GSW raises $1,250,053 for Propel scholarship campaign, unveiled during second annual Gold Force Gala

AMERICUS, GA (January 31, 2024) – Propel: GSW’s Campaign for Scholarships concluded at Georgia Southwestern State University’s (GSW) second annual Gold Force Gala on Saturday, Jan. 27, where the final total of $1,250,053 was announced to the 300 guests in attendance at the black-tie fundraiser.

“I extend heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors whose support helped us surpass our $1 million goal by 25 percent,” said Stephen Snyder, assistant vice president for Advancement and GSW Foundation executive director. “This achievement exemplifies the power of collective goodwill and shared commitment to Georgia Southwestern. Our GSW Advancement team is filled with pride at the success of our second annual Gold Force Gala and the scholarship fundraising campaign.”

The campaign announcement was made by GSW President Dr. Neal Weaver at the conclusion of the Gala’s program and was marked with a balloon drop to commemorate the significant occasion.

A total of 631 donors made contributions to Propel, with 14 gifts of $10,000 or more to the $1 million scholarship funding campaign, which launched in September 2022.

Scholarships are awarded to 650 students annually from 140 different GSW Foundation scholarship funds. During the Propel campaign, nine new scholarships were created and six scholarship endowments matured ($25,000 or more).

The sold-out evening featured a cocktail social and silent auction that raised over $7,500 for scholarships, inspiring words from student scholarship recipient Ricki Poole of Albany, recognition of the distinguished 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award winners, and live music from the A2Z band to bring the evening to a memorable close.

“The evening was magical and is a testimony to the support that GSW alumni have for their alma mater, its mission, and one another,” said Angela Smith, alumni engagement specialist. “Recognizing our Outstanding Alumni Award winners and celebrating them and GSW's milestones with this annual gala is such a joy. An event of this magnitude could only be pulled off with the help of GSW's Physical Plant, Alumni Association board of directors, the Gala Planning Committee, community partners, legacy scholarship recipients, custodial staff and the multitude of volunteers who assisted in preparations. All were instrumental in transforming the Storm Dome for an unforgettable night, and I am grateful for all of them.”

The event was also made possible thanks to gold sponsor Aladdin Campus Dining and 20 blue table sponsors.

The ceremony is available online at youtube.com/georgiasouthwestern and pictures from the evening can be found on GSW’s Facebook page.