UNG Foundation Celebrates Donors at 10th Annual Gala Video Transcript

[Isabelle Clark, 2023 graduate, nursing] - I did not think college was in my future. My cross country coach actually persuaded me to come here.

[Peyton Holley, 2023 graduate, visual arts] - The thing that attracted me the most about UNG was initially the Art Department. I went up here with my parents just for a day trip, and I just had this gut feeling that this is where I needed to be.

[Elwyn Asiedu, men's soccer player, fall 2023 graduate] - Well, I decided to study in America because of UNG in particular has very good academics, but also great soccer team. These past three years have taught me a lot, not only for my previous coach, but also from my current one.

[Dr. John Leyba, dean, College of Science & Mathematics] - The donor impact on UNG is huge. I don't know how many times I've heard students say that "UNG changed my life."

[Isabelle Clark, 2023 graduate, nursing] - UNG has also given me a lot of confidence. Their continual support through those scholarships is amazing. It's been a very big blessing.

[Elwyn Asiedu, men's soccer player, fall 2023 graduate] - I was surprised, but more so honored, for being the recipient of the Pat Paris Scholarship, and I'm just so grateful.

[Nick Massengill, chair, UNG Foundation Board of Trustees] - I want this message to be extremely clear. Donors matter. It's with those dollars that we are able to provide for so many, to get projects off the ground, to prepare people for their next level of life, help people with a college education.

[Loretta B. Delgardy, professor, nursing] - When they're able to get scholarships, they can not have those heavy worries and burdens, and they can really focus and thrive.

[Nick Massengill, chair, UNG Foundation Board of Trustees] - Jack Rainbow is an interesting story. Cadet Rainbow was a scholarship recipient. He made the decision that he would continue that legacy by starting his own scholarship.

[Jennifer Herring, special assistant to the vice president] - We are good stewards of the gifts that we get, so the money that we receive, those go to support the students. And that's ultimately what we want. The first-generation student initiatives are a strategic set of programs, events and activities that are designed to support first-generation students academically, socially and financially.

[Nick Massengill, chair, UNG Foundation Board of Trustees] - From a public support standpoint, the legislature, the governor, the Board of Regents, they have a lot of different priorities. Private support shows that not only is the project needed, but that we're committed to it and we're willing to pledge private dollars to make it happen.

[Loretta B. Delgardy, professor, nursing] - So our corporate sponsorships are so important to us in that we need places to help these nurses learn. So many of them come to us with needs, and being a student, it's expensive. This is a place to grow and be nurtured, but we also need individuals out there to help us help them.

[Nick Massengill, chair, UNG Foundation Board of Trustees] - That's what makes corporate partnerships so important is because they help us develop what our leaders need to look like for years into the future.

[Loretta B. Delgardy, professor, nursing] - So their support is felt within our community always. That has been instrumental.

[Dr. John Leyba, dean, College of Science & Mathematics] - Scholarships that are merit-based, they're great, but what about those kids that hadn't done so well but have the potential? Those are the ones that really benefit from our donors. They get that scholarship. They get that chance to go to school, finish, totally change their life.

[Loretta B. Delgardy, professor, nursing] - I call it the trickle effect. It has impact beyond just the monetary donation.

[Jennifer Herring, special assistant to the vice president] - I am so very thankful for all of the donors and the supporters.

[Peyton Holley, 2023 graduate, visual arts] - Without the donor support, I would not be near the end of my degree. I just, I can't thank them enough. You don't realize how important you are and the impact that you make.

[Isabelle Clark, 2023 graduate, nursing] - Because I know UNG has impacted you so much, thank you for letting me be able to share that.

[Elwyn Asiedu, men's soccer player, fall 2023 graduate] - Thank you, guys, so much not just for believing in me, but knowing that me receiving the scholarship is not only an example for the next person, but also for this generation we have as right now.

[Nick Massengill, chair, UNG Foundation Board of Trustees] - To our donors, our corporate friends, everyone who supports the University of North Georgia, thank you.