GSW’s Day of Giving sets new record of 668 donors from all 50 states

AMERICUS, Ga. (Sept. 22, 2026) — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) celebrated its eighth annual Day of Giving on Thursday, Sept. 17, with a record 668 donors from all 50 states contributing $139,125 in support of the University.

The 24-hour giving challenge is powered by gifts from alumni, community members, parents, friends, faculty, staff and students. Day of Giving brings the campus and community together, connecting Hurricanes across the country in a shared mission to support GSW’s students, scholarships, academic programs, departments and athletics.

“GSW’s eighth Day of Giving has been a huge success,” said Stephen Snyder, executive director of the GSW Foundation and assistant vice president for Advancement. “I am profoundly grateful to our Hurricane family for continuing to raise the bar year after year, through volunteering, advocating and giving. I am so proud of our community.”

The campaign’s success was driven by online and social media efforts as well as strong support from the local community. Throughout the day, supporters showed their Hurricane pride by dining and shopping at the 24 participating Americus businesses, each of which donated a portion of the day’s sales to the campaign.

A signature part of Day of Giving is the challenge to “turn the map gold,” with each state turning gold once a gift is received from that state. This helps visualize the campaign’s success. GSW received gifts from all 50 states for the fourth consecutive year, once again making Day of Giving a nationwide effort.

GSW also turned the town gold. Nearly 200 students, faculty and staff volunteered at the participating businesses throughout Americus. Many of the student volunteers benefit from the very scholarships that Day of Giving helps fund, bringing the impact of the campaign full circle.

On campus, students joined the celebration with a raffle and trivia competition, featuring prizes including Downtown Dollars donated by Downtown Americus Main Street to spend at participating downtown businesses.

“I was truly blown away by the energy, enthusiasm and support surrounding Day of Giving,” said GSW President Dr. Kerry Palmer. “It was inspiring to see everyone come together as Hurricanes to support GSW and our students. This incredible response speaks volumes about the strength of the GSW community and the pride people have in this University. Go Canes!”

While donors could contribute to any fund of their choosing, GSW highlighted five funds during this year’s Day of Giving:

• Southwestern Promise: These scholarships automatically provide $1,000 and $3,000 to eligible GSW freshmen who meet certain academic requirements.
• President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program: Contributions support the existing program and enhance additional opportunities and involvement.
• General Athletics: Contributions to GSW Athletics support areas including athletic facility improvements, scholarships and recruiting enhancements.
• Southwestern Annual Fund: This general-purpose fund supports student needs including conference expenses, extra-curricular learning programs, scholarships, emergency expenses, and textbook assistance.
• Hurricanes Back-on-Track: This fund provides financial assistance to students facing unexpected hardships that may prevent them from completing their degree.

Three newer funds also received significant support during Day of Giving: the Morgan Whaley ’24 Memorial Endowment, William Rambo Memorial Golf Scholarship and J. Thurston Clary Memorial Scholarships, each established in memory of individuals with meaningful connections to GSW.

Donors who gave $250 or more for GSW's Day of Giving received an exclusive Julia Gash 500-piece puzzle, while those who gave $120 or more received a special felt pennant commemorating GSW’s 120th anniversary this year.

The Day of Giving Committee expresses their appreciation to the 24 participating businesses: 2 Duke’s BBQ, Baker’s Dozen Donuts and Diner, Café Campesino Community Coffeehouse, Carter’s Fried Chicken, Chick-fil-A Americus, Gyro City Mediterranean Grill, Horne Pecan Company, La Hacienda, Lily’s Boutique, Little Brother’s Bistro, Minick Interiors, 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, Southfitters, The Station, The Sweet Spot and Toboggan Steve’s.

The campaign was led by the Day of Giving Committee: Chelsea Collins, Kim Comer, Lisa Courtney, Emily Crenshaw, Benjamin DeLoach, Caitlin Downs, Hunter Peak, Cody Reeves, Sydney Scott, Angela Smith, Haley Skipper, Stephen Snyder, and Tracy Taylor.

For more information about GSW’s Day of Giving, visit gsw.edu/DayOfGiving.

Those who missed Day of Giving but would still like to support GSW can make a gift at gsw.edu/Give.