Categories: College University Athletics

Georgia Southern University’s 2025 Gratitude Gala Celebrates Donors

Celebrants enjoying the 2025 Gratitude Gala at Georgia Southern University

News Summary

On March 28, 2025, Georgia Southern University hosted its annual Gratitude Gala at the JW Marriott Plant Riverside in Savannah, Georgia. The event celebrated the generosity of donors who have been crucial in supporting the university’s mission. Highlights included awards for significant contributions to education and an announcement of the ‘Together We Soar’ campaign, which aims to raise $300 million by 2030. This event underscored the importance of community support in enhancing student opportunities and institutional growth.

Savannah Shines Bright at Georgia Southern University’s 2025 Gratitude Gala

In a splendid evening filled with warmth and appreciation, Georgia Southern University welcomed supporters and donors for its annual Gratitude Gala on March 28, 2025, at the lavish JW Marriott Plant Riverside in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. This special night was all about acknowledging the remarkable contributions from those who have been instrumental in advancing the university’s goals and initiatives.

The event kicked off with the university’s president, who expressed heartfelt gratitude toward the generous donors. Their ongoing support reflects a steadfast commitment to helping the university grow and thrive, aiming to graduate students who are not just ready for careers but are also well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.

Why Donor Support Matters

With a mission focused on elevating education and fostering community development, Georgia Southern relies heavily on its donors. The evening’s activities highlighted how essential donor backing is to various institutional initiatives. Notably, thanks to this support, the university awarded over $5 million in scholarships this year alone, opening doors for countless students.

Donors who have contributed $25,000 or more received a warm acknowledgment during the gala, where their support was recognized as crucial in equipping the university to fulfill its ambitious mission.

Honoring Exceptional Contributions

The gala also involved a series of awards that highlighted the exceptional efforts of notable supporters:

Legacy Award: Presented to Fred and Dinah Gretsch, who have made significant contributions to the music business. Their commitment to the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music is commendable, providing funding for faculty and students alike.
President’s Ambassador Award: Awarded to the Abbie DeLoach Foundation, which was founded by Jimmy DeLoach in honor of his daughter. This foundation generously provides scholarships for nursing students and student-athletes, showcasing their commitment to empowering the next generation.
President’s Innovator Award: The Crider Family was recognized for their longstanding support and outstanding contributions to various educational initiatives at the university, reinforcing the importance of innovative pathways in education.
President’s Visionary Award: Given to Anthony and Natalie Tippins, who have played an essential role in supporting Eagle Athletics. Their establishment of the Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility demonstrates their dedication to enhancing the athletic experience for student-athletes.

Exciting Future Ahead

The night wrapped up with an uplifting announcement regarding the “Together We Soar” fundraising campaign. This ambitious initiative was launched in October 2022, with an original goal of $125 million by June 2026. Impressively, the campaign has already secured over $123 million in contributions. Due to this exceptional early success, the campaign has now been extended until 2030, with a new, bold goal of $300 million—reflecting the university’s commitment to maximizing its impact on students and the community.

In short, the 2025 Gratitude Gala was a night to remember, showcasing not just the generosity of donors but also the unified vision of Georgia Southern University. With community support, the university is on the path to achieving great milestones and providing its students with the tools they need to soar in their careers and impact the world around them. Here’s to more success stories in the future!