GSW students Jazmyn Fine of Unadilla and Linda White of Americus chosen for $1,000 gas cards

AMERICUS, GA (December 10, 2024) – Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) students Jazmyn Fine, a commuter student from Unadilla, and Linda White, a non-traditional commuter student from Americus, have been selected as the recipients of $1,000 gas cards. This gift is made possible by Charles Eames, a philanthropist from Waycross, and Perry Brothers Oil Company in Americus.

With the rise in travel costs, curbing this expense has become increasingly important for GSW students. The gas card program is specifically designed to alleviate financial burdens, helping students balance their education, work, and personal responsibilities.

Jazmyn Fine, a first-year nursing student, has overcome significant personal adversity. After losing both her mother and grandmother during her teens, she now independently funds her education through scholarships and a part-time job.

“I am very grateful to Mr. Eames and Perry Brothers Oil for the gas card,” Fine shared. “This [support] will help me as a first-year college student getting to and from school.”

Linda White, a non-traditional student pursuing a degree in elementary education, is the first in her family to attend college. “As a single mother, I work two jobs and go to school full-time just to make ends meet,” she said. “This $1,000 gas card is a blessing to me and my girls.”

Fine and White were chosen from a pool of 54 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 presents itself to GSW students,” said Stephen Snyder, executive director of the GSW Foundation. “We are happy to help identify and meet students’ needs.”

Eames, a retired librarian and passionate advocate for education, provides funding for gas cards for GSW students and other schools in South Georgia. Because of his generosity, GSW initiated a local partnership with Perry Brothers Oil Company to acquire the cards exclusively with the Gas N Go stores with 16 locations across South Georgia.

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

Through the generosity of donors like Eames and community partners like Perry Brothers Oil Company, GSW continues to empower students to overcome obstacles and pursue their educational dreams.