Georgia Southern University A Day for Southern Campaign Sets New Record of $1.417 Million

September 11, 2012

Georgia Southern University’s ‘A Day for Southern’ fundraising campaign has set a new record of $1,417,799.  This year’s total surpasses the previous record of $1,403,062 that was recorded last year. This marks the 15th straight year the campaign has raised more than $1 million.

“You cannot have an ‘Eagle Nation’ without first having an ‘Eagle Community,’” said Georgia Southern University President Brooks Keel, Ph.D.  “The support and the pride that the Statesboro and Bulloch County community have and continue to show their university is remarkable.”

Money raised during the annual campaign, which today completed its 39^th year, includes donations from faculty, staff, the Statesboro/Bulloch County community and retirees of the University.    A Day for Southern plays a major role in the University’s operations each year because it is a primary source of funding for many educational needs for which the University cannot use state funds to support (i.e. scholarships, athletics, and cultural opportunities for our students, faculty and staff).
“This is without a doubt one of the most unique university fundraising campaigns in the country,” says Keel.  “We are so thankful to all of those that have and continue to support Georgia Southern University.  This is a volunteer driven effort and it says a lot about how much this community cares about the direction and future of ‘their’ university.  They believe in Georgia Southern and we are incredibly grateful.”

Darron Burnette, president and CEO of Sea Island Bank, served as the campaign’s community chair.  Brenda Aytes, manager of the Eagle Print Shop served as the campaigns’ staff chair and Jeff Tysinger, Ph.D., professor of school psychology, served as the campaign’s faculty chair.  Paul and Claudia Moller served as retiree campaign co-chairs.  According to University officials, more than 125 volunteers visited more than 800 area businesses and organizations.

“I am a True Blue Eagle fan and I am keenly aware of the powerful economic engine that Georgia Southern is in this community,” said Burnette whose daughter is now a student at the growing University.  “When you consider surrounding communities, the stability that this university provides cannot be understated.  I am reminded of the quote, ‘If you keep doing what you always do, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always gotten.’  No one can say that about Statesboro. We’re always moving forward.  Dr. Keel has a vision of growth and we are seeing new construction and new opportunities in our own community.  When Southern succeeds, Statesboro thrives.”

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906 offers more than 120 degree programs serving more than 20,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University is one of the Top 10 most popular universities in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report, and is the top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.