Americus Mayor officially proclaims Thursday, September 18 as GSW’s Day of Giving

AMERICUS, Ga (Aug. 28, 2025) — On August 28, Americus Mayor Lee Kinnamon signed a proclamation announcing Thursday, September 18, 2025 as the seventh annual Day of Giving for Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW).

GSW faculty, staff, and students turned out on Gold Force Thursday to witness Mayor Kinnamon sign the proclamation for the upcoming Day of Giving alongside GSW President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D. Kinnamon also presented his own personal contribution and expressed his gratitude for GSW and the impact the University has on the community.

“It’s appropriate for us to give to GSW because GSW gives so much to Americus and Sumter County,” stated Mayor Kinnamon. “We have institutions here without which, we wouldn’t be nearly what we are today, and GSW is clearly one of those institutions.”

GSW’s Day of Giving is a yearly challenge to raise essential funds and support for the University. This year, the goals are to rally at least 600 individual donors and secure contributions from all 50 states in a quest to “turn the map gold.”

On Thursday, September 18, Hurricanes around the country and world—alumni, community members, parents, friends, neighbors, faculty, staff and students—will join together to support GSW. Gifts are encouraged to the following five funds but may contribute to any fund that resonates with them, allowing them to support the area of GSW they value most.

• Southwestern Promise: These scholarships automatically provide $1,000 and $3,000 to all eligible GSW freshmen who meet certain academic requirements.
• President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program: These contributions will bolster the existing program and enhance additional opportunities and involvement.
• General Athletics: Contributions to GSW Athletics includes, but is not limited to, support for athletic facility improvements, scholarships and recruiting enhancements.
• Southwestern Annual Fund: This general-purpose fund provides support for students as needs arise including conference expenses, extra-curricular learning programs, scholarship funding, emergency expenses, and textbook assistance.
• Hurricanes Back-on-Track: This fund provides students with the financial support they need to overcome an unanticipated financial hardship that inhibits their ability to finish a degree.

Donations can be made on September 18 using GSW’s online fundraising platform, Give Campus, at gsw.edu/DayOfGiving. Gifts can also be dropped off at the Newman Alumni House on campus or mailed ahead of time to the GSW Foundation. Checks should be made out to the GSW Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 926, Americus, GA 31709.

Donors who make a gift of $250 or more will receive an exclusive GSW tote bag with a new custom design by the famous, British artist Julia Gash.

In addition to monetary gifts, those wanting to support GSW on the Day of Giving can dine at one of the participating local restaurants who will generously donate a portion of their sales during certain hours toward the Day of Giving. Thank you to 2 Duke’s BBQ, Booger Bottom, Café Campesino Community Coffeehouse, Carter’s Fried Chicken, Chick-fil-A Americus, Gyro City Mediterranean Grill, Horne Pecan Company, La Esquina Cubano, La Hacienda, Little Brother’s Bistro, Monroe’s Hotdogs, Pat’s Place, Roman Oven Pizzeria, Scoops Americus, Sweet Georgia Bakery & Café, The 1800 Mexican Restaurant, The Alley, The Fish House, The Sheppard House, The Spot, The Station, The Sweet Spot, Toboggan Steve’s, Wolf Creek Plantation (downtown location) for participating. Local retailers Code Black ATL, Lily’s Boutique, Minick Interiors, Southfitters, The Kinnebrew Company, and Three’s Company Too are also donating a portion of their store sales towards GSW.

Visit gsw.edu/DayOfGiving or follow along on the Facebook event to learn more about the funds supported and the participating restaurant and retailer times on GSW’s Day of Giving.