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In an effort to increase enrollment and retention of students at GSW, the Alumni Association utilizes donations to offer scholarships to incoming and current students with family members who are alumni. Students must complete the GSW Scholarship Application for the 2024-25 academic year with submissions accepted through February 15, 2024. The scholarship is for one year; however, may be reapplied for each year a student is an undergraduate. Prior recipients must reapply annually and are eligible for, but not guaranteed, the scholarship in subsequent years. The selection of recipients is made by a committee of the GSW Alumni Association.
Scholarship Requirements:
The John and Betty Pope Caregivers Scholarship is designed to support students engaged in informal caregiving roles, while helping them learn about the importance of caregiving and ultimately reach their higher education goals. The scholarship encourages recipients to explore career opportunities within the care economy, as well as bring strengths and skills developed through their personal caregiving experiences to other fields. Interested students can apply for the Pope Scholarship online by March 29, 2024.
Scholarship Requirements:
Students should use their GSW credentials when logging in to the Scholarship Application Portal.
Scholarship Application Portal
Established in 2005 by Daphne Ann Chambless in honor of her mother, the Daphne Cantrell Chambless Award criteria is for a Georgia Southwestern State University student pursuing a baccalaureate degree in any academic subject, has a record of academic excellence as demonstrated by a GPA of 3.0 and has achieved a level of a Junior or Senior.
Mrs. Bridges established this scholarship in memory of her husband, John Pate Bridges, Jr. (class of ’59). This scholarship will be awarded annually as long as the donor is able.
Scholarship Requirements:
This scholarship was established by members of the GSW Class of 1959 to benefit GSW students who have achieved Junior, Senior or graduate level and have earned a minimum of 2.5 GPA. First consideration will be
given descendants of GSW alumni.
The General Scholarship Fund is an award for students with a SAT of 1000 and 3.0 GPA.
The Sandra Gillis Endowment was created by alumna Sandra Gillis to provide scholarships to enrolled students at Georgia Southwestern State University.
Scholarship Requirements:
The Hogg Scholarship award was established by the GSW Class of 1926 to honor their class president, Ernest R. Hogg. This award is given to assist a worthy student leader who hasfinancial need, completes a minimumof 15 hours per semester, and maintains a 2.80 GPA.
This scholarship cash award was established by the estate of Dr. Harold E. Holloway, a graduate of GSW.
Scholarship Requirements:
This scholarship was established by E.A. Isakson of Roswell, Georgia, to honor his wife Julia, a 1937 graduate of Georgia Southwestern College. This scholarship is awarded to a deserving student with a positive attitude who would benefit from an education at GSW. It is renewable and not based on financial need.
The Alumni Association established this scholarship in honor of Peyton Jacob, President of GSW from ’35 to ’48, for worthy students of good academic standards. Selection is made by the Director of Financial Aid.
This memorial scholarship honors Mattie H. Marshall, mother of former Georgia Supreme Court Justice Tom Marshall, and is awarded to a worthy student who is a resident of the State of Georgia and has a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Mrs. Elizabeth Cheatham, longtime resident of Sumter County, established the T. Harvey Mathis Scholarship in memory of her father. This academic scholarship is available to deserving students who are
residents of Sumter County with a minimum 3.0 GPA and show financial need.
Frances Daniel, caregiver and friend of the late Kenneth (Tip) McMillan, GSW Class of 1959, shared his desire to assist students in obtaining higher education. She established two alumni endowed scholarships in his memory. Consideration is given to residents of the Ga. Sheriff’s Youth Homes, or of Colquitt County, Ga., who have financial need and meet admission standards.
This endowed scholarship was established in memory of Robert Marshall Pryor by his family. The scholarship is available to residents of Sumter County, Georgia, who have financial need. Marshall Pryor, the grandson of the late Judge Thomas O. Marshall, Supreme Court Justice of the State of Georgia, demonstrated great courage in his fight to live and will always be an inspiration to his family and friends.
The Sigma Chi Scholarship was established in recognition of the long standing tradition of Sigma Chi on the GSW campus and in support of Sigma Chi scholars. This scholarship is awarded annually to students that demonstrate campus engagement as evidenced through fraternity participation, community involvement, and campus leadership.
Scholarship Requirements:
The family of Roy Lee Smith, a successful local businessman, established this scholarship fund with preference given to boys and girls from the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes. Scholarships are for high school graduates who meet GSW admission standards and remain in good standing while attending. Minimum of 12 credit hours must be taken each semester.
The Lula Finch Stephens Scholarship Endowment was created through the generosity of Sam and Sue Stephens with contributions to both the Lula Finch Stephens and Jennie H. Strange scholarship funds in honor of their respective mothers. Mr. Stephens chose to combine the two funds to ensure that the legacy of Mrs. Lula Finch Stephens will live on at GSW. Criteria include demonstrating financial need and exhibiting a record of academic achievement with a GPA of 2.8 on a 4 point scale. This scholarship is renewable.
This scholarship was established by the family of GSW alumnus, G. Stanley Wicker, to honor his memory. Mr. Wicker was a faithful alumnus of GSW and served on the GSW alumni board for many years. This a needbased scholarship, determined by the university’s scholarship committee and criteria set by the committee for need-based scholarships. The number, amount, and recipient(s) of the Scholarship will be determined by the Scholarship Committee of the appropriate department at Georgia Southwestern State University.
An endowed scholarship was established in memory of Carolyn Kinnebrew Daniel by her family. She was a role model for many, a civic and community leader and a beloved friend of the Americus and GSW community. This scholarship may be awarded to a student who has an initial GPA of 2.5 – 2.95 and demonstrates leadership ability through civic, community or athletic engagement.
The Kiwanis Club of Americus established a scholarship for students from Sumter County who display leadership qualities and have a minimum 2.85 GPA. Preference is given to former Key Club members or dependents of a member of the Americus Kiwanis Club. In 2017 the scholarship was renamed in memory of Dr. Jay Cliett, a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of Americus and retired and beloved GSW professors.
The Kiwanis Club of Americus established a scholarship for students from Sumter County who display leadership qualities and have a 2.5 GPA. Preference given to former Key Club members or dependents of a parent who has membership in the Kiwanis Club of Americus
The anonymous donors established this scholarship to be awarded in honor of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. American Baptist minister, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African American Civil Rights Movement who won the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolence. Preference will be given to students who are incoming juniors and/or seniors, and renewable as recipients remain in the GSW AAMI which seeks to enable students to discover their role in society by allowing them to achieve their full potential academically and to assume leadership roles on or campus and in our communities upon graduation.
This scholarship has been established by Sumter EMC to support students who reside in Sumter EMC service area or has as parent, grandparent, or guardian whose primary residence is served by Sumter EMC (CHATTAHOOCHEE, DOUGHERTY, LEE, MARION, QUITMAN, RANDOLPH, SCHLEY, STEWART, SUMTER, TERRELL, and WEBSTER). This scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior with a GPA of at least 2.8 and whose major is science, education, nursing, business or accounting.
Students should submit a short essay about education and career goals and not eligible to reapply once awarded.
This scholarship was established by Marty McDonald to honor his wife Paula. She is a dedicated athlete and coach of the cross country team at GSW. Both Marty and Paula McDonald are long-time supporters of student athletes at GSW. Preference will be given to a student athlete and the scholarship is renewable as long as the student remains in good standing.
This scholarship was created by Kappa Sigma brothers in recognition of the many years and support shown to the Fraternity by Mrs. Walter Mae Hamilton. Mrs. Hamilton is known as Aunt Mae and was the Housemother of the Chapter during its founding.
This scholarship is awarded by the following criteria:
This scholarship was created by Kappa Sigma brothers in memory of Judge John Harper, to be awarded by the following criteria:
The University System of Georgia Foundation contributed funds to offer financial aid for the sole purpose of providing need-base scholarships. Georgia Southwestern State University will award scholarships to one or more students who demonstrate financial need and are in good standing as incoming freshmen, transfer students or students currently enrolled at GSW.
This scholarship was created by Betty Anne and Eddie Ward for GSW softball students.
The Frances Wood Wilson Foundation of Decatur, Georgia, provides assistance to worthy students with a GPA of 3.0 and who demonstrate leadership involvement in school activities.
The purpose of this scholarship is to support currently employed GSW staff members in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship was created in memory of Chief Oris Bryant to be awarded to a Junior, Senior, or Graduate student at Georgia Southwestern with 2.7+ GPA.
The community-driven Two Great Choices Scholarships are given exclusively to students from Sumter County. This scholarship was initiated in early 2008 as a joint effort between GSW, SGTC, city and county government leaders and other members of the Americus community to promote the positive educational opportunities offered by GSW and South Georgia Technical College (SGTC). Recommendations from high school guidance counsellors and principals are also considered.
This scholarship is awarded to a student athlete of a recognized sports team. Preference is given to a student athlete demonstrating financial need, and is an entering, transferring or current student with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
This scholarship was created in memory of legendary football Coach Jimmy Hightower, to support student athletes and the GSW athletics program.
This endowment was established by family and friends in memory of Charles F. Crisp, former President of the Bank of Commerce and local business leader in Americus, Georgia. Recipient must be a resident of Georgia, an incoming freshman with a minimum SAT of 1000 and HS GPA of 3.0. Consideration is also given to students currently enrolled at GSW with a 3.0 GPA.
This scholarship was established by William H. “Billy” King in honor of fellow GSW Alumni Mr. Buddy Guth, Mr. Jim Buchanan, Mr. Jeff Baxley, and Mr. Jeff Bateman for the positive influence they had on Mr. King. This scholarship will be granted to students who may be struggling academically, but obviously trying as demonstrated by class attendance and participation, along with campus leadership and service.
This scholarship was established by Magnolia Manor. The scholarship will be awarded to full-time student with demonstrated financial need, who is a relative of someone who is a current employee of Magnolia Manor in any location with at least one year of employment. Students are eligible to reapply and must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 for the continued eligibility.
This scholarship was established in memory of H. Phil Jones, Jr., former president of the Citizens Bank of Americus. It is available to Sumter County or Webster County residents exhibiting financial need, those who show leadership qualities through extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports or volunteer work and is an “average” student with a 2.0-3.25 GPA.
Dr. Michael Hanes, former President of GSW and his wife, Dr. Madlyn Hanes, established this endowed scholarship in honor of their parents. This scholarship will be awarded to a first year, traditional age, full time student who has demonstrated unmet financial need and qualifies for regular admission with 3.0 GPA. It can be extended if recipient qualifies.
The Alice K. Mathis Foundation established an endowed scholarship in 1982 in memory of a former GSW teacher. Applicants must be residents of Sumter County, possess a HS 3.0 GPA with special consideration of financial need and high moral character. This award can be on-going as long as academic progress is maintained.
This endowment was established by Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Ray of Americus, Georgia, in memory of their son Jim. The recipient must be enrolled full-time and in good standing. Consideration will be given but not restricted to incoming freshmen. Preference is given to student athletes in the sport of golf.
A past chairman of the Board of Trustees of the GSW Foundation, D. Michael Weston established an endowed scholarship to encourage high academic achievement to an incoming GSW Freshman who possesses a 2.0 to 2.5 HS GPA and scored less than 1100 on the SAT. May be continued or offered to an upperclassman who meets the criteria.
In 1987, Tim Dupree established a scholarship in the memory of his late grandmother Ida Cavender, and Tony Rich, a benefactor. The scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior at Macon County High School and Peach County High School. Criteria includes a minimum SAT score of 950, financial need, HS average of 85 or better, 95% attendance record and a strong interest in the American work ethic. Selection is made by the Director of Admissions upon recommendation of the principals of Macon County High School and Peach County High School.
The Jerry and Marjorie Newman Endowed Scholarship has been established through the generosity of Jerry and Marjorie Newman. Jerry Newman is a loyal alumnus of the Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) Class of 1959 who serves on the GSW Foundation Board of Trustees. He, along with his wife Marjorie, have supported GSW in many ways over the years, including a gift to renovate the former president’s home on campus now known as the Newman Alumni House. Recipients must be an enrolled student in good standing at Georgia Southwestern State University.
This scholarship was established by the Alumni Association and offers an academic scholarship to a Georgia resident who has a GPA or 2.5-2.99 and is a sophomore, junior, or senior in good standing. This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students only.
This scholarship was established through the estate of Michael Flowers. He was a graduate and long-time supporter or Georgia Southwestern, loved his alma mater, and especially enjoyed returning for basketball games. This scholarship can be awarded to an incoming, continuing, or transfer student in good academic standing at GSW. It is renewable as long as the student remains in good standing.
The Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Legacy Scholarship Endowment was established by a group of fraternity brothers. The Scholarship recognizes the 50-plus-year tradition of the Gamma Xi Chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. The annually awarded scholarship will be administered by the following criteria:
A pitcher on the GSW baseball team from 1996-1998, Evan Bozof passed away from meningococcal disease April 20, 1998. An athletic scholarship was endowed in Evan’s name in March 2008. It may be awarded to an incoming student, a transfer student from a junior college, or a continuing GSW student who is a member in good standing of the GSW baseball team with a GPA of 3.25.
This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Leewynn Finklea, an educator and GSW's first Alumni Director. Applicants must have financial need, a minimum 2.75 GPA and show interest in community and school related activities.
This scholarship is for a student athlete who is an incoming freshman, a transfer student, or a current student pursuing an undergraduate degree or graduate degree with a 2.0 GPA.
This Alumni Award is available to incoming freshmen who are Sumter County residents. Victor Jones established it to honor his wife, Frances Bagley Arenz, a 1939 graduate of GSW. Criteria include a Sumter County graduate, HS GPA of 2.8 and no grades below C. Applicants are also considered for leadership qualities and participation in extra-curricular activities. This scholarship can be on-going as long as the criteria are met.
This scholarship was created in honor of Victoria Ondo Burnfin, a former tennis student and GSW alumna. She played for the Lady Hurricanes from 2011 to 2015. This scholarship will be awarded to a worthy, female tennis student-athlete who embodies Victoria’s heart and spirt.
This scholarship is a memorial to Mary Lou Jordan, an English instructor at GSW from 1926 to 1945. It is available to a Georgia Freshman with a minimum HS GPA of 3.0 and SAT of 1000.
The Myra Lunsford Scholarship is an endowed scholarship established by Myra Lunsford, Class of 1927, and is awarded to a worthy undergraduate student who has a 3.0 GPA and demonstrates participation in school related scholastic activities while in High School or at GSW.
This Alumni endowed scholarship, named in honor of John Prance, GSW President from 1932 to 1934, is awarded to entering Freshmen who demonstrate financial need, possess a HS GPA of 3.0, and a minimum SAT of 1000.
This scholarship was established by GSW to honor the memory of Willy Mathis, a member of the GSW basketball team in the 70’s and a committed alumnus. Willy passed away in 2007 after a battle with cancer. This scholarship is to be used for a basketball player who is an incoming freshman, a transfer student, or a current student pursuing an undergraduate degree at GSW.
The family of Bettie and Claude Rhyne, Jr. established this scholarship for upper class or graduate students majoring in Biology who have a 3.0 GPA.
This Alumni scholarship was named in honor of Henry King Stanford, President of GSW from 1948 through 1950 and former President of Birmingham Southern, Ga. College and State University in Milledgeville, University of Miami, and University of Georgia. Criteria: incoming freshman, minimum SAT of 1000, and 3.0 GPA.
Martha H. Westbrook, Class of 1929, for whom the Westbrook Clock Tower on campus was named, established this scholarship to assist worthy undergraduate students who demonstrate participation in scholastic activities while in high school or at GSW. Must possess a GPA of 3.0.
This scholarship was created in memory of Randy Williams, a former student in Developmental Studies at Georgia Southwestern State University. This award is given to promote the fine qualities of scholarship, leadership, and character which he exhibited. The student who receives this award must have exited the Developmental Studies Program, be a continuing student at GSW, have earned at least 45 hours but no more than 90 hours of academic credit, have a 2.5 GPA, and be present to accept the award at the ceremony.
This scholarship was created by Jimmy Peel for students who are employed, at least part-time, in good standing, and enrolled for a minimum of 6 hours. Students must demonstrate financial need and have a 3.0 GPA.
This scholarship is established by Mrs. Ginger Starlin in memory of her late mother Betty West Horne and late husband Calvin Starlin. Ginger (class of ’72) and Calvin both attended Georgia Southwestern College, along with many of their family members. Recognizing the importance of higher education, the Starlin family desires this fund to alleviate financial burdens for student-athletes in the local area attending Georgia Southwestern. This scholarship is given to GSW student-athletes who graduated from Southland Academy and must be in good academic standing.
This scholarship was established by Ann and Bill Harris. Having served as leaders of the Americus Community for many years, Ann and Bill Harris created this scholarship awards as a reflection of their long-standing support of Georgia Southwestern State University. The annually awarded scholarship will be administered by the following criteria:
The priority deadline for application is February 1st unless otherwise noted. Final deadline is May 1st. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at (229) 928-1378.
*All scholarship awards are based on fund availability.
View a variety of scholarships offered by their respective college determined by your major.
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