On September 5, Americus Mayor Lee Kinnamon signed a proclamation announcing Thursday, September 19, 2024 as the sixth annual Day of Giving for Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW).

GSW faculty, staff, and students turned out on Gold Force Thursday to witness Mayor Kinnamon sign the proclamation for the upcoming Day of Giving alongside GSW President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D. Kinnamon also presented his own personal contribution and expressed his gratitude for GSW and the impact the University has on the community.

"Since its founding in 1906, Georgia Southwestern State University has been a vitally important institution serving Americus, Sumter County, and the entire state,” stated Mayor Kinnamon. “The City of Americus has always been and remains strongly committed to its collaborative partnership with GSW, a partnership spanning nearly 120 years. Our community is very proud to be the home of the Canes!"

GSW’s Day of Giving is a yearly challenge to raise essential funds and support for the University. This year, the goals are to rally at least 500 individual donors and secure contributions from all 50 states, in a quest to “turn the map gold.” 

On Thursday, September 19, Hurricanes around the country and world—alumni, community members, parents, friends, neighbors, faculty, staff and students—will join together to support GSW. Gifts are encouraged to the following five funds, but may contribute to any fund that resonates with them, allowing them to support the area of GSW they value most. 

• Southwestern Promise: These scholarships automatically provide $1,000 and $3,000 to all eligible GSW freshmen who meet certain academic requirements.

• President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program: These contributions will bolster the existing program and enhance additional opportunities and involvement.

• General Athletics: Contributions to GSW Athletics includes, but is not limited to, support for athletic facility improvements, scholarships and recruiting enhancements.

• Southwestern Annual Fund: This general-purpose fund provides support for students as needs arise including conference expenses, extra-curricular learning programs, scholarship funding, emergency expenses, and textbook assistance.

• Griffin Bell Golf and Conference Center: This renovation will foster entrepreneurs with a makerspace and provide a venue for social functions and conferences.

Donations can be made on September 19 using GSW’s online fundraising platform, Give Campus, at gsw.edu/DayOfGiving. Gifts can also be dropped off at the Newman Alumni House on campus, or mailed ahead of time to the GSW Foundation. Checks should be made out to the GSW Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 926, Americus, GA 31709.

Donors who make a gift of $200 or more will receive an exclusive GSW garden flag, a perfect way to showcase Hurricane spirit in yards, porches and patios across the state and country.

In addition to monetary gifts, those wanting to support GSW on the Day of Giving can dine at one of the participating local restaurants who will generously donate a portion of their sales during certain hours toward the Day of Giving. Thank you to Chick-fil-A Americus, Carter’s Fried Chicken, Horne Pecan Company, Monroe’s Hotdogs, The Sweet Spot, 2 Duke’s BBQ, Sweet Georgia Bakery & Café, Wolf Creek Plantation (downtown location), Gyro City Mediterranean Grill, Scoops Americus, The Spot, The Sheppard House, The 1800, Pat’s Place, Little Brother’s Bistro, La Hacienda, Booger Bottom, Roman Oven Pizzeria, The Fish House, Toboggan Steve’s, The Station, and The Alley for participating. Southfitters is also donating a portion of their store sales towards GSW. 

Visit www.gsw.edu/dayofgiving or follow along on the Facebook event to learn more about the funds supported and the participating restaurant times on GSW’s Day of Giving.