Georgia Gwinnett College announced on March 30 that its second Four Pillars Scholarship Gala raised $210,000 to support the Grizzlies Helping Grizzlies Emergency Student Fund. The event drew more than 400 attendees and recognized four community leaders for their contributions to the college and its students.
The scholarship fund provides needs-based assistance to GGC students facing unexpected financial difficulties. This support is designed to help students remain enrolled during times of hardship.
During the gala, Clyde L. and Sandra J. Strickland received the Visionary Achievement Award for their philanthropic work with GGC. Charlotte J. Nash was honored with the GGC Community Champion Award in recognition of her career in Gwinnett County and her commitment to improving local quality of life. Tyler Walsh, a 2011 graduate, was presented with the GGC Alumni Legacy Award for his leadership as a student and his ongoing service; Walsh established the Harley/Walsh Endowed Scholarship Fund, which is supported by alumni donations.
GGC student Nandi Greene said, “Being a single mom, working multiple jobs, managing a chronic illness and pursuing a nursing degree is not easy. Some days are really hard, but because of the support I received from the community, I’m still here, and I’m still going. And I’m closer to becoming the nurse I’ve always wanted to be.”
Daulet Sopan, another nursing student at GGC and United States Army veteran said: “In the Army, we live by a principle called mission readiness—it means being fully prepared mentally, physically and emotionally for the responsibility ahead. In nursing, that translates to clinical readiness. By supporting students like me, you’re investing in the nurses who will care for your families, your neighbors and your communities.”
The gala highlighted both community engagement with Georgia Gwinnett College as well as ongoing efforts to provide emergency financial assistance so that more students can complete their degrees.
