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June 8, 2020

University of North Georgia (¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ) supporters have already shown strong support for the three funds of to benefit students affected by COVID-19. Opportunities still remain to meet the goal for two funds: scholarships for incoming students this fall and for student-athletes.

The third fund of the #ONE¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ STRONGER TOGETHER effort, to offset housing costs for members of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's , exceeded its goal of $27,500 in the first day of the campaign that launched May 5. It has collected $41,715.

The total fundraising effort runs through June 30. One-time gifts, scheduled payments or perpetual gifts may be made .

"We have had new donors come in for the first time and many loyal supporters have given additional gifts," said , annual giving officer for the ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Foundation. "We're in the middle of a crisis where many are not secure about their finances, and they're still giving. It's a testament to who they are, how much they care about ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ, and the impact their alma mater has had on their lives."

Through the morning of June 8, the fund for has raised $5,240 of its $225,000 goal, while the fund has collected $11,750 of its $60,000 goal.

The incoming student fund will help award one-time scholarships ranging between $500 and $2,000 for up to 450 new students whose families have been financially impacted by COVID-19.

"These are challenging times for families, reminiscent to the Great Recession of 2007-09, but much more abrupt and shocking in the suddenness of the disruption. The COVID-19 pandemic has put college in question for many families," said Dr. Brett Morris, ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ associate vice president for Enrollment Management. "The ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Foundation and donors have stepped forward by providing additional scholarships to help students stay on track with their college plans. ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ students are fortunate to be part of a community that cares about their success."

, ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ associate athletics director for external operations, expressed gratitude for the way donors are aiding ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's student-athletes.

"The primary mission of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Athletics is to provide access to the opportunity of a life-changing experience and eventually graduate champions," Glenn said. "The #ONE¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ STRONGER TOGETHER campaign is a top priority and demonstrates our commitment to recruiting, supporting and rewarding our student-athletes."

While some students are eligible for CARES Act funding, university leaders determined that $890,500 in critical funding is still needed to assist current and incoming students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Foundation identified existing funds to provide $578,000 toward the $890,500 need, reducing the need to $312,500.

The ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Foundation has created the crowdfund campaign #ONE¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ STRONGER TOGETHER to fulfill the remaining amount of $312,500 not covered by existing funds to ensure student success and continuity of enrollment at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ.