This year, the University of North Georgia is celebrating our Sesquicentennial—our 150th anniversary, which gives us the special opportunity to reflect on our heritage, celebrate our achievements, and look toward our future. In January 1873, after several years of planning and effort, North Georgia Agricultural College officially opened its doors. The college’s first catalogs indicate that the founders wanted to provide quality, free educational opportunities to the young men and women of northeast Georgia, many of whom could not afford to travel great distances for education. In the 150 years since our founding, we have changed names and have grown to five campuses and nearly 19,000 students. However, our commitments to quality, affordable education and leadership development opportunities remain steadfast. That distinctive thread ties us all together— regardless of the decade, legacy institution or home campus. Our university’s founders knew then, as we know today, the value of a college education and its role in strengthening communities. Universities are special places where students are exposed to new ideas and opportunities, where knowledge is created and advanced, where a sense of belonging and shared experiences build lifelong relationships. At UNG, in particular, students also learn to both serve and lead others. One of my highest presidential priorities has been raising funds to expand financial support for students, and, since 2017, the UNG Foundation has awarded almost $14 million in need- and merit-based scholarships. On behalf of our students, thank you for your generosity that made this possible. Someone once said that giving is not just about making a donation; it is about making a difference. Just as the university’s founders were driven by a mission to support high quality, affordable opportunities for students to pursue a college education, countless leaders have come forward in the decades since then to invest in the university and in generations of students. Those gifts have had an immeasurable impact in the lives of students, for their families, and for our region and state. Our future is bright, and I know the next generation of donors will be equally inspired to build upon our proudest traditions and the legacies of scholarship, leadership and service that are the hallmarks of the University of North Georgia. Thank you for making a difference for UNG and our students! Bonita C. Jacobs, Ph.D. President MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
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