Campaign aims to raise $71,000

From  Oct. 7-31,  the University of North Georgia's (UNG) annual RISE giving campaign has returned with a goal to raise $71,000 for 17 scholarships supported through the UNG Foundation's efforts.  

Contributions to the scholarships will support UNG students through nutrition, travel expenses and financial support.  

"The future of UNG is built one gift at a time, and every donation through the RISE campaign strengthens our ability to develop the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow," Alberto Perez, annual giving officer for the UNG Foundation, said. "Donors are the heartbeat of our mission at UNG. Through RISE, their contributions directly shape the future by ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed and lead." 

The Dr. Sidney Benton Mathematics Educator Scholarship is aiming to raise $3,000 given to one student each year. Created by a former UNG faculty member in August 2023, it is one of the few scholarships available solely to College of Education (COE) students. Benton, for whom the scholarship was named, knew from an early age that he wanted to teach, and his efforts are designed to prepare the next generation of math educators.  

"Mathematics education is a critical needs area in our state and our region. We need and want future educators to go into this field to help their students develop a strong foundation in mathematics, engage students and hopefully spark a love for mathematics that will stay with them throughout life," Dr. Sheri Hardee, COE dean, said.  

James Mackenzie, film associate director in the School of Communication, Film & Theatre, along with a dozen students, will fly to northwestern Tuscany, to the city of Barga, Italy, for the Study Abroad: Film in Italy. The scholarship aims to raise $5,000 for the trip. This program gives students the opportunity to explore local Tuscan stories by making short documentaries for one of their classes. 

"I witness incredible growth among students in the program, because they are removed from northeast Georgia and planted in the middle of another culture, one rich in history and art, but also challenged by war for centuries," Mackenzie said. "They gain a sense of awareness of who they are as Americans, as young adults and as the storytellers of their generation." 

Other projects include: 

• Athletic Training Student Symposium, $3,500 goal 

• Caring Corner: Nursing Students Food Pantry, $3,000 goal 

• Connie Jones Memorial Scholarship, $3,000 goal 

• Dr. Barry D. Friedman Endowed Scholarship, $5,000 goal 

• Dr. Donald E. Kinkaid First Gen UNG STEM Scholarship, $5,000 goal 

• The Eagle Fund Endowed Scholarship, $10,000 goal 

• Edward L. Green Scholarship in Mathematics, $5,000 goal 

• Empowering Tomorrow's Tech Leaders: UNG Computer Science & Cyber Scholarships,$2,000 goal 

• First Generation Scholarships, $5,000 goal 

• J. Byron Woolfolk Endowed Scholarship in Analytical Chemistry, $2,500 goal 

• Katherine Haley Scott Endowed Scholarship, $1,000 goal 

• Micah McKoy Smith Memorial Scholarship, $5,000 goal 

• NGC Class of 1975 Scholarship, $5,000 goal 

• Ray and Susan Prather Morgan Scholarship,  $5,000 goal 

• William T. "Bill" Porter Memorial Scholarship, $3,000 goal 

The RISE campaign began in 2017, and all interested parties looking to participate in the annual giving tradition can learn more information at ungive.org/rise.