A Day for Southern On Campus A Day for Southern On Campus Kickoff

August 23, 2012

A Day for Southern On Campus Kickoff 

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Georgia Southern University faculty and staff volunteers gathered today for the kickoff of A Day for Southern On Campus at the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center. Alex Grovenstein, the director of annual giving for University Advancement, welcomed volunteers to the 39th annual campaign, which will last until Aug. 30.

“Thirty-nine years is a long time for a program to be in place and still be successful,” said Georgia Southern President Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D. We are a community of 1,000 acres with 2,100 faculty and staff and 20,000 students, and we have a lot to be proud of,” he said. Keel thanked volunteers for their support by challenging Georgia Southern and keeping the University on the cutting edge. “We are going to push this University forward because we owe it to our students. We are asking everyone to make an investment in our students with this campaign.”

Since 1998, A Day for Southern has raised more than one million dollars annually, and last year, 34 departments on campus had 100% participation. “A Day for Southern is a success for many reasons – the volunteers, our faculty and staff,” said Grovenstein. “It is a time-honored tradition that many universities have tried to emulate, but have not been able to.”

Faculty and staff members are given the opportunity to contribute what they can to support University programs and services not funded by state dollars. Funds raised through A Day for Southern support scholarships, faculty development, championship athletics and the cultural programs that enrich our region such as the Museum, the Wildlife Center, the Garden of the Coastal Plains, the Performing Arts Center and the Symphony.

The On Campus campaign co-chairs Brenda Aytes, manager of the Eagle Print Shop, and Dr. Jeff Tysinger, Department of Psychology, presented a video highlighting Georgia Southern memories and progress on campus through the decades. “A Day for Southern is all about potential,” said Tysinger. “The University has come a long way since the Eagles were hatched, and we have a great reputation from our students.” Aytes also encouraged campaign participation. “Look back at your memories of Georgia Southern and think about your support for our students today,” she said, challenging volunteers.

The event also included a student performance from The Magnolia Quartet and comments from student-athlete Sara Curry and University Honors student and 1906 Scholar Zach Akins.  Curry, a senior recreation therapy major and cross country and distance track athlete, spoke about her experience as an Eagle Fund recipient.

Akins, a chemistry major and third generation Georgia Southern student, related meaningful experiences about how the University has helped him attain his goals of attending medical school. “Georgia Southern understands the importance of bringing in students from other cultures, but Georgia Southern also doesn’t forget the community,” said the Bulloch County native. “I hope I can make a difference in the lives of others just like Georgia Southern has done for me.”