Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) commuter students Philip Eisel-Elder of Decatur, Jayden Holloway of Ideal and Melea Perry of Dawson have each been awarded a $1,000 gas card through a competitive essay contest. The program is made possible by Charles Eames, a philanthropist from Waycross, and Perry Brothers Oil Company in Americus.

As travel costs continue to rise, the financial strain of commuting has become a significant challenge for many GSW students. The gas card program is designed to ease this burden, helping students remain focused on their academic goals while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

Eisel-Elder, a non-traditional music major, recently returned to GSW to complete the degree he began pursuing two decades ago. After attending from 2004 through 2008, he stepped away from school and built a successful music teaching career and raise a family. He didn’t think going back to school was within reach until he stopped by GSW one day and, surprisingly, many of his same professors were still there and encouraged him to return.

“I’m so grateful to everyone that helped me get plugged back in,” said Eisel-Elder. “It says a lot about a place when so many people want to stay here for so long. It hasn’t been easy to work everything out to make this work, and there is quite a sacrifice involved, but GSW has done a lot to help facilitate my schedule and make this possible. ”

Holloway, a freshman pre-law major, has aspired to be a lawyer for as long as she can remember. Balancing work, caring for her elderly grandparents, and maintaining her HOPE Scholarship is challenging on its own, and the rising cost of fuel has made commuting to campus even more difficult.

“I want to thank those who made these gas cards possible,” said Holloway. “It is truly a remarkable thing. I look forward to the day when I can give back like this.”

Perry, a dual-degree student majoring in forensic science and criminal justice, hopes to become a forensic chemist or analyst for the government. As a single working mother, the cost of fuel has become a heavy burden on her already tight budget.

“I am the sole provider and caretaker for my six-year-old son,” said Perry. “Balancing work, parenting and school is demanding both financially and mentally, but I remain determined to set an example for my son by showing him the value of hard work, perseverance and education.”

Eisel-Elder, Holloway and Perry were chosen from a pool of 42 applicants who submitted essays detailing their financial need and personal circumstances for the assistance.

“This gas card program is one of the many ways donor generosity impacts GSW students,” said Stephen Snyder, executive director of the GSW Foundation. “We are thankful for the opportunity to help identify and support students’ needs.”

Eames, a retired librarian and long-time advocate for education, has provided funding for gas cards for GSW students and other South Georgia institutions. His support enabled GSW to partner with Perry Brothers Oil Company to supply the cards exclusively with the Gas N Go stores, which operate 16 locations across South Georgia.

In addition to the $1,000 awards each semester, GSW also distributes multiple $100 gas cards each month to eligible students who apply.

Through the generosity of donors like Eames and community partners like Perry Brothers Oil Company, GSW continues to remove barriers, support student success and empower students to pursue their educational dreams.