Article By: Clark Leonard
The Oconeefest scholarship fundraiser returns for its 12th year from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 on the front lawn at the University of North Georgia’s (UNG) Oconee Campus. This annual event will raise money for a pair of scholarships:
The scholarships help students gain momentum toward their careers. Eavan Clayton, a freshman from Watkinsville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in psychology, said she was excited to start her time as a college student at the Oconee Campus after taking dual enrollment courses with UNG.
“It’s a great option for me because I’m able to stay at home and save money,” Clayton said. “The campus is close, and everything is so convenient. The professors are great.”
Her goal is to eventually study speech pathology and become a children’s speech therapist.
Clayton earned the Oconee County Resident Scholarship and the Dual Enrollment Scholarship, which is awarded to students who enroll at UNG after taking dual enrollment courses at the university.
“It was incredibly helpful because all of my schooling this year was paid for,” Clayton said. “I can focus on my academics, and I have access to everything I need. It gave me a good opportunity to get my foot in the door without the stress of the financial burden.”
Admission to Oconeefest is free, and donations of any amount are welcome.
Peach State Federal Credit Union and Georgia Power are the presenting sponsors of Oconeefest.
The event will include food and raffle items donated by local, regional and national businesses, chambers of commerce, faculty and staff, and the many friends of UNG’s Oconee Campus. Food and drink vendors include Holy Crepes, Funky Funnel Cakes, Jojo’s Gourmet Lemonade, Biggum’s BBQ, and South Main Brewing.
“My favorite part is watching the whole surrounding community come together for this cause. What they’re really doing is showing how they love UNG Oconee,” Russell Willis, executive director of the Oconee Campus, said. “The outpouring of love and support for this campus and our students is on full display during Oconeefest.”
Oconee Collision is a Platinum Sponsor. Allied Paving, Piedmont Athens Regional and Rotary Club of Oconee are Silver Sponsors. BankSouth, Chad Day, Chastain and Associates, Dustin Chitwood, Evergreen Nursery, Frank and Rosemary Stancil, John Quackenbush, Laura Ng, and Oconee State Bank are Friend Sponsors.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the Oconee scholarships but is unable to attend the event may donate on the Oconeefest webpage.
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Recently, questions have been raised about a passage in a course textbook. After fully reviewing the concern, we want to be clear: the reference in question was not describing Christians or Christianity. The passage refers to an extremist group that misuses Christian symbols to promote hate.
In today’s world, misunderstandings can travel quickly. But our foundation at the University of North Georgia remains steady. We respect people of all beliefs. We reject hate. And we are committed to preparing students to think critically, lead with integrity, and serve in communities across our state, nation, and world.
Education is not about avoiding difficult words or ideas — it is about teaching students to navigate them with context, discernment, and respect. The world is complex, and we are developing students to lead in both these times and what lies ahead. That is what this course, and this university, are about.
We also recognize that learning and scholarship sometimes touch on sensitive, complex, or controversial ideas. That is not a weakness of higher education — it is its strength. Our responsibility is to provide the context, freedom, and support that allow both students and faculty to engage with these ideas thoughtfully. Academic freedom allows us to remain true to our values: protecting freedoms, honoring all beliefs, rejecting hate in every form, and preparing leaders who can meet a complex world with courage and integrity.
While one line in a textbook can get lost in translation, our values have never wavered. For 152 years, the University of North Georgia remains committed to building leaders through debate, dialogue, and learning. That is who we are. And that is what we will continue to do.