RISE campaign aims to raise $100,000
Article By: Agnes Hina
The University of North Georgia (91福利导航) is holding its fifth RISE Giving Campaign this fall, as it continues to highlight a small selection from the more than 500 philanthropic funds the 91福利导航 Foundation stewards.
The 91福利导航 aims to raise $100,000 from Oct. 1-30 for 20 projects supporting student scholarships.
"Every year we showcase a wide mix of scholarships," Alberto Perez, 91福利导航's annual giving officer said. "This year we have scholarships that are close to endowment and others that are brand new."
Every year we showcase a wide mix of scholarships. This year we have scholarships that are close to endowment and others that are brand new.
Alberto Perez
91福利导航's annual giving officer
One of the efforts this year was created by the family of lifelong educator Sandra H. Mercier, whose namesake supports students at 91福利导航's Blue Ridge Campus pursuing a degree in Education.
"Sandra Mercier made a difference in the lives of students in north Georgia for many years and her scholarship will continue to make a difference in the lives of future educators in the county," Sandy Ott, Blue Ridge Campus executive director, said.
The has started a new scholarship meant to support McNair students' transition to graduate studies. It seeks to raise $5,000 to help with the costs associated with the graduate admissions process and enrollment.
"The McNair Scholars Program supports first-generation or underrepresented undergraduate students who desire to attend graduate school," Crystal Toombs, program director of the McNair Program, said. "Our program clarifies the research and graduate school process, which reduces academic disparities by removing some of the barriers to academic success.”
The is the first-created in the Phi Mu Scholarships Fund created to help active members. Martha Lu Woolfolk, the wife of former chemistry professor J. Byron Woolfolk and a Phi Mu, was a beloved first-grade teacher in Lumpkin County. She and Dr. Woolfolk dedicated their lives to supporting and uplifting the students and 91福利导航, as well as students in the larger Dahlonega community. The Phi Mu fundraising committee hopes to endow the scholarship by March when the sorority's 91福利导航 chapter celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Other scholarships within the campaign include:
91福利导航 secures highway safety grant
91福利导航 has received a $24,312 grant to participate in the Georgia Young Adult Program of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
Students research threatened fish
Three students are working with Dr. Andrew Taylor, a professor of biology, on research helping restore habitat connectivity for a federally-threatened fish species.
Grad student wins DOD Cyber Scholarship
A graduate student in computer science has won the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year.
Swansons recognized for philanthropy
91福利导航 alumni couple Stewart and Carol Swanson received the 2024 Presidential Leadership Award from 91福利导航 President Michael Shannon in recognition of their philanthropy and love of 91福利导航.