MGA Foundation
2026 Jennings Family Distinguished Lecture Features 9/11 Air Force One Commander
August 07, 2026
Middle Georgia State University invites alumni, friends, and community members to save the date for the 2026 Jennings Family Distinguished Lecture, featuring Colonel (Ret.) Mark W. Tillman, commander of Air Force One on September 11, ...
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MGA Nursing Alum Memorialized Loved Ones with Scholarships
August 07, 2026
For Sandra Couch, scholarships are a meaningful way to honor loved ones while helping students achieve their dreams. A 1987 nursing graduate of Macon State College, Sandra has established two scholarships at Middle Georgia State University in ...
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Oconee EMC Presents $10,000 Gift to MGA Foundation
August 07, 2026
Middle Georgia State University Foundation is grateful to receive a generous $10,000 contribution from the Oconee EMC Foundation through its Operation Round Up program, which supports organizations and initiatives that strengthen communities ...
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A Season of Momentum, Connection, and Opportunity at MGA
August 07, 2026
It’s hard to believe Convocation is here, marking the start of the 2026–27 academic year! Convocation is a defining moment in the life of MGA. We celebrate the accomplishments of the past while looking ahead to the ...
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Gifting Life Insurance Can Create an Enduring Legacy
July 01, 2026
When considering the legacy you wish to leave, Middle Georgia State University may be one of the institutions that shaped your journey. One simple and meaningful way to support future students is by naming MGA as a beneficiary of a life insurance ...
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Carolyn Wynn Smalley’s Gift Powers Teaching, Research, and Discovery at MGA
June 24, 2026
Mrs. Carolyn Wynn Smalley’s legacy at Middle Georgia State University reflects vision, generosity, and a deep commitment to the natural world. Through her estate, she ensured that future students would benefit from meaningful ...
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MGA Travelers Reflect on Recent Greece Trip
June 24, 2026
The Middle Georgia State University Alumni Travel Program set sail this summer for an unforgettable adventure through the Greek Isles, bringing together alumni and friends for a journey filled with connection, discovery, and lasting memories. ...
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Planting Today, Transforming Tomorrow
June 24, 2026
Summer in Middle Georgia is a season of abundance. Farmers’ markets and roadside stands overflow with peaches, watermelon, corn, peanuts, squash, okra, peas, tomatoes, and more. These harvests remind us that the rewards we enjoy today ...
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Graduate School Reception Kicks Off Commencement Celebrations
May 21, 2026
MGA is proud of its array of graduate programs. Master's degrees are offered in the Schools of Business, Computing, Education and Behavioral Science, Health and Natural Sciences, and Arts and Letters. Our two doctoral degrees are the Doctor of ...
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Alumnus Casey Jones Honored by Macon Sports Hall of Fame
May 21, 2026
As Casey Jones was recognized as a new Macon Sports Hall of Fame inductee, it marked another milestone in a meaningful career that began years ago at Middle Georgia State University (MGA). His story reflects a lifetime in athletics—and ...
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Honoring Legacy through Flight Inspires Future Aviation Leaders
May 21, 2026
Dr. Christopher Blake presented the inaugural Knights Legacy Society Award to Kevin Howell Cowart at the May Foundation Board Meeting, recognizing his generous planned gift and the enduring legacy he is creating. Kevin Cowart is a ...
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Your Impact In Action: Graduates, Growth, and Generosity
May 21, 2026
Greetings as we approach Memorial Day weekend — the unofficial gateway to summer! May has been a jubilant month at MGA, as some 800 students celebrated graduation and became members of our growing alumni association. Commencement ...
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The Svonavecs’ Commitment Is a Lasting Legacy
May 21, 2026
Dr. Stephen Svonavec, Director of Commuter Campuses, and Dr. Kara Svonavec, Senior Lecturer of History, have dedicated more than a decade to supporting Middle Georgia State University. Stephen began his journey at MGA in 2005 as a history ...
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Because of You: Celebrating Milestones and Impact
May 01, 2026
We’re just days away from spring commencement exercises — among the most meaningful and celebratory moments in higher education. These ceremonies represent more than a single day of recognition; they mark the ...
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Investing in Education at Home and Abroad: The Shah Family Is Committed to Student Success
May 01, 2026
For more than 21 years, Dr. Manoj Shah and his wife have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to education and community through their support of the MGA Foundation. Dr. Shah, a retired obstetrician, has long believed in the transformative ...
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12th Annual Knights Golf Sets Record
May 01, 2026
Supporters of Middle Georgia State University gathered April 13 at the picturesque Brickyard Golf Club for our 12th Annual MGA Knights Golf Tournament. With gorgeous weather, a pristine course, and an atmosphere filled with Knight pride, this ...
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President’s Circle Reception Celebrates Leadership and Philanthropy
May 01, 2026
The MGA Foundation recently hosted a special evening of appreciation honoring members of the President’s Circle. This annual reception recognizes the individuals and organizations whose generosity and commitment help advance our ...
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Brazell Family Team Room Unveiled on Cochran Campus
March 23, 2026
This month, the MGA Foundation proudly celebrated a generous gift from alumnus and Foundation Trustee Christopher "Chris" Brazell and his wife, Gillian, whose support strengthens Middle Georgia State University Athletics during its recent ...
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Oliner Professor in Free Economics: Dr. Greg George Advances Free Market Insights
March 23, 2026
Through the generous support of Debra Oliner and Henry Oliner, a Trustee of the MGA Foundation, Middle Georgia State University named Dr. Greg George the Oliner Professor in Free Economics in January 2024. Dr. George, a Professor of Economics at ...
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Leaving a Legacy Gift: Give Appreciated Securities
March 23, 2026
Leaving a legacy gift to Middle Georgia State University does not have to empty your bank account! A popular way to leave lasting gifts is by gifting appreciated securities. Appreciated securities are financial assets such as stocks, bonds, or ...
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A Reflection of Growth, Momentum, and Enduring Spirit
March 23, 2026
March has been an energetic and exciting month at MGA as we celebrated Alumni Week alongside Homecoming festivities. It was especially meaningful to recognize the many members of our faculty and staff who are also proud MGA alumni. Their journeys ...
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The Impact of Your Generosity Endures
March 23, 2026
February brought immense joy and celebration to MGA through the Coach Robert Sapp Baseball Reunion, held February 7 at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. Organized by MGA Athletics and Alumni Relations, the evening reunited 70 former Warriors ...
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Supporting Alumni Connections: Annette Barnette Travel Donates to Alumni Relations
February 20, 2026
Middle Georgia State University alum and Alumni Board member Annette Barnette, owner of Annette Barnette Travel, reaffirmed her commitment to alumni engagement by donating $2,593 to the MGA Alumni Association from the 2025 Christmas Markets ...
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From Opportunity to Legacy: The Ollikainens Create a Legacy for Engineering Students
February 20, 2026
Dr. Andrew C. Ollikainen and Mrs. Stephanie Ollikainen, proud MGA alumni, continue to make a lasting impact on future engineers through their generosity and personal story of perseverance. Andrew began his journey at Middle Georgia College, ...
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MetroPower Invests $5,000 in MGA Students
January 22, 2026
The Middle Georgia State University Foundation is honored to receive a generous $5,000 gift from the PPC Foundation, funded through PPC Partners, Inc., companies including MetroPower. This contribution supports the MGA Foundation’s 2025 ...
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Leaving a Legacy: Celebrating Teri Miller
January 22, 2026
Teri Miller embodies what it means to give back. A proud Middle Georgia State University alumna, Chair of the Department of Respiratory Therapy, and national leader in her field, Teri has dedicated more than 22 years to serving MGA and its ...
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Robins Financial Credit Union Celebrates Its 2025 Scholarship Recipients
January 22, 2026
Robins Financial Credit Union recently celebrated its 2025 scholarship recipients, sharing this message of encouragement: "Your dedication and determination have brought you to this incredible milestone, and we’re honored to stand ...
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Happy New Year 2026
January 15, 2026
The MGA Foundation and the entire MGA family are energized to begin a new semester after the holidays. With the arrival of the Spring term comes renewed momentum and, for hundreds of our students, the final stretch toward graduation. Just days ...
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Kevin Howell Cowart's Aviation Maintenance Career Endowment Honors an Aviation Legacy
December 17, 2025
With more than three decades of experience in aviation maintenance, including global assignments and leadership roles with Delta TechOps, Kevin Howell Cowart has built a career defined by excellence and dedication. Now, he’s investing ...
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Legacy Giving to MGA Endures Far Beyond Your Lifetime
December 17, 2025
There is a proverb whose sentiment is found in various cultures for at least the last 2,000 years: "A society grows great when people plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit." That kernel of wisdom undergirds the work of Legacy ...
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We Wish You Happy Holidays
December 17, 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, we look forward to the holidays and the moments of celebration that illuminate this meaningful season. At MGA, our December commencement ceremonies are always a highlight — they embody the very reason we do ...
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Flint Foundation Awards $5,000 to Jack Hunnicutt Memorial Scholarship
November 20, 2025
The Flint Energies Foundation awarded $5,000 to the Middle Georgia State University Foundation for the Jack Hunnicutt Memorial Scholarship, honoring a founding member and former chairman of the Flint Energies Foundation Board. Four renewable ...
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Remember MGA in Your Year-End Giving
November 20, 2025
2025 was a landmark year for Middle Georgia State University (MGA). We didn’t just mark ten years as a public university — we celebrated a decade of transformation, growth, and achievement. Now, as we launch into our second ...
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Thankful
November 20, 2025
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, many of us find ourselves pausing to reflect on the gifts that have shaped our year. Here at Middle Georgia State University Foundation, that reflection leads directly to you. There is no question about ...
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Autumn Brings Milestone Moments
October 27, 2025
There’s something about autumn that reminds us how deep and wide the support for the MGA Foundation truly runs. This season has brought milestone moments that affirm the dedication and generosity of our campus family and extended ...
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Gulfstream Invests $85K into MGA School of Aviation
October 27, 2025
Middle Georgia State University is grateful to Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. for a generous grant, funded in late 2024, of more than $85,000 to support the Aviation Maintenance & Structural Technology program, part of the University's School of ...
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Consider New Year Tax Laws for 2025 Giving
October 27, 2025
As we look ahead to 2026, there are new federal tax law changes that may impact how much of your MGA Foundation charitable giving will be tax-deductible. If you're planning a significant gift in the near future, you may want to consider making it ...
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Honoring a Legacy of Leadership: Christopher “Chris” Brazell
September 18, 2025
Middle Georgia State University proudly honors Christopher “Chris” Brazell—an extraordinary alumnus, dedicated donor, and steadfast advocate for student success. Chris’s journey with MGA spans decades, ...
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September Message from the Vice President of University Advancement
September 18, 2025
We’re thrilled to bring you this September edition of the MGA Foundation newsletter — and even more excited to share what’s ahead: The 2025 President’s Gala is set for Friday, October 17, and you won't ...
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A Note from the Vice President of Advancement
August 14, 2025
Happy August! Did you know August is National Make-a-Will Month? It’s a timely reminder to either create or revisit your will—and it doesn’t have to be a complicated or expensive process. In fact, there are several ...
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A Legacy of Giving: MGC Classes of the 1950s Empower Future Generations
August 14, 2025
In 2018, during a joint class reunion, the Middle Georgia College graduating classes of 1955, 1956, and 1957 were inspired by the late Dr. Bill Golden (Class of 1956) to create a lasting legacy. Dr. Golden encouraged his fellow alumni to come ...
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Legacy of Love, Service, and Education: Gloria Robinson honors grandmother with Memorial Scholarship
August 14, 2025
For the past two years, Gloria Robinson has been a generous and dedicated donor to Middle Georgia State University (MGA). But her connection to the institution runs far deeper than recent philanthropy—it’s rooted in personal ...
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HCA/Fairview Park and Medical Staff Gift $85,000 to Avery Endowed Nursing Scholarship
August 14, 2025
HCA/Fairview Park Hospital and its medical staff donated a total of $85,000 to the Don and Fara Avery Endowed Nursing Scholarship in memory of Don Avery, the hospital’s late CEO. Of that amount, $10,000 came directly from the medical ...
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There Are Exciting Milestones and Events at MGA
August 14, 2025
As Middle Georgia State University (MGA) prepares to kick off the 2025–26 academic year, there’s a renewed sense of energy and promise across our campuses. For incoming freshmen, this marks the beginning of a transformative ...
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Savings Kit Project Brings Financial Literacy to Life for MGA Students
August 14, 2025
An idea born during a Middle Georgia State University (MGA)-hosted On the Table conversation is now taking shape, thanks to a collaborative effort involving the School of Business, the MGA Foundation, and funding support from the Community ...
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MGA Re-launches Knights Athletic Association
August 13, 2025
Middle Georgia State University is embarking on a bold path forward for our intercollegiate athletics program. With the transition to NCAA Division II membership status and joining the Peach Belt Conference, there's never been a more ...
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NBRC’s Continued Commitment: Scholarships Transforming Lives at MGA
August 12, 2025
The National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) has again demonstrated its commitment to transforming lives at Middle Georgia State University. This year, NBRC’s generous donation of $10,000 will fund scholarships for respiratory therapy ...
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MGA Honors Donors of Endowed Faculty Positions
August 12, 2025
On August 6, Dr. Blake and esteemed faculty members at Middle Georgia State University (MGA) gathered to express their heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors who established funds supporting endowed professorships and chair positions that are ...
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Donor Impact: A Legacy Gift Supports the Carolyn Wynn Smalley Distinguished Chair of Georgia Studies
August 12, 2025
A transformative $1.2 million gift from the estate of Carolyn Wynn Smalley to the Middle Georgia State University (MGA) Foundation established the Carolyn Wynn Smalley Distinguished Chair of Georgia Studies—a landmark ...
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Donor Spotlight: Casey Paulk
August 12, 2025
For more than 20 years, Casey Paulk has stood as a pillar of support, leadership, and generosity at Middle Georgia State University (MGA). As President and Chief Operating Officer of Paulk Landscaping & Nursery, Inc., a proud MGA alumnus, and ...
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Scholarship Spotlight: Lisa M. Henry Memorial Scholarship
August 12, 2025
We are spotlighting the Lisa M. Henry Memorial Scholarship as a tribute to an extraordinary woman whose legacy continues to inspire future aviation professionals. Friends and colleagues of USAF Retired Senior Master Sergeant Lisa M. Henry ...
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Donor Impact: A Legacy Gift Supports the Carolyn Wynn Smalley Distinguished Chair of Georgia Studies
June 19, 2025
A transformative $1.2 million gift from the estate of Carolyn Wynn Smalley to the Middle Georgia State University (MGA) Foundation established the Carolyn Wynn Smalley Distinguished Chair of Georgia Studies—a landmark ...
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Marshal Mize Gifts Cessna to MGA Aviation School
May 15, 2025
MGA Foundation extends immense gratitude to Mr. Marshal Mize of Chattanooga, who recently donated his 1974 Cessna 414 to the MGA School of Aviation. A former Air Force pilot, Mr. Mize grew up in Tennille, Georgia, a little over an hour's drive ...
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MGA Mourns the Passing of Malcolm Burgess, Jr.
May 15, 2025
Our community lost a dear business and philanthropic leader this month, who touched countless lives and organizations throughout our region. For nearly three decades, Malcolm Burgess was a dedicated supporter of Middle Georgia State ...
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Here’s a Glimpse at Donor Impact: The Viola Harris Memorial Scholarship
May 15, 2025
In 2024, Gloria Robinson, an MGA alumna and military veteran from the Cochran area, established the Viola Harris Memorial Scholarship in memory of Mrs. Viola Harris, her beloved grandmother. Mrs. Harris was a devoted advocate for education, a ...
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MGA Welcomes Its Newest Alumni!
May 15, 2025
As Memorial Day approaches, we pause with deep gratitude to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. May this weekend bring meaningful reflection and heartfelt appreciation for the freedoms we hold ...
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Thank You to Our 11th Annual Knights Golf Tournament Supporters!
May 15, 2025
Last month, we shared what a success our April 28th 11th Annual Knights Golf Tournament was. This month we have photographs to share! Thanks to our generous sponsors and enthusiastic players, we saw a remarkable 43% ...
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2025 a Landmark Year for MGA and Our Foundation
March 13, 2025
The year 2025 stands as one of the most thrilling milestones in the history of Middle Georgia State University (MGA), and our Foundation is central to this exciting momentum. As MGA continues to grow, we are proud that ...
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MGA Knights Welcome New Head Coaches
March 13, 2025
The Middle Georgia State University Athletics Department has welcomed two new coaches: John Green and Cara MacFarland. Cara MacFarland is the new Head Volleyball Coach. An MGA alum, she returns after over three years at Northwestern State ...
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Join MGA for Table Conversation!
March 03, 2025
Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is proud to participate in On the Table Central Georgia by hosting 10 conversation tables during the week of March 3-7. On the Table, sponsored by The Community Foundation of Central Georgia, offers a ...
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Join MGA for Table Conversation!
February 13, 2025
Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is proud to participate in On the Table Central Georgia by hosting 10 conversation tables during the week of March 3-7. On the Table, sponsored by The Community Foundation of Central Georgia, offers a unique ...
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MGA Athletics: Building Champions On and Off the Field
February 13, 2025
What an exciting time to be a part of MGA Athletics, where we build Champions on and off our fields of play. We have shown that not only have we excelled athletically, but we have also set a standard of great success in the classroom. This past ...
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A Snapshot of Our Foundation's 2024 Impact
January 16, 2025
As we reflect on last year, we celebrate the impact of our Foundation on MGA students in 2024 through your generous gifts. Your philanthropy resulted in the investment of over $1,420,563 in student scholarships, GAP funding, SEAL funding, ...
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MGA Community Mourns the Loss of Don Avery
January 16, 2025
The Middle Georgia State University community is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Don Avery, Vice Chair of the MGA Foundation and a cherished leader in the Dublin community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Don’s wife Fara, ...
Read MoreScholarship Recipient Spotlight: Taylor S.
January 16, 2025
Taylor, a junior at Middle Georgia State University pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, is dedicated to excelling academically and maintaining a strong GPA. She is supported by a loving family, motivated to become the best teacher ...
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Local Wal-Mart and Sam's Club Donate to MGA Knights' Table
August 15, 2024
The Macon Sam’s Club, Watson Boulevard Wal-Mart (Warner Robins), and Cochran Wal-Mart are making significant strides in supporting their local communities. Through the Wal-Mart Foundation, these stores have awarded $2,000 in grants to ...
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MGA Hosts Inaugural Jennings Family Distinguished Lecture
August 15, 2024
As the fall semester kicks off, our campuses are brimming with renewed energy and enthusiasm. We are deeply grateful for your generous investments in scholarships and academic programs, which play a crucial role in supporting the ...
Read MoreMGA Scholarship Recipient Poised to Give Back
May 16, 2024
This spring, among some 700 graduates, a remarkable student and recipient of the MGA Foundation General Endowed Scholarship proudly crossed the stage at Middle Georgia State University (MGA) to receive her diploma. That remarkable student was ...
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