Georgia State University Art school to receive $4 million from namesake

Faculty members in Georgia State University's Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design are currently researching how to strategically enhance programs and scholarship through a generous gift from the school's namesake.

Ernest G. Welch, the university's oldest alumnus, died at 103 on Dec. 26, 2009. He and his late sister, Frances, left a significant portion of their estates to Georgia State's School of Art and Design, totaling approximately $4 million.

The gift will be invested through the university's endowment, providing annual support to the school, which was named for Welch in 2003.

"It's huge," said Ralph Gilbert, associate dean for fine arts at Georgia State. "This money could support programs, bring in visiting artists and scholars, enhance infrastructure, boost scholarship and develop international programs.

Gilbert said he asked art faculty to start researching the other top art programs in the country to see how the resources can be used to fund new initiatives and build upon the school's existing distinctiveness. Welch also left his camera collection to the school, Gilbert said.

Welch was a 1999 graduate of the School of Art and Design. A long-time resident of Atlanta, Welch earned a business degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1928. He went on to serve in counterintelligence during World War II and landed in Normandy at Omaha Beach 10 days after the invasion. He was stationed in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, where he took photographs of the war effort.

After a decades-long career as a manager for Sonoco Products Company, Welch enrolled in Georgia State's art school in his late 80s. He earned a bachelor of fine arts in photography from the university in 1999.

In the fall semester of 2002, Welch enrolled in introductory painting and drawing classes in order to continuously improve his photography skills. He continued his self-education when he took up digital photography at 102. Welch's work has appeared at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center and Arts for All Gallery in Atlanta as well as the gallery at Georgia State.

During his life, Welch had also been a generous supporter of the GSU art school, giving money for scholarships and enhancements to the photography program.

"Ernest was an incredibly kind and generous man," said Nancy Peterman, vice president for development at Georgia State. "We are truly grateful for his bequest, which will benefit future generations of art students here for many years to come."

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Harris Corporation Commits $2 Million to Georgia Tech's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

/PRNewswire/ -- Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) , an international communications and information technology company, has signed an agreement to make a $2 million donation to the Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). The gift, made through the Harris Foundation, will help support a capital campaign for construction of a new ECE headquarters and the renovation of the school's 47-year-old Van Leer Building, where some 7,000 students receive instruction each year.

Harris will donate $500,000 each year for four years beginning in 2010 -- the anticipated completion date of the Georgia Tech Foundation's private fund drive for the new facilities. Specifically, the Harris gift is intended for construction of an auditorium or other similar space. Harris has a decades-long partnership with Georgia Tech and its School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, which is the largest producer of electrical and computer engineers by degree in the nation. The company employs nearly 200 of the school's graduates.

Howard L. Lance, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Harris, and Dr. G.P. "Bud" Peterson, president of Georgia Tech, signed an agreement for the donation during a special ceremony at the Harris Customer Briefing Center in Melbourne, Florida. The event also included a reception attended by Harris employees who are Georgia Tech graduates and by other representatives from the university.

"While it may be tempting for corporations to reduce educational support during challenging economic times, at Harris we believe that this is exactly the right time to invest in our company's future by supporting excellent schools like Georgia Tech, whose graduates have helped make Harris a national and global leader in the communications and information technology sectors," said Lance. "Our investments in education and university partnerships pay dividends many times over."

"Our faculty and students are currently scattered across 10 buildings around the campus, the Van Leer classrooms are outdated, and the building lacks adequate laboratory facilities," said Dr. Gary S. May, professor and Steve W. Chaddick School Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who attended the check presentation. "Clearly, this generous lead gift from Harris Corporation provides significant momentum for the school's long-term capital needs and helps to create a new presence that will serve us well in the 21st Century."

In addition to the $2 million gift announced today, Harris has donated some $280,000 to the university since 2006. This includes a five-year, $250,000 pledge for a research lab in the Nanotechnology Research Center, and another $30,000 to support various programs within the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

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Audrey Morgan Pledges $4 Million to Berry College Scholarships, Cage Center

Berry College officials announced February 19 that Atlanta philanthropist Audrey B. Morgan has pledged $4 million to support student scholarships and the Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center. This represents one of the largest individual gifts to scholarships in the 107-year history of the institution.

To honor Mrs. Morgan’s generosity, one of the two new dormitories being constructed on the Berry campus will bear the name Audrey B. Morgan Hall. These new dormitories, located adjacent to the Ladd Center near Hermann Hall, will house a total of 345 students when they open in the fall. More information is available at www.berry.edu/AroundBerry/july22008.

“Audrey Morgan understands the value of Berry’s distinctive educational approach, and she shares our values,” said Berry President Stephen R. Briggs. “We are grateful beyond words for her commitment and her investment in the future of deserving students.”

The bulk of Mrs. Morgan’s pledge will be used to help launch the new Gate of Opportunity scholarship program. This unique initiative targets those students who desire a Berry education, demonstrate evidence of a strong work ethic or noteworthy community involvement, and have significant financial need.

“This scholarship program is rooted in the rich history of Berry, but it is designed to meet the needs of students entering a difficult economic environment in the 21st century,” Dr. Briggs said. “Students graduate well-versed in the life lessons of determination, resourcefulness and responsibility.”

Each scholarship represents a partnership among students and their families, Berry College, and donors who have a strong belief in Berry’s core mission. All will contribute toward the total cost, with the student portion being generated through participation in the nation’s premier on-campus work experience program.

“This is a forward-looking program for students who are willing to work hard in exchange for a first-rate education without debt at graduation,” Dr. Briggs said. “The added benefit is that the recipients will graduate with four years of progressive and meaningful work experience and an impressive work history.”

In addition to the funds that have been earmarked for the Gate of Opportunity scholarship program, Mrs. Morgan’s pledge also will provide support for the Cage Center. The total amount of gifts and pledges received in support of Berry’s state-of-the-art athletic center now stands at $24.5 million.

“Audrey Morgan understands deeply the value and dream of education,” Dr. Briggs stated. “Others sacrificed to provide her with the opportunity for an education, and she is now choosing to invest in the young people who will lead our communities in years to come.”

Mrs. Morgan is a strong friend of the institution who currently serves on the Berry College Board of Visitors. Other civic affiliations past and present include the DeKalb Medical Center Foundation, the DeKalb Regional Healthcare System, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the DeKalb Historical Society, the Private Industry Council, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, the 1996 Olympic Committee for DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties, and the Christian Children’s Home. She lives in Stone Mountain with husband Jack. The couple has two adult sons, Jack E. Morgan Jr. and Robert E. Morgan.

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Make Holiday Gift-Giving Easy This Year By Contributing to the Path2College 529 Savings Plan for Your Loved Ones

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift this year? Something that is simple and that you can get without even leaving the comfort of your home, yet a gift that is meaningful and lasts a lifetime? Then what better way to make a long-lasting difference for your child or grandchild than opening or contributing to the Path2College 529 Savings Plan for your holiday gift this year.

“The gift of a college education is priceless, it lasts a lifetime, and every penny saved today can make an impact in your loved one’s financial future,” said Chuck Penuel, Director of the Path2College 529 Plan. “Research by the College Board says that an individual with a four-year college degree will earn approximately $1 million more than a high-school graduate over the course of a lifetime. That means saving for college today could be one of the best holiday shopping decisions you can make to help a young person you love.”

Penuel said that one of the easiest ways to help save early for the future costs of college tuition and other qualified expenses, such as certain room and board and books and fees, for colleges in Georgia and nationwide, is through the Path2College 529 Plan. The plan, which is offered by the State of Georgia and managed by TIAA-CREF, offers seven investment options, low annual asset-based fees, and no sign-up, maintenance or third-party sales fees. Any earnings in the Path2College 529 Plan are federal income tax-exempt, and withdrawals for these qualified expenses are also tax free.

“The Path2College 529 Plan is easy to use and understand, and it makes gift-giving this holiday season simple,” said Penuel. “It is easy to contribute to an existing account or to open a new account. And with the experience of TIAA-CREF, and a program that has almost 100,000 accounts and over a half billion in assets, Georgia families can feel more secure in choosing the Path2College 529 Plan for their college savings.”

At www.path2college529.com, anyone can start an account for a beneficiary or contribute to a loved one’s account by printing a personalized gift certificate to present to the recipient. Simply go to the Web site, and click on Print a Gift of Education Certificate. Print and fill in the Certificate and then give your contribution and the Certificate to your loved one. Or, call (877) 424-4377 and one of our college savings specialists will assist you. An account can be started or contributed to in amounts as small as $25.

Once an account is established, additional contributions can be made to the account through check or electronic funds transfer. You may contribute as little as $25 per investment option, and you can establish convenient monthly, semi-monthly or quarterly contributions all year-round from your checking or savings account.

“There are numerous benefits to 529 plans,” said Penuel. “If a financial emergency occurs, you can take the money out of the account, with some penalties of course. Your non-qualified withdrawal is subject to federal income taxes as well as an additional 10% federal tax, but it is still accessible if it’s needed. A Path2College 529 Plan account is also transferable, so if your child decides not to attend college, you can transfer it to another eligible member of the family. It’s an excellent program to help your loved one get on the right path. And as the account owner, the parent retains control of the account.”

For more information on the Path2College 529 Plan, visit: www.path2college529.com or call (877) 424-4377.

Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in the Path2College 529 Plan. Please visit www.path2college529.com for a Disclosure Booklet containing this and other information. Read it carefully.

Before investing in a 529 plan, you should consider whether the state you or your Beneficiary reside in or have taxable income in has a 529 plan that offers favorable state income tax or other benefits that are only available if you invest in that state’s 529 plan.

We are required to notify you that the tax information contained herein is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. It was written to support the promotion of the Path2College 529 Plan. Taxpayers should seek advice based on their own particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

Account value for the Investment Options is not guaranteed and will fluctuate based upon a number of factors, including general market conditions.

© 2008 TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., program manager. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, member FINRA, distributes the Path2College 529 Plan.

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Valdosta State Receives Major Gift from South Georgia Medical Center

South Georgia Medical Center announced July 19 a $1 million investment to address its largest category of staff vacancies -- nursing. The pledge, designated to the Valdosta State University Health Sciences and Business Administration facility, will be used to facilitate the development of an expanded program of nursing and allied health sciences in Valdosta.

Approximately four years ago, SGMC CEO James McGahee and VSU President Ronald Zaccari began meeting to discuss partnership opportunities to advance educational programs at Valdosta State for a variety of health occupations. Working with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, a proposal to build a Health Sciences and Business Administration facility at VSU’s Rea and Lillian Steele North Campus evolved.

According to McGahee, SGMC is very concerned about the nursing shortage that is facing the healthcare industry. He said, “Like so many hospitals around our state and nation, South Georgia Medical Center struggles with a nursing shortage. On any given day, we have between 75 and 100 nursing vacancies throughout our organization. When you couple this shortage with an aging population and increasing hospital utilization, you quickly realize that we are outpacing our resources. SGMC is stepping up to the plate to proactively invest in the establishment of a world-class, health sciences training program at VSU.”

While SGMC helped fund VSU’s Second Degree program and offers nursing scholarships and other incentives for students in health-related fields, McGahee feels more had to be done. “Our goal is to expand opportunities and graduate record numbers of students. Since SGMC will provide clinical training for these students, we hope they will become familiar with our people, practices and procedures and want to work here when they graduate,” McGahee said.

According to Dr. Zaccari, the construction of the Health Sciences and Business Administration facility establishes a partnership with South Georgia Medical Center and the region’s medical community that represents a tremendous economic impact on South Georgia. Additionally, it provides the needed facilities to increase educational opportunities within various health-related and business areas of study. The north campus project will include an additional $30 million in residence halls, dining facilities, and related infrastructure that will bring the total cost to approximately $75 million.

“The new Health Sciences and Business Administration facility, planned strategically on the university’s north campus and directly across from South Georgia Medical Center’s own visionary and emerging facilities, will provide many opportunities for collaboration and new educational and clinical experiences,” Zaccari said. “Our vision is to attract outstanding scholars, teachers and researchers to Valdosta State University, and in turn open new partnerships with physicians, hospital administrators and multiple use facilities. It is an important and crucial time in our region’s history to chart a new course of action - an intense action plan that serves as a catalyst for combining scarce and valuable resources and accomplishing projects never before imagined.”

The VSU Health Sciences and Business Administration facility is quickly moving up the University System of Georgia’s capital projects list and construction should begin within the next three years. The approximately $46 million facility will represent one of the most significant advances in VSU’s history, and directly responds to the state of Georgia’s critical need for more healthcare professionals.