Lunch honors Cumming scholarship recipients

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Cumming Campus held a lunch Oct. 8 to celebrate scholarship recipients and thank the donors who make the scholarships possible.

Mary Helen McGruder and Sawnee EMC representatives Blake House and Mandy Love were on hand to interact with students and see the impact their generosity has made. Both the electric cooperative and McGruder have supported students at UNG's Cumming Campus since it opened in 2012.

Ashley Bellamy, a Hoschton, Georgia, resident in her second year in the Master of Science in counseling, already earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from UNG in May 2024.

"This scholarship helps me because the HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships are not offered to graduate students," Bellamy said. "So without a graduate assistantship, there would be no aid otherwise."

Bellamy is grateful for the hands-on experiences and classes that are preparing her for licensing exams. Finishing the master's program carries extra meaning for her.

"My grandfather was a big reason I pursued counseling," Bellamy said. "He was always my biggest supporter, and when he passed, I knew I had to keep pursuing my degree for him."

Evangelynna Aguilera, a freshman from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management, eventually wants to own a craft business. After taking dual enrollment courses at UNG, she thought a business degree would help her on that path. The scholarship has smoothed that road. She said she has only had to pay $20 for this semester.

"This takes a financial burden off me," Aguilera said.

Thomas Kelly, a freshman from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management, is also continuing his UNG studies after beginning as a dual enrollment student.

"Learning from UNG's great professors has really helped me find a sense of readiness for a business career," Kelly said.

Dr. Ann Marie Francis, interim executive director of the Cumming Campus and assistant dean for academic administration, welcomed the students to the lunch celebrating their accomplishments.

"Earning these scholarships is a big deal, and we wanted to make sure we recognized the skill and determination of our students," Francis said. "This also gave us a chance to thank our donors, who are helping these students reach their career goals."