It is that time of year again when students come back and the fundraising begins. The largest and most notable annual fundraising campaign conducted in this area is A Day For Southern.
      It is a one-day fundraising event that supports the current and future needs of Georgia Southern University. The first campaign was held in 1973 and raised more than $60,000. This past year, it generated $1,338,650 - a lot of money considering the economic challenges faced by many over the last three years.
      So, what makes this coming campaign different from previous years? Why should we sit up and take notice?
      Simply, this year's A Day For Southern community chair is alumna Jenny Lynn Anderson - and yes, she is the first woman to serve as its community chair. She and her husband Mark are ardent supporters of GSU and are members of the class of 1985.
      "For over 20 years I have mentored communication arts students and have always enjoyed helping graduates find their way from the classroom to their first jobs in public relations," Anderson said. "By serving as the Day For Southern chair, I can help share the message that giving to GSU is not merely a donation, but more importantly, an investment in our university as well as our community's future."
      Anderson cited her mother as an inspiration.
      "I have big shoes to fill following Max Manack, but I have a wonderful role model of hard work and determination set by my mother Faye Sanders Martin, who was Bulloch County's first female attorney and the first woman ever to be appointed Superior Court Judge by a Georgia governor," she said. "It's such a great honor to serve as the first woman chair."
      This 38th annual A Day for Southern will take place on Sept. 13. Groups of volunteers will visit local businesses and ask them for a contribution to the university. The money raised goes towards costs not covered by state funds. Since 1998, every A Day For Southern has raised more than $1 million.
      If anybody can orchestrate a successful campaign it is Jenny Lynn. I have a gut feeling this campaign will set a record.
      So, until next Tuesday, I bid you au revoir.
      Got a scoop for Jan? Call (912) 489-9463; email jmoore@statesboroherald.com