-445-8158
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As of 6/30/24
Tiffany Bayne, ’09, ’11
Javier Becerra, ’12
Rachel Brochstein, ’09
Pamela Booker, ’97
Kristen Chapman, ’08
Brooke Conaway, ’03
Matt Davis, ’02, ’04
Mark Elliott, ’18
Andrew Deneen, ’10
Kendra Evans, ’08
Sylvester Ford, ’83, ’10
Robert Fuller, ’79, ’99
Shea Groebner, ’05
Patrick Gamble, ’11
Sarah Rose Harrill, ’18
Michelle Hendricks, ’96
Kyle Hood, ’06, ’08
Cameron Kline, ’15
Evan Karanovich, ’12
Dell Mason, ’86
Luis Matta, ’11, ’18 Ranard Mattox, ’90
Brandie Mock, ’07
Mindy Miller, ’10
Zach Mullins, ’11
Ceil Parker, ’56 (Peabody)
Will Perry, ’10
Sam Rauschenberg, ’07
Jennifer Pollard, ’95
Will Smith, ’12, ’18
FY 24 FINANCIAL REPORTS
80,000,000
6/30/14 $33,126,198.54
6/30/15 $34,672,704.70
6/30/16 $34,988,846.93
6/30/17 $40,321,171.13
6/30/18 $43,949,243.02
6/30/19 $45,321,780.84
6/30/20 $44,748,811.86
6/30/21 $60,094,917.01
6/30/22 $53,311,031.08
6/30/23 $55,642,365.16
6/30/24 $60,378,551.91
6/30/14 $24,113,711.00
6/30/15 $26,860,441.00
6/30/16 $24,928,257.00
6/30/17 $36,809,698.00
6/30/18 $43,571,780.00
6/30/19 $44,370,692.00
6/30/20 $44,721,043.00
6/30/21 $67,620,200.00
6/30/22 $61,171,750.00
6/30/23 $63,177,857.00
6/30/24 $68,043,403.00 0 10,000,000 20,000,000 30,000,000 40,000,000 50,000,000 60,000,000 70,000,000
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
JUNE 30, 2024 AND 2023