GSW to publicly launch Rising Together, Shaping Futures fundraising campaign

AMERICUS, Ga. (Aug. 14, 2026) — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) is preparing to celebrate a defining moment in its future with the public launch of Rising Together, Shaping Futures, the University's comprehensive 5-year fundraising campaign.

Alumni, donors, friends and community members are invited to join GSW for a special campaign celebration Thursday, Aug. 20, at 5:30 p.m. in the Storm Dome on GSW’s campus. The event will showcase the impact already being made through the campaign while unveiling exciting new announcements about what lies ahead for GSW.

After four years of building momentum during its quiet phase, Rising Together, Shaping Futures has already raised more than $8 million toward its $12.5 million goal. The Aug. 20 celebration marks the beginning of the campaign’s public phase and an opportunity for the entire GSW community to be part of shaping the University's next chapter.

"Rising Together, Shaping Futures< reflects the incredible momentum at Georgia Southwestern and our commitment to creating even greater opportunities for our students," said GSW President Kerry Palmer, Ph.D. "As we look to the future, this campaign will help us build on GSW's strengths, invest in our people and ensure that generations of students have the resources and experiences they need to succeed. I'm excited to invite our alumni, friends and community to be part of what comes next."

Rising Together, Shaping Futures centers on three priorities - Student Success, Student Access, and Faculty and Staff Excellence - each focused on creating opportunities that can transform lives.

Through Student Success, the campaign invests in experiences and resources that help students thrive inside and outside the classroom. Student Access expands opportunities for students to pursue a GSW education by reducing financial barriers and increasing scholarship support. Faculty and Staff Excellence invests in the people at the heart of the University, providing resources that strengthen teaching, mentorship, innovation and the overall student experience.

Together, these priorities reflect a shared belief that investing in GSW means investing in students, families, communities and the future of Southwest Georgia and beyond.

"This campaign is about much more than reaching a fundraising goal. It is about what becomes possible when people who believe in Georgia Southwestern come together around a shared vision for its future," said Stephen Snyder, Assistant Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the GSW Foundation. "Every gift creates opportunities for our students, strengthens the people and programs that serve them, and helps ensure GSW continues making an impact for generations to come."

The Aug. 20 public launch will celebrate those who have already helped move the campaign forward while sharing new opportunities for alumni, friends and supporters to join the effort.

The celebration is free and open to the public. GSW invites the community to come experience the excitement, celebrate how far the University has come and discover what is possible when we rise together.

Learn more about Rising Together, Shaping Futures and how to support the campaign at gsw.edu/RisingTogether.