The University of North Georgia celebrated its sixth annual Scholarship Gala recently at the Forsyth Conference Center in Cumming.
Dr. Bonita Jacobs, UNG president, thanked attendees for their support. "Every single one of you have done yeoman's work to help our students, and I cannot begin to thank you enough for your continued generosity and support," she said. "I assure you, our students are worth it. Our compass is set on a clear course with the focus on continued student success."
Scholarship support for students has been a focus for Jacobs since her inauguration in 2013, during which the first Scholarship Gala was held. The UNG Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in student scholarships from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017.
"Student scholarships are our No. 1 fundraising priority at UNG," said Jeff Tarnowski, vice president for University Advancement. "The Scholarship Gala provides an opportunity each year to highlight the importance and profound impact of scholarship grants for our students. The added visibility from this event has enabled us to raise more money each year to support our students, and for that, we are truly grateful."
The gala also included the presentation of the Summit and Presidential Leadership awards.
Jacobs presented the 2018 Presidential Leadership Award to John and Mary Helen McGruder of Cumming. The award, established in 2010, recognizes those who have made a significant, positive impact on the life and advancement of the university.
The Summit Award was established in 2016 and recognizes an individual, family or organization for significant contributions to scholarships at UNG over an extended period. It was presented to former president and first lady of UNG, Nathaniel "Nat" Hansford and Frances Fincher Hansford.
