UWG News Item
Contact: UWG Public Relations Office
Phone (678) 839-6464, FAX (678) 839-6645
ucm@westga.edu
Supporting A DAY invests in lives
October 14, 2005
CARROLLTON, GA -“Investing in Lives” through A DAY for West Georgia truly does make a difference in the educational, professional and personal pursuits of University of West Georgia students, faculty, staff and the community. How does a gift to A DAY truly invest in individual lives?
The
first investment is in a legacy. The largest percentage of A DAY funds
are used to support student scholarships that help train the aspiring
nurses, teachers, accountants, computer specialists and leaders of tomorrow.
The legacy starts with an investment in the lives of students. One student who has benefited from these investments is Logan Leslie, a 2003 graduate of Carrollton High School.
“The generous scholarships I have received from the University of West Georgia mean that I can concentrate on academics rather than finances. This gives me the freedom to do what I love best - spend long hours in the lab doing research. My success is a direct result of the support from A DAY donors,” Leslie said.
Student enhancement begins with the efforts of the faculty and staff. This investment is one of the most important, since students need the support of the faculty and staff to be successful in their future endeavors. Scholarship recipient Tahir Merchoud, class of 2006, has benefited directly from the UWG faculty and staff.
“Since I have been at West Georgia, the faculty members have always helped me out,” Merchoud said. In addition to the faculty and staff of the department of Management and Business Systems, Merchoud has also received what he describes as tremendous support from the international student advisor and his track and cross-country coach.
Along with the investment in a legacy, students, faculty and staff, A DAY is investing in the Carroll County community. Over 4,000 alumni live and work in Carroll County. Students also add their skills to the local labor force through internships and co-op positions. Fred O’Neal, 2005 A DAY chairman, knows this importance.
“As a long-time resident of Carroll County and as a graduate of the University of West Georgia, I know how important the university is to our community. As a student, the university opened up a world of opportunity to me. I am involved in A DAY and UWG because I want to give back so that today's students may have a great experience!” O’Neal said.
A DAY investments generate considerable general fund dollars that are used for a wide variety of purposes. A DAY funds help support faculty and staff development, academic program enhancements and advanced technology to ensure that West Georgia graduates are at the top of their fields.
Kelly Ballentine, a grateful recipient of a scholarship funded by A DAY, aspires to be in the top of her field of education.
“I am very appreciative of my scholarships because it has allowed me to excel in my classes and has given me the opportunity to focus on learning everything I can about becoming an educator without the financial burden that most students bear,” Ballentine stated.
Your day to invest in the University of West Georgia’s A DAY is Thursday, Oct. 20. Volunteers will be out in the Carroll County community asking for your generous support!
For more information, contact the West Georgia Foundation at 678-839-6582.
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