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The seventh annual ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Scholarship Gala held March 29 celebrated a record $1.8 million in scholarship funds awarded to students who attended ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ in fiscal year 2018.

¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ President Bonita C. Jacobs thanked donors for their generosity and highlighted the university's accomplishments, including record enrollment growth, expanded academic programs, numerous military awards as a senior military college, and being named a national top-producer of Fulbright students for two years.

"With a growing reputation for innovation and academic excellence, the University of North Georgia is building on its historic strengths of student success, military education, and leadership development to advance into new levels of prominence," Jacobs said. "With your support, we are equipping our graduates to serve at the cutting edge of solving complex problems to meet the needs of our region and our country."

Increasing scholarship funds has been one of Jacobs' top presidential priorities, and the first scholarship gala was held in 2013 as part of her inauguration. The formal event, held at the university's Convocation Center, included dinner, entertainment and the presentation of the Summit, Champion and Presidential Leadership awards.

Retired Army Col. James T. Palmer, a 1973 alumnus who will retire as ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's Commandant of Cadets at the end of June, received the Summit Award. It recognizes an individual, family or organization for significant contributions to scholarships at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ over an extended period, particularly when those contributions serve to change the expectation for scholarship giving at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ.

Palmer has been instrumental in the growth of fundraising mechanisms for the ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ. His 20-year stint with the Corps followed a 26-year active-duty career.

"This second tour has been the highlight of my career," Palmer said.

Georgia House of Representatives Speaker David Ralston, a ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ alumnus who was unable to attend due to it being the final days of the legislative session, earned the Presidential Leadership Award. The award recognizes an individual who has made a significant, positive impact on the life and advancement of the university. A Blue Ridge, Georgia, resident, Ralston has championed the development of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's standalone Blue Ridge Campus, which is scheduled to open in fall 2020, and has supported the university's efforts to enhance economic development in the region.

"I am humbled at receiving this award," Ralston said in a video shown at the gala. "It's an award I don't feel I deserve, but I proudly accept it as a token of what ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ has meant in my life."

Dr. Randy and Peggy Kirner, a 1967 alumnus and his wife who established the Randall and Peggy Kirner Scholarship in July 2017, received the Champion Award. It recognizes an individual or organization for significant contributions within the past two years that promote scholarship and giving to ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ.

Randy Kirner recalled his arrival on campus from Los Angeles in 1964 and the support he and his wife, who he married in 1966, received from so many who worked at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ. Kirner served in the Army in Vietnam before working as an executive for 35 years at four companies, then served as a Nevada assemblyman. He said the kindness and assistance of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ faculty and staff during his time on ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's Dahlonega Campus inspired him to give back to ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ.

Musical performances and art displays from students allowed gala attendees to experience firsthand the talents of the students who benefit from their donations.

"Proceeds from the seventh annual Scholarship Gala will provide important momentum to the students who need it most as they learn and grow into the future leaders of north Georgia," said Jimmy Faulkner, chairman of the ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Foundation. "The community's support of this event demonstrates a steadfast commitment to ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's promising students and sends the strong message that we champion them and their education."

Jeff Tarnowski, vice president for advancement at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ, shared a similar appreciation.

"This year's gala was one of our most exciting evenings to date," he said. "We honored distinguished and beloved members of our community, and we were thrilled to showcase ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's talented students via art displays and musical performances throughout the evening this year."

From April 1-May 6, ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ is holding its annual RISE crowdfund to bring awareness to and raise funds for scholarships that help ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ students achieve their goals. The campaign highlights eight scholarships this year: Cottrell MBA Scholarship Fund, Eagle Fund, Oconeefest Scholarship, LeeAnn Noble Memorial Scholarship Fund, Women's Educational Scholarship, NGC Class of 1975 Scholarship, 1LT Weston Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund, and Music Scholarship Fund.