A September Defined by Giving

This story originally appeared in the Canes Corner section of the Americus Times-Recorder newspaper.

By Stephen Snyder, Executive Director of the GSW Foundation and Assistant Vice President for University Advancement, Georgia Southwestern State University

September has been an extraordinary month of generosity at Georgia Southwestern, and as we close it out, I am reminded of just how fortunate we are to have a community that believes so deeply in GSW and our students.

On Sept. 17, our eighth annual Day of Giving brought together an incredible 668 donors from all 50 states. Seeing support reach across the entire country is a powerful reminder that the GSW community extends far beyond Americus. Every gift, regardless of size, represents someone choosing to invest in our students and the future of this University.

That same spirit of generosity is evident right here on campus. Through our annual Give Southwestern faculty and staff campaign, more than half of GSW employees have already made a gift. Our faculty and staff give so much to this institution every day through their work, and their willingness to personally invest in GSW speaks volumes about their belief in our mission.

We are also continuing to make remarkable progress through GSW’s comprehensive campaign, Rising Together, Shaping Futures. To date, our supporters have committed $12.2 million toward our $15 million goal, and 54 new endowed funds have been established during the campaign. These endowed funds will provide lasting support for GSW and our students for generations to come. Together, these gifts are creating opportunities for students, strengthening the University and helping ensure GSW can continue making an impact well into the future.

These numbers are impressive, but what they represent is even more telling: people who believe in Georgia Southwestern.

To every alumnus, employee, student, parent, business, community partner and friend who has supported GSW — thank you!