Georgia Highlands
College Launches Annual Fund Drive
On March 2 on the Floyd campus,
Georgia Highlands College launched the community phase of its first
annual fund drive to raise unrestricted operational funds for the ongoing
needs of the college. The Charger Fund, named for the college's
mascot, will significantly broaden the college's base of support,
and will increase community awareness and the college's community
profile. John Southwood, chief advancement officer, said the college
is trying to reach the $100,000 mark but recognizes the impact of the
current economy on charitable giving. "This economic downturn affects everyone,"
he said, "but we are counting on the generosity we've felt first-hand
from community members within our service areas, and we are hopeful
that we will meet our goal by June 30."
Forty-three percent of the
overall goal has already been raised from internal constituents -
faculty and staff, foundation board members, alumni and retired employees.
Now the public initiative will be rolled out in all of the college's
service areas including Floyd, Bartow, Polk, Cobb, Chattooga and Paulding
Counties.
Former Rome mayor Ronnie Wallace
will serve as campaign chairman, and will be supported by 12 vice chairs: Amy
Astin, Mark Weaver, Harold Boyd, Jan Ferguson, Steve Edwards and Steve
White, all of Rome; Sarah Burkhalter, Lindale; David Caswell, Melanie
Collier and Danny Gibbs of Cartersville; and Larry Kuglar and Deborah
Putnal of Cedartown. Nearly all attended the kick-off luncheon.
Funds raised from the campaign
will go to support student scholarships, student recruitment efforts,
academic programs, and college expansion plans. The campaign will target
the Rome community initially, expand to Bartow County and launch in
the other service areas during March. Campaign Chairman, Ronnie Wallace
said, "Im honored to chair the college's first annual fund drive,"
stated Ronnie Wallace. "The funds we raise from our community campaign
will ensure that the college will have the critical resources for program
development, student aid and further expansion. I'm confident individuals
and businesses will see the importance of supporting our efforts."
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Caption: Preparing to spearhead
GHC's annual fund drive are Jan Ferguson, Ronnie Wallace, Steve Edwards
and Steve White.
Georgia Highlands College is
a two-year unit of the University System of Georgia, serving more than
4,700 students at five sites in Rome, Cartersville, Marietta and Carrollton.