Division of University Relations     800 Wheatley St. Americus, Georgia 31709    ph (229) 931-2028  fax (229) 931-2072

#04-102
April 23, 2004

 For more information, contact: Wesley D. Sumner
(229) 931-2038    wdsumner@canes.gsw.edu

GSW salutes Carters at 2004 gala

$12 million 'Voices' capital campaign announced

AMERICUS--Georgia Southwestern State University held its Sixth Annual 21st Century Leadership Award gala dinner Thursday evening, recognizing two distinguished alumni who have helped change the world. 

This year, 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter received the University's top honor for leadership. 

"President and Mrs. Carter have spent their lives helping others, waging peace and building hope," said President Michael L. Hanes, Ph.D. "We thank them for their remarkable leadership." 

The black tie evening also kicked off the public phase of the University's first-ever capital campaign, "Voices…Celebrating Our Past, Shaping Our Future." The $12 million fund drive will raise money for a range of projects, including: a new residential complex, campus facilities improvements, a conference center, and endowments for the campus-based Rosalynn Carter Institute, student scholarships, faculty development, the Honors Program and the Eminent Scholars Program. 

"We've been fortunate to enjoy solid community support and state assistance in the past, to help our University reach its goals for our students," Hanes said. "However, to grow, we must evolve, and continue to pursue other financial avenues of achieving our dreams. This capital campaign is designed to transform those dreams into reality, through the support of alumni, friends, and members of the business community." 

The Carters are honorary co-chairs of the capital campaign, which has already raised more than half its goal. The drive is expected to conclude in time for the University's centennial in 2006. 

Sen. Max Cleland was the first recipient of the 21st Century Leadership Award in 1999. The 2000 award went to Georgia Secretary of State Cathy Cox, and State Rep. Jimmy Skipper received the honor in 2001. The 2002 co-recipients were Linda and Millard Fuller, founders of Habitat for Humanity International, and State Sen. George Hooks was honored in 2003. 

For additional information on the "Voices" campaign, please call (229) 931-2028.

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