Community has the chance to give through RISE

The University of North Georgia (UNG) RISE crowdfunding campaign aims to raise $100,000 from October 2-30 for 21 scholarships and projects. The community fundraising platform supports UNG groups in their efforts to raise funds that will enrich the lives of students through innovative projects, service trips, events, research and other UNG-related projects .

Crowdfunding Month will fund between $1,000 and $10,000 for each volunteer-led project. All scholarship projects are supported by the Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving.

“RISE focuses on scholarships because it is the best way for our students to access the next level of their education, being the first in their family to attend college, experiencing the world through international travel, or by receiving needed funds. Scholarships are life-changing and provide invaluable benefits for the future of our community,” said Alberto Perez, UNG’s annual giving manager.

THE Michael “Mike” Stapleton Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing a degree in criminal justice, with preference to individuals enrolled in the UNG Public Safety Academy training program. Scholarships are awarded to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and preference is given to first-generation students.

“We’re going to be calling law enforcement for help,” said Dr. Butch Newkirk, assistant professor and director of the UNG Public Safety Academy. “We think that’s what will have the biggest impact.”

“In black/African American culture, the barbershop plays an important role for men. It is a place to socialize, network and build camaraderie. Often you visit there without getting your hair cut. There may be discussions and debates on various topics,” Johnson said. .

The hope is to mimic this environment with a few days of pop-up hair salons on campus.

Johnson said barbershops “should and could contribute to Black/African American men’s sense of belonging at UNG” and “because of the cost of a haircut and the lack of barbershops, especially in Dahlonega, this initiative will mean great agreement to the men who participate.

Other crowdfunding for the campaign includes:

• Byron Woolfolk Scholarship in Analytical Chemistryaccessible to students pursuing degrees in chemistry and interested in analytical chemistry.
• Eagle Fund Endowed Scholarshipa resourced scholarship for Commissioning Cadet Corps cadets.
• First generation scholarshipsto enable students who are the first in their families to earn a college degree.
• Dr. Donald E. Kinkaid First Generation UNG STEM Scholarshipwhich supports first-generation students pursuing a STEM degree in the UNG College of Science & Mathematics.
• International military internships and cadet exchangesproviding cadets with the opportunity to participate in overseas military training and exchanges at low or no cost.
• Kevin Jenrette NG ’95 Memorial Scholarshipawarded to a commissioning cadet or a commissioning cadet who exemplifies high academic achievement.
• Dr. Richard M. Prior Scholarshipan endowed scholarship for students pursuing a degree in physics.
• Study Abroad: Filming in Italyoffering film students the opportunity to study abroad in Tuscany, immerse themselves in Italian culture, and gain valuable skills and perspectives in documentary production and Italian cinema.
• Dean Mike Hyams Scholarship for Emerging Leadersrecognizing an outstanding student leader who exemplifies the qualities most admired and respected at Dean Hyams: dedication, enthusiasm and integrity.
• Oconee Scholarshipwhich provides financial support to transfer students from UNG’s Oconee campus to pursue a baccalaureate degree program.
• Top Alumni Accounting Scholarship (MCCB)which aims to provide financial support and help fill the shortage of accountants.
• Dr. Clayton Maxwell “Max” Hair Scholarshipwhich provides financial support to talented students in organic chemistry, in order to promote academic excellence and foster breakthroughs in the field.
• Donna Shearer Endowment Scholarshipwhich supports emerging biology students with a passion for forestry and environmental science, with the goal of securing the future of forest conservation efforts in Georgia.
• LeeAnn Noble Memorial Scholarshipwhich supports student-athletes and nursing students.
• Hannah A. Hastings Memorial Scholarshipwhich supports honors program students studying pre-medicine.
• Dr. Barry D. Friedman Endowed Scholarship, which provides funds to a student pursuing a degree in political science or international affairs. Donations to this fund will be used to strengthen the body of stock market investment, by working on its endowment.
• 1LT Weston Lee Memorial Scholarshipwhich honors Lee’s memory by providing scholarships to corps cadets in financial difficulty.
• Micah McKoy Smith Memorial Scholarshipwhich is open to female members of the Greek community, with an emphasis on the Kappa Delta sorority.
• UNG Cadet Aviation Programwhich provides support scholarships to high-performing cadets to be used for flight-related training.