March 19, 2008

GSW Foundation Sponsors Donor Recognition Reception

The GSW Foundation, in support of Georgia Southwestern State University, recently hosted the annual Georgia Southwestern Donor Recognition Reception, honoring major donors who contributed during 2007.

A number of groups and individuals were recognized. First of which was the President Circle, Georgia Southwestern’s highest level of annual giving. In 2007, there were 98 contributors in this group.

The next level of giving, Patrons, recognizes cumulative giving. Patrons in attendance were Sybil Smith representing Citizens Bank of Americus; Brandon Comer, the Jane and Larry Comer Foundation; Lisa Kooti, Cooper Lighting; Henry L. and Betsy Crisp; Tim and Linda DuPree; David and Kay Dee Green; Dr. Harold and Karen  Holloway; Hellen K. Driggers representing William B. and Vivian King; Martha M. Dykes, the Mattie H. Marshall Foundation; Dr. Wallace Mays; Rudolph and Margaret Patterson; Marion “Pete” Silver; Sam Hunter, Sumter Bank and Trust; Andrea and Russell Thomas;  Dr. William and Mildred Tietjen; Scott Rossman, the Wachovia Foundation; Roy Martin, Weyerhaeuser; and Jean and Wes Wheeler.

The Partners level is the second highest level of cumulative giving to the GSW Foundation. Present members of this group were Judge Griffin Bell, John Gill representing Central Bank of Georgia and Mrs. T.O. “Angie” Marshall.

The highest level on the GSW Wall of Honor is the Founders category. Honored members included Tamlin and Leneal Fortner; Betty Pope; Deborah Lee Smith representing the late Roy Lee and Susan K. Smith; Jim Gatewood for the Charles L. Mix Memorial Fund; and Rick Birkel, Ph.D., executive director of the Rosalynn Carter Institute, accepting for Johnson and Johnson.

Sybil Smith served on the Board of Trustees for thirteen years, and she recently chose to take life trustee status.  As a token of appreciation for her commitment and service, Smith was presented with a lead crystal vase etched with the Foundation’s seal.

Members of the Legacy Circle, were recognized by Kim Comer, GSW alumni coordinator.

Earning the event’s highest accolade, the Carl and Frances Patrick Foundation was honored with the 2008 Excellence in Philanthropy Award.  This award is presented to an individual or group that epitomizes the term generosity in faithfulness, loyalty, giving and years of dedicated service to Georgia Southwestern State University. Until his passing in 2007, Carl Patrick served as a trustee of the GSW Foundation since 1983. Patrick’s widow, Frances, graduate from Georgia Southwestern in 1942. The Patrick Foundation has shown great loyalty and generosity to GSW through the years. In fact, Mr. Patrick established a Nursing scholarship in his wife’s honor.

PHOTO AVAILABLE           

            Consistent contributors--Left to right: Members of the Founders giving category to the GSW Foundation: Betty Pope, Deborah Lee Smith representing the late Roy Lee and Susan K. Smith, Leneal Fortner of Columbus, Jim Gatewood, representing the Charles L. Mix Memorial Fund, Tamlin Fortner of Columbus and Dr. Rick Birkel, Executive Director of RCI, representing Johnson & Johnson.

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