An annual tradition that symbolizes the ties between Georgia Southern University and the Statesboro/Bulloch County community continues today with the 39th annual "A Day for Southern" campaign.
Volunteers from around the community will visit businesses and ask for donations to help the university with costs not covered by state funds.
"Thirty-nine years is a long time for a program to be in place and still be successful," Georgia Southern President Brooks Keel said. "The Statesboro and Bulloch County community has consistently supported the university year after year, and we are grateful for their investment in the future of our students."
Since 1998, A Day for Southern has raised more than $1 million and is a joint effort between the Georgia Southern University Foundation and the Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation. The first campaign raised more than $60,000, and in 2011, the community donated a record $1.4 million to the campaign.
Funds raised through A Day for Southern support scholarships, faculty development, athletics and the cultural programs that enrich the region such as the Georgia Southern Museum, the Center for Wildlife Education, the Garden of the Coastal Plain, the Performing Arts Center and Symphony Georgia Southern.
Georgia Southern, like other institutions, has faced budget cuts, making support from donors vital.
"Community support has played a big part in Georgia Southern's ability to provide more opportunities for our students in the form of scholarships," said Salinda Arthur, the vice president for university advancement. "These scholarships allow many students to continue their education, and we appreciate the community's generosity year after year."
Last month, a study released by the University System of Georgia announced that Georgia Southern had an economic impact on the area of more than $512 million during fiscal year 2011-2012. Much of that came from student spending in businesses and the creation of nearly 7,000 jobs.
Alex Grovenstein, the director of annual giving, said the success of the campaign is a result of the special bond between the university and the community.
"Every month, after A Day for Southern is complete, we receive calls from universities all over the country wanting to mimic what we do here in Statesboro and Bulloch County. I always caution them that you must have strong support from the community for it to be a success. A lot of places don't have that relationship. We are very fortunate and very thankful that our community supports and believes in Georgia Southern," Grovenstein said.
Faculty and staff members also donate during the campaign, and many campus departments have 100 percent participation - a testament to their commitment to the continued growth and mission of Georgia Southern.
Community volunteers, along with members of the university's leadership, will visit businesses and contacts throughout the day. Individuals wishing to contribute who are not contacted by a volunteer may stop by the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center before 5 p.m. today.