BOLD FORWARD As part of orienting myself to UNG, I met with students from all five campuses to learn why they chose UNG. Many of them said that it offered a means to a better future—a future with possibilities. They have long-held dreams of future careers in healthcare, education, or STEM professions. Others want to leave their mark on the military, arts, entertainment, athletics or cybersecurity. Regardless of which of the five UNG campuses they attend, students come to us to create futures. Some students shared their concerns about completing a degree because of the financial investment, knowing that financial hardships might put their dreams in jeopardy. Alternatives, they said, included working jobs on top of their already full schedule of classes or reducing the number of classes simply because they cannot afford a full-time load. Still others realized they had to consider alternative means to finance their education. Your philanthropy changes the trajectory of these future healthcare workers, soldiers, business owners, and teachers. When I see the bright smiles of parents when their graduate crosses the stage at commencement, I know that you made that moment possible. Our graduates are skilled leaders who are filling dire needs in the workforce. They serve in the armed forces protecting not only our shores but those of our allies too. Our elite student athletes have achieved national championships. You invest in our students, and they, in turn, invest in themselves, striving to be the best nurse, soldier, teacher, or business professional they can be. It has been said that the best way to predict the future is to create it. Your gifts create futures by keeping an affordable, high-quality education within the grasp of generations of students. Thank you for your past and future generosity that will make a life-changing investment in our students. With appreciation, Michael P. Shannon, Ph.D. President
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