Regents’ Scholarship Gala raises more than $4.5M for new DREAMS Scholarship Program – WSB-TV
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ATLANTA — The University System of Georgia Foundation raised over $4.5 million during its 21st annual Regents’ Scholarship Gala to expand need-based scholarships for students across the state.
The gala was held this past weekend, the University System of Georgia announced Monday. The funds raised from these sponsors are aimed at bridging financial aid gaps and opening new opportunities for students.
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“Georgia’s new DREAMS Scholarship Program offers more than just financial support — it represents an investment in our students, communities and future,” University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said.
The evening also celebrated leadership and dedication at the highest levels, with former Board of Regents Chairman Don Waters receiving the foundation’s top honor, the Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes extraordinary service to the University System of Georgia and was presented before an audience of donors, legislators, students, Regents and USG presidents.
The foundation launched the new DREAMS Scholarship to bridge financial aid gaps and open new opportunities for students. The inaugural scholarship was awarded to Giuli Capparelli Sanabria, a junior majoring in biology at Georgia Tech.
The DREAMS Scholarship is designed to complement the HOPE Scholarship’s merit-based, tuition-only support and can be applied to any essential college expense for undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need after all other aid has been applied. Funded in part with $2 million in seed money from Truist Charitable Fund, DREAMS will enable eligible students to receive up to $3,000 annually, reducing their financial burden and enhancing their likelihood of academic success.
During the gala, Perdue and Chick-fil-A chairman Dan T. Cathy presented the Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award to Don Waters for his extraordinary leadership, dedication to public service, and support of USG students and faculty.
The foundation recognized several individuals for their dedicated service and support to USG institutions, including recipients of the Regents’ Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award and the Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award.
The Regents’ Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award was presented to the following outstanding alumni and friends for their dedicated service and support to a USG institution:
The prestigious Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award teaching award recognizes faculty’s essential contributions to their schools and fields of study and their strong commitment to teaching and student success. The awardees were:
Two faculty members were honored with the Regents’ Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Awards:
One faculty member was awarded the Regents’ Teaching Excellence Award for Online Teaching:
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