{"id":12540,"date":"2026-06-30T10:41:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T14:41:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/?p=12540"},"modified":"2026-06-30T10:41:27","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T14:41:27","slug":"georgia-southern-university-honors-esteemed-donors-at-2026-gratitude-gala","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/2026\/06\/30\/georgia-southern-university-honors-esteemed-donors-at-2026-gratitude-gala\/","title":{"rendered":"Georgia Southern University Honors Esteemed Donors at 2026 Gratitude Gala"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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On March 27, Georgia Southern held Gratitude Gala 2026 honoring key donors for their invaluable support of the University\u2019s institutional goals and objectives at Savannah\u2019s JW Marriott in the Plant Riverside District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each year, alumni, partners and philanthropic leaders are recognized for their charitable attributions to best advance the University\u2019s mission of preparing students for future careers, promoting community service and powering Georgia Southern\u2019s regional economic impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Georgia Southern President Kyle Marerro underscored the vital role of donor support.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe people in this room represent Georgia Southern\u2019s most loyal alumni, friends, faculty, staff, corporations and foundations \u2014 those who have given $25,000 or more to the University,\u201d Marrero said. \u201cBecause of supporters like you, more than $6 million in scholarships were awarded this year, and our momentum continues to grow across every area of impact.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Georgia Southern experienced record-breaking milestones, including enrollment, research activity and $1.167B in regional economic impact. Each charitable gift is another step toward the institution\u2019s aggressive \u201cTogether We Soar\u201d campaign goal of $300M by 2030.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, these honorees reflect the spirit of generosity and partnership that drives Georgia Southern forward. Their impact extends far beyond campus, shaping opportunities for students and strengthening communities across the region. We are proud to celebrate their leadership and deeply grateful for their continued commitment to Eagle Nation\u2014helping us build a stronger future, together.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about Georgia Southern\u2019s Together We Soar campaign\u2014and the impact of supporters like this year\u2019s honorees\u2014visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu\/TogetherWeSoar.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The President\u2019s Ambassador Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph\u2019s\/Candler<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Built on tradition and driven by progress, St. Joseph\u2019s\/Candler has been a cornerstone of compassionate healthcare in Savannah and the surrounding region for generations. With roots dating back to 1804 and 1875, the system now serves 33 counties across Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry. Their enduring partnership with Georgia Southern is preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through hands-on clinical training and innovative spaces like the state-of-the-art Nursing Suite. Through their generosity and collaboration, St. Joseph\u2019s\/Candler is shaping student success while advancing the health and well-being of communities across the region.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The President\u2019s Innovator Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Leonard Bevill Family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Leonard Bevill Family exemplifies what it means to be true champions of Georgia Southern. Across generations, their shared connection as proud alumni has inspired a deep commitment to supporting the University through their time, leadership, and philanthropy. Their impact is especially felt in Eagle Athletics, where their support of the Eagle Nation Fund, the Erk Russell Fund, and key initiatives has expanded opportunities for student-athletes and strengthened programs across the board. Through their continued generosity and engagement, the Bevill Family is helping elevate Georgia Southern and shape the future of Eagle Nation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The President\u2019s Visionary Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Greg Parker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Greg Parker\u2019s entrepreneurial spirit and extraordinary generosity have left an indelible mark on Georgia Southern University. As founder of Parker\u2019s Kitchen, he built a single-store operation into a leading regional company known for innovation and excellence. His commitment to giving back is equally impactful, with more than $30 million invested in education, healthcare, and community initiatives. In 2019, his historic gift\u2014the largest in the University\u2019s history\u2014established the Parker College of Business, expanding scholarships, strengthening faculty support, and creating new opportunities for students. Through both his philanthropy and personal engagement, Parker continues to inspire and shape the next generation of leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On March 27, Georgia Southern held Gratitude Gala 2026 honoring key donors for their invaluable support of the University\u2019s institutional goals and objectives at Savannah\u2019s JW Marriott in the Plant Riverside District. Each year, alumni, partners and philanthropic leaders are recognized for their charitable attributions to best advance the University\u2019s mission of preparing students for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":9937,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[91,92],"class_list":["post-12540","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-foundation","tag-fall-2025","tag-spring-2026"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t