June 4, 2008

Wicker family initiates GSW scholarship

AMERICUS—George Stanly Wicker, Sr. was the type of alumnus any university would love to have associated with its heritage. Fortunately, Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) claims him as one of its own. Wicker passed away in 2007, but his memory will live on at GSW.

At a May 31 reception hosted by GSW President Kendall and Connie Blanchard, Wicker’s wife, Margaret, and four children, George, Wesley, Sarah and Ruth donated the first installment of a scholarship to be endowed in his name.

Wicker graduated from Georgia Southwestern College in 1937. During that year, he served as class president where he was responsible for erecting the flag pole in front of the Wheatley Administration Building which stands to this day. Wicker’s brother and three sisters also graduated from GSW, and his father, George Madison Wicker, was a member of the first graduating class in 1910. At that time, it was known as the Third District Agricultural and Mechanical school. One of Wicker’s two sons, Wesley, earned a Master of Education degree from GSW in 1985 while working as the institution’s director of alumni affairs.

Wicker’s legacy at Georgia Southwestern does not end there. Following retirement from the military, Wicker served on the Board of Directors of the GSW Alumni Association for 20 years, received the Most Outstanding Alumnus Award and attained lifetime membership on the Board.

The future scholarship will be awarded to a student based on academic strength and financial need. To donate a gift to this scholarship fund, contact GSW University Relations at (229) 931-2028.

PHOTO AVAILABLE

            The Wicker family--Left to right: George S. Wicker, Jr., Ruth Wicker Helms, Margaret Wicker (widow of G. Stanley Wicker), GSW President Kendall Blanchard, Sarah Wicker Haughton and Wesley K. Wicker.

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