Community encouraged to RISE to challenges

The University of North Georgia (UNG) RISE Crowdfunding campaign aims to raise $100,000 from Oct. 2-30 for 21 scholarships and projects. The community fundraising platform supports UNG groups with the effort to raise funds that will enrich the lives of students through innovative projects, service trips, events, research, and other UNG-related ventures.

The crowdfunding month will fund between $1,000 and $10,000 for each volunteer-led project. All scholarship projects are supported by the Office of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving.

"RISE focuses on scholarships because it is the best way to provide our students access to the next level of their education, either being the first in their family to attend college, experiencing the world first-hand through international travel, or receiving the funds needed to complete a degree. Scholarships are life-changing and provide invaluable benefits for our community's future," Alberto Perez, UNG's annual giving officer, said.

The Michael "Mike" Stapleton Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing a degree in criminal justice, with a preference for those enrolled in the UNG Public Safety Academy Training Program. Scholarships are awarded to students with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and preference is given to first-generation college students.

"We're going to make phone calls to law enforcement agencies, asking for support," Dr. Butch Newkirk, assistant professor and director of the UNG Public Safety Academy, said. "We feel it will make the biggest impact."

RISE focuses on scholarships because it is the best way to provide our students access to the next level of their education, either being the first in their family to attend college, experiencing the world first-hand through international travel, or receiving the funds needed to complete a degree.

Alberto Perez

UNG annual giving officer

"In Black/African American culture, the barbershop plays a significant role for males. It is a place to socialize, network and build camaraderie. Oftentimes you visit without getting a haircut. There could be discussion and debates about various topics," Johnson said.

The hope is to emulate this environment with a few days of pop-up barbershops on campus. 

Johnson said that the barbershops "should and could contribute to a sense of belonging for Black/African American males at UNG," and "due to the cost of getting a haircut and the lack of barbershops particularly in Dahlonega, this initiative will mean a great deal to the males who participate." 

Other crowdfunds within the campaign include:

• Byron Woolfolk Endowed Scholarship in Analytical Chemistry, available to students pursuing chemistry degrees with an interest in analytical chemistry.
• The Eagle Fund Endowed Scholarship, a resourced scholarship for cadets in the Corps of Cadets on a commissioning track.
• First Generation Scholarships, to provide students who are the first in their families to earn a college degree.
• Dr. Donald E. Kinkaid First Gen UNG STEM Scholarship, which supports first-generation students pursuing a STEM degree in the UNG College of Science & Mathematics. 
• International Military Internships and Cadet Exchanges, providing opportunities for cadets to participate in military internships and exchanges abroad at low to no cost.
• Kevin Jenrette NG '95 Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a commissioning cadet or one on the path to commission who exemplifies high academic achievement.
• Dr. Richard M. Prior Scholarship, an endowed scholarship for students pursuing a degree in physics.
• Study Abroad: Film in Italy, providing film students with the opportunity to study abroad in Tuscany, immersing themselves in Italian culture and gaining valuable skills and perspectives in documentary production and Italian cinema.
• Dean Mike Hyams Emerging Leader Scholarship, recognizing an outstanding student leader who exemplifies the qualities most admired and respected in Dean Hyams: dedication, enthusiasm and integrity. 
• Oconee Scholarship, which provides financial support to students transferring from UNG's Oconee Campus in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree program.
• Best Alumni Accounting Scholarship (MCCB), which aims to provide financial support and help close the gap in the shortage of accountants.
• Dr. Clayton Maxwell "Max" Hair Scholarship, which provides financial support to talented organic chemistry students, to promote academic excellence and foster breakthroughs in the field.
• Donna Shearer Endowed Scholarship, which supports rising biology students who have a passion for forestry and environmental sciences, aiming to ensure the future of forestry conservation efforts in Georgia.
• LeeAnn Noble Memorial Scholarship, which supports student-athletes and nursing students.
• Hannah A. Hastings Memorial Scholarship, which supports students in the Honors Program who are studying pre-medicine.
• Dr. Barry D. Friedman Endowed Scholarship, which provides funds for a student pursuing a degree in political science or international affairs. Donations to this fund will go toward building the body of the scholarship investment, working toward its endowment.
• 1LT Weston Lee Memorial Scholarship, which honors Lee's memory by providing scholarships for cadets in the corps who are struggling financially. 
• Micah McKoy Smith Memorial Scholarship, which is open to women who are members of the Greek community, with a focus on Kappa Delta Sorority.
• UNG Cadet Aviation Program, which provides support scholarships for top-performing cadets to use toward flight-related training.