In Gratitude: UWG Brings Donors and Students Together at Inaugural Scholarship Luncheon Share this page
At the University of West Georgia’s first Scholarship Luncheon, donors and students met not as names on a check or an award letter, but as people whose lives had quietly intertwined long before they shook hands. The room filled with stories of perseverance, hope and generosity, offering donors a glimpse of the futures they are helping to build and giving students the chance to say the words that mattered most: thank you.
“In 2023, I began as a dual-enrollment student at UWG Newnan, and that experience helped me realize that higher education could be the key to a better future,” said Leonard Bowles, a management major in the Richards College of Business and scholarship recipient. “That goal became my focus, but I knew those dreams needed a financial foundation. Thanks to helping hands, like the Newnan Kiwanis Club, students like me can build a better future despite the obstacles we face.”
UWG recently brought together the heart of its mission – students and the supporters who believe in their potential – at this inaugural gathering designed to connect donors with the recipients whose lives their generosity is shaping. The event celebrated gratitude shared stories of impact and highlighted how philanthropic investments are opening doors for students to thrive.
Today, UWG’s endowment has grown to over $60 million, with more than $38 million dedicated specifically to student scholarships. Dr. Michael Johnson, UWG president, said it’s an investment that is changing lives every year.
“Student success is one of my top priorities, but success doesn’t just happen in the abstract,” he remarked. “Success happens because someone opens a door and believes in the potential of a student they’ve never met. If we lift others as we climb, opportunities multiply and lives are changed.”
After expressing gratitude to the donors present, Johnson addressed the students in celebration of their accomplishments as well.
“The people sitting around you today didn’t just give a gift to the university – they made an investment in you,” he said. “They saw something in your determination and potential, and they decided it was worth supporting. So work hard and take advantage of every opportunity in front of you. And one day, when you’ve built your own careers and lives, may you remember the opportunity you were given here and choose to help someone else rise and achieve their dream.”
As participants enjoyed their luncheon in fellowship and learned each other’s stories, Allyson Bretch ’14, vice president for university advancement and CEO of UWG’s philanthropic foundations, reflected on the meaning of the day.
“Your story reminds us why we’re here, and we’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished and all that’s ahead,” she shared. “To our donors, thank you for your generosity and the belief you place in our students. To our scholarship recipients, your determination and spirit represent the very best of the University of West Georgia. You inspire us every day. Thank you all for being part of the Pack.”
Bowles – whose an active participant in campus life by serving as a UWG Blue Coat, vice president of budget and finance for the Student Government Association, and a member of the Dean’s Council of Student Leaders – said he’s been able to focus on his education without the constant stress of financial burdens thanks to donors.
“No matter where our paths may lead, the experience and knowledge we gain today will take us farther than we can ever imagine,” he concluded. “Without your support, those dreams would certainly be limited. Thank you again for your generosity, fellowship and investing in the next generation.”
To learn more about how you can support student success at UWG, visit westga.edu/give.
photography by Miranda Daniel