Boulder helps students leave their mark

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Gainesville Campus Student Government Association (SGA) is seeking to start a new tradition at the Gainesville Campus.

On April 24 Chelsea Yearwood, the 2022-23 Gainesville Campus SGA vice president, introduced the "Leave Your Mark" Legacy Boulder project, which SGA leaders hope becomes an annual tradition during Fall Weeks of Welcome in which students leave handprints on the boulder.

Allied Paving Contractors gifted SGA the $3,500 boulder and worked with UNG facilities staff to coordinate logistics in time for the ceremony, which was attended by various members of the UNG family, including Dr. James Conneely, vice president of Student Affairs.

"The Legacy Boulder represents the commitment and dedication that the Student Government Association has to reinvigorate school spirit. It is a student-driven initiative that embraces what UNG's Gainesville Campus symbolizes to the students. " Conneely said. "As a university continues to evolve such as UNG, 10 years after consolidation, this project is one of the new traditions that will perpetuate pride for many years to come."

Yearwood, a senior pursuing a healthcare services and informatics administration degree, gave an opening address stating the intention of the "Leave your Mark" project is to unite students during the fall Weeks of Welcome festivities.

"The boulder painting will not only be an inclusive and collaborative event, but it will promote advocacy, integrity and engagement. It will also serve to remind students that college isn't just about receiving an education but the community you build along the journey, as well," Yearwood said. "School traditions are an integral part of creating that sense of community. But, more than that, they provide us with a sense of belonging."

Several designs were submitted showcasing and representing the values of the Gainesville Campus.

SGA senator Louisa Schlesiger, a senior pursuing a bachelor's degree in management, will be painting the chosen mural.

The plans for the boulder were overseen by SGA advisors Emily Harris, Mallory Rodriguez and Stacie Rowley, who believe traditions are a vital part of any college campus and often serve as a means of fostering a sense of belonging and connecting students to the rich history of their institution.

"I feel immensely proud of my SGA students and their hard work and dedication that they have shown over the past school year to get a new tradition started on campus," Harris said. "I hope for this boulder to create a shared sense of purpose and belonging that transcends individual differences and unites the UNG community as a whole."

This legacy boulder project will serve as a visual reminder of where students began, the goals they’ve made and SGA's mission to support them throughout their time at UNG. On Aug. 28, from noon to 1 p.m., students will be able to join the tradition of leaving their handprints on the boulder to commence the academic year.