UWG News Archive

A DAY Finals

October 22, 2004

CARROLLTON, GA - If the heart of a community can be judged by the generosity of its spirit, then the hearts of friends, alumni, faculty and staff of the University of West Georgia are large indeed.

UWG News Photo Alumni and faculty/staff A DAY contributions were up more than 28 percent over the 2003 figure. Alumni gifts were up 28.49 percent, almost $50,000 more than the $211,599 given in 2003. This year, UWG alumni gave more than $271,878.

Faculty and staff contributions to A DAY for West Georgia had even better results, with a 29.79 percent increase over 2003 giving. This year, more than $81,302 was contributed — $19,000 more than the 2003 figure of $62,701.

Susan Fleck, chair for the A DAY campaign, said that UWG is a vital part of the community.

“The University is the centerpiece and showcase of our community,” Fleck said. “Everyone in the community benefits from UWG, both directly and indirectly. The people who work here bring cultural diversity, teach our children and join our churches and civic clubs. They support the character of the community. Without the University, we’d be nothing like what we are today.”

The total 2004 Annual Fund of $1.496,642 is up from last year’s $1,494,064 total. The final tally, excluding in-kind gifts, was presented Thursday night at the home of Dr. Ralph and Susan Fleck, where the final A DAY Victory Celebration was held for donors and volunteers.

Last year, in-kind gifts of more than $1 million were given to UWG and included in last year’s total. In-kind gifts — such as equipment or any other non-cash contributions — are not expected on a year-to-year basis. This year in-kind gifts amounted to $48,158.

The A DAY for West Georgia celebration kicked off Thursday morning, when the more than 150 volunteers spread out through Carroll County to solicit contributions in the area.

Volunteers are a vital part of A DAY. During the past 22 years, more than 3,750 have participated. Jimmy Drew, who retired from the Publication and Printing Department at UWG and is an alumna of the University, said that he was pleased to volunteer.

“I always want to support UWG. I’ve been involved with the school since 1959 and retired from here,” Drew said. “This is the 13th year that I have volunteered because I love the school.”

Mary Jane Goodson, executive director of the West Georgia Foundation, wanted to especially thank West Georgia National Bank for sponsoring A Run for A DAY and AirTran Airways for sponsoring the faculty/staff A DAY drive and Scott Evans’ Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Nissan dealerships for sponsoring the A DAY Victory Celebration and the A Night for A DAY kickoff.

“We could not have accomplished this much without their help,” Goodson said.

Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna, president of UWG, said that state funds only make up about 40 percent of the University’s budget. “With the state budget crisis, A DAY contributions are more important than ever,” Sethna said.

“There is no question in my mind that higher education is the way that this community will continue to thrive and grow,” Sethna said. “I give my thanks to the many other wonderful industries we have here and many wonderful supporters we have here.”

Sethna also pointed out that UWG’s growth would not be possible without the accomplishments of past community leaders.

“What we are today is based on what great contributions have been made before,” he said. “Many people have made us what we are today. I’m eternally grateful to those who have helped build West Georgia to its outstanding status today.”

Sethna said recent state budget cuts to the University System of Georgia and in turn UWG, will not effect UWG’s commitment to provide education and excellence in a personal environment.

“We are probably at the worst level of state support that we have had in 40 years,” Sethna said. “But I’m confident that we will not only just survive, we will continue to excel in spite of the budget cuts.”

Sethna pointed out several examples of how the University is continuing to excel on the national academic scene.

“We topped the nation in honor students presenting papers to the National Honors Council for the fifth time in seven years. Our health services got a national award for marketing efforts to raise awareness about violence against women and eating disorders with students. The debate team won the first major national competition of the year, defeating schools such as the University of Texas and University of California at Berkley. Budget cuts or no budget cuts, we will retain our commitment to national excellence.”

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