Support fuels students at UNG's Blue Ridge Campus

Jake Kucera's college journey began as a swimming student-athlete at Piedmont University, but after two years there, the Ellijay, Georgia, native returned home and is studying at the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Blue Ridge Campus. His goal is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in one of the program's first years in Blue Ridge.

He is already eyeing a career as intensive care unit nurse at Northside Cherokee Hospital and later earning a master's degree in nursing from UNG. At the Tomato Sandwich Supper on Sept. 22, Kucera thanked the donors who are making these dreams attainable. Kucera is a recipient of the Georgia Mountain Opportunity Scholarship.

"Thank you for making my education possible," Kucera said. "And thank you for helping students like me pursue our goals without letting the cost of college tell us what those goals can be."

Turning goals into reality was a theme at the event. Jacqueline McKee recalled starting her time in college at UNG's Blue Ridge Campus before working there as a graduate student. McKee helped build the Personal Enrichment, Action and Knowledge Series (PEAKS) as a graduate assistant and later served as a coordinator for Academic Success Services. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees in human services delivery and administration.

She now serves as executive director of Fannin County Family Connection, a nonprofit that serves to "connect families with the resources and support they need to thrive," according to its website. McKee harkened back to when she shared her UNG story at the Tomato Sandwich Supper in 2023.

"At that podium in the hot sun, I said it was my dream to be an executive director of a nonprofit," McKee said. "And today I get to stand in front of you and tell you thank you so much for helping me fulfill my dream."

Josephine Royer, a sophomore from Talking Rock, Georgia, pursuing a degree in communication with a concentration in public relations, serves as Student Government Association vice president of the Blue Ridge Campus. She marveled at the support of UNG's faculty and staff. Royer, a Georgia Mountain Opportunity Scholarship recipient, has embraced the challenges of college as "opportunities to grow."

"Every experience has helped me become more confident, determined and prepared for the future that I want for myself. The support of this scholarship does more than ease the financial burden of college," Royer said. "It gives students like me the opportunity to continue to pursue education, our goals and our dreams with a little bit more confidence and peace of mind. It allows me to focus more on my education and on becoming the person and the professional I hope to become."

Kendra Newman, a junior from Turtletown, Tennessee, pursuing a degree in elementary and special education, is already learning about the impact of teachers and is looking forward to making her own mark in the field.

"If I could give one piece of advice to anyone, it'd be to show up every day because you never know what difference you can make until you try," said Newman, a Sandra H. Mercier Education Scholarship recipient.

Lori Bramlett, assistant director of enrollment services and Blue Ridge Campus co-lead, expressed gratitude for the way the community embraces UNG students.

"The level of support that UNG Blue Ridge receives from our leadership, from our community, our donors, our parents, and our students is the reason that we are successful here on the Blue Ridge Campus," Bramlett said.

The results speak for themselves.

"We have been this place where so many students from all different walks of life have started their academic career right here and gone on to do amazing things through all walks of life and through all departments at this university. We're so proud of that," said Dr. Nathan Price, assistant dean for Academic Affairs and Blue Ridge Campus co-lead.