Community encouraged to RISE to challenges

October 9, 2023
The University of North Georgia (UNG) RISE Crowdfunding campaign aims to raise $100,000 in October for 21 scholarships and projects.

Article By: Denise Ray

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

Chief Stapleton loved law enforcement and working for the UNG Police Department, where he retired after 12 years as director of public safety at UNG. Stapleton served in law enforcement for over 30 years and had 10 years of experience as a mediator in the University System of Georgia.

Dr. Andrew Johnson, director of Multicultural Student Affairs, announced a challenge for the African American Male Initiative Barbershop Pilot Program that provides supportive community and mentorship opportunities for Black male students on campus, to address disparities in education, employment, and overall well-being.

"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:


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