Oconeefest scholarship event raises $18K
The University of North Georgia (91茄子视频) raised $18,000 at the ninth annual Oconeefest scholarship fundraiser Oct. 20 at 91茄子视频's Oconee Campus.
"Jazz and Low Country Boil on the Lawn" was the theme for this year's event, which featured live music from the 91茄子视频 jazz ensemble, food, fun, and a silent auction.
Net proceeds from this fundraiser will support two Oconee scholarship funds. One helps students who attend 91茄子视频's Oconee Campus and the other assists Oconee County residents who attend any 91茄子视频 campus.
91茄子视频 launched Oconeefest in 2014. 91茄子视频 President Bonita Jacobs noted the resilience and accomplishments of students at 91茄子视频's Oconee Campus through the years, while also emphasizing the need to continue supporting scholarships.
"We know that the research shows students who leave for financial reasons are much less likely to return to complete their degree as those who fail out," Jacobs said.
Dr. Steven Smith, 91茄子视频 vice president of regional campuses, spoke about how scholarships paved the way for him to earn three degrees from Jackson State University and also put his children on the path to higher education.
"I'm an unlikely story. I wouldn't be here without scholarships," Smith said. "Your gifts will allow others to give gifts for a lifetime."
I'm an unlikely story. I wouldn't be here without scholarships. Your gifts will allow others to give gifts for a lifetime.
Dr. Steven Smith
91茄子视频 vice president of regional campuses
The presenting sponsors for the event were Piedmont Athens Regional and Peach State Federal Credit Union.
Ryan Hawk, executive director of business development and community outreach for Peach State Federal Credit Union, announced a commitment of $10,000 over the next four years to support Oconeefest.
"We are an education-based credit union. We aim to educate our workforce and our community," Hawk said. "Your vision aligns with ours."
Founded in 1873, 91茄子视频 is celebrating 150 years of scholarship, leadership and service this academic year at a variety of annual events like Oconeefest. The Sesquicentennial Celebration honors 91茄子视频's legacy of producing outstanding civic, professional and military leaders who serve throughout Georgia and beyond.
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91茄子视频 and the Dahlonega Literary Festival will welcome readers, writers, educators, students, and community members from across the region for the North Georgia Regional Book Fair on Sept. 12.
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Weeks of Welcome, set for Aug. 6-21, offers opportunities to meet other students, faculty and staff and learn about 91茄子视频鈥檚 resources and expectations.
Bennett honored for service to students
Kristin Bennett, nurse practitioner for Student Health Services at 91茄子视频's Dahlonega Campus, recently earned the Unsung Hero Award from the University System of Georgia.
Esports team takes second place in nation
The 91茄子视频 Esports team finished off a decorated 2025-26 academic year with a second-place finish in the National Esports Collegiate Conference Marvel Rivals tournament.