by Nikole Gianopoulos
Earlier this fall, the University of West Georgia held its first Scholarship Gala in the Campus Center Ballroom. The gala began with a champagne salute and dinner followed by cocktails, music, and dancing on the Campus Center patio. The Scholarship Gala raised a total of $55,000 for need-based scholarships.
Sustaining and enhancing a desired position as the institution of choice in West Georgia and the region requires the university to remain competitive in recruiting future generations of student scholars. The brightest young minds, destined to become the next generation of doctors, lawyers, statesmen, scientists, and teachers, are sought by universities around the world.
Additional enhancements to the existing financial aid program will enable UWG to continue to attract and support highly qualified students from its traditional and nontraditional audiences – many of whom are first generation attendees from families of modest means, as well as talented students who may otherwise lack the financial ability to pursue a college education.
“Dollars raised from the Scholarship Gala will go a long way towards furthering our comprehensive effort to ensure that a college degree is affordable for all students,” said Executive Director of Development Diane Homesley. “We appreciate all of our generous donors who are helping to transform student lives.”
With the rising costs of college tuition and fees, many students work 20 and sometimes 40 hours per week to afford college expenses. It is evident from the student profile that private funding for need-based scholarships is a priority at UWG. Need-based scholarships will assist in eliminating financial barriers to a college education and help ensure that great student potential is not lost as a result of not being able to afford to attend college.
"Need-based scholarships are critical to financial accessibility and ultimately the academic success of our students,” said UWG President Dr. Kyle Marrero. “Our goal is that the Scholarship Gala will become an annual event. This is only the beginning of an historic campaign that will transform the lives of generations of students to come!"
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