GSW honors Outstanding Alumni at Gold Force Gala, raises funds for student success and scholarships

AMERICUS, Ga. (Feb. 3, 2026) – Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) and the GSW Alumni Association hosted its fourth annual Gold Force Gala on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the new Griffin Bell Conference Center, bringing together over 250 guests for an evening of celebration and philanthropy. The sold-out, black-tie fundraiser honored GSW’s 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award winners and helped raise over $17,000 for scholarships from the silent auction.

“This signature event is a testament to the unwavering support GSW alumni have for their alma mater,” said Angela Smith, alumni engagement specialist. “It is always an honor to celebrate our Outstanding Alumni Award winners, who reflect the caliber of students we are producing today. I am incredibly humbled by the outpouring of support from those who made an event of this magnitude possible.”

Guests heard remarks from scholarship recipient and student leader Madeline Taylor, a senior accounting major from Buena Vista, GSW President Dr. Michelle Johnston, GSW Alumni Association Chair Ryan Garnto, and GSW Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Jeff Benton. Scott Westbrook served as emcee, guiding attendees through the recognition of the evening’s distinguished honorees whose professional achievements, leadership, and commitment to service exemplify the values of Georgia Southwestern. The celebration concluded with live music by Catfish Johnson and the Hushpuppies. 

The 2026 Alumni Awardees are:

• Hall of Fame inductee: Hayley (Tierce) Stripling '19
• Young Alumni of the Year: Jonathan Hobbs '17
• Family Legacy Award recipients: The Tondee Family
• Leewynn Finklea Award recipient: Royce Hackett '01, '04
• Visionary Award recipient: Harry Kitchen '75
• Canes Community Champions: Gay '96 and Bill Sheppard
• Aeolian Award recipient: Chris Hosey '87

The event was made possible through the generous support from gold sponsor Elior Collegiate Dining and blue sponsors Citizens Bank of Americus, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, George Torbert at The Baldwin Agency, and Marianne & Alf Tuggle.

The full ceremony will be available online at youtube.com/georgiasouthwestern, and photos from the evening will be posted on GSW’s Facebook page.