United Voices Gospel Choir Receives Generous Matching Donation Pledge for Scholarships Share this page
The University of West Georgia’s United Voices Gospel Choir (UVGC) has been a prominent student organization since its founding in 1974, and an anonymous donor is supporting that prominence by pledging to match every gift made to the endowed scholarship fund, dollar for dollar, up to $20,000 through Nov. 1, 2026.
The choir’s 50th anniversary reunion hosted on campus last fall sparked renewed support and interest in the UVGC Endowed Scholarship Fund, which honors the choir’s enduring legacy at UWG. The scholarship supports current and future members of the United Voices Gospel Choir in their pursuit of academic excellence, helping to recruit and retain talented students and empowering the next generation of UWG leaders.
Around 46 percent of UWG students are the first in their families to attend college, and this fund helps provide financial support that can change the trajectory not only of their academic experience but also of their lives post-graduation.
“Financial support makes a fundamental difference in the lives of our students,” said choir director and advisor, Netta Jefferson ’20. “The UVGC scholarships give our students the financial freedom to prioritize enriching their student experience through involvement in the choir and other student organizations.”
Over the years, UVGC has been as large as having over 100 members. Now it has over 20 members, and it awards two students a scholarship each academic year. If the dollar-for-dollar fundraiser is successful, the choir will be able to extend that offering to another student, allowing them to ease the financial burden for three students each academic year.
“United Voices was an integral part of my student experience at UWG. From weekly rehearsals to singing for churches throughout Georgia and beyond, I made lifelong friends and deepened my faith,” said a member of the reunion planning committee, Dana Pace ’82. “At our 45th reunion, former members and friends were proud to give back by establishing the scholarship fund, and at our 50th, it only seemed right to grow the fund so that even more students could benefit long into the future.”
The choir was founded by the Rev. Jared Jennings and Dr. O.B. Yates who saw a need for African American students to have an outlet and more extracurricular activities. The choir has expanded over the years and welcomes individuals of all races, ethnicities and faith backgrounds, allowing any student to enjoy the fellowship and comradery UVGC is known for.
As part of its expansion, the choir has two concerts each year and performs at numerous events throughout the year. Some of their recent performances include appearances at Winter West Wonderland and the MLK Day Program.
If you are interested in supporting the United Voices Gospel Choir, visit its fundraising page. If you would like to see the choir in person, the next performance is on April 18 at 3 p.m. in West Commons.