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Community Philanthropy Alumni

Giving, Glimmer and Gold: Get your ticket to GSW’s Gold Force Gala set for Jan. 27

  • 08 January 2024
2024 Outstanding Alumni Award winners will be recognized

AMERICUS, GA (January 8, 2024) — Georgia Southwestern State University and the GSW Alumni Association will host its second annual Gold Force Gala on Saturday, Jan. 27 in the GSW Storm Dome. The fundraiser, in support of student scholarships, will bring a crowd of nearly 300 guests for an evening of mingling, philanthropy and celebration.

The formal event begins at 6 p.m. with an open bar at the cocktail reception and a silent auction with all proceeds going to scholarships. The Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony will follow at 7 p.m. with a surf and turf dinner and exciting announcement. Dancing and live music from A2Z, the “ultimate party band” based out of Macon, will end the evening.

"We are excited to come together once again for an unforgettable night of giving, celebrating, and making a difference in style,” said Alumni Engagement Specialist Angela Smith. "We anticipate another extraordinary event for such a great cause. It is always a privilege to honor and recognize our outstanding alumni for their impact in their careers, their communities, and to Georgia Southwestern.”

The following alumni awardees will be recognized for their professional and personal achievements as well as their contributions to GSW. Each award holds special significance and has different criteria.

  • Aeolian Award recipient: Rick Whaley ’89
  • Canes Community Champion: Sandra Daniel ’74, ’76
  • Leewynn Finklea Award recipient: Will Peterson ’00, ’04
  • Visionary Award recipient: Eshonda Blue ’98, ’99
  • Young Alumni of the Year: Kelsie Deiter ’06, ’07
  • Family Legacy Award recipients: The Allen and Dawn Smith Family
  • Hall of Fame inductee: Ervin Anderson ’93

The Silent Auction portion will be held mostly online with a go-live date of Jan. 20, and some items will only be available for bid in person at the event. There will be over 50 items to bid on including weekend getaways, Braves tickets, high-end jewelry, exquisite art, and much more.

Individual tickets ($125), tables of 8 ($1,000) and premier sponsorships ($5,000) are available online at gsw.edu/GoldForceGala. Hurry, tickets are selling quickly. Deadline to register is Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Dress is black tie.

For more information or questions, call the GSW Alumni Association at 229-928-1373 or email alumni@gsw.edu.