110 years education, 110 Hours of Celebration

Published 10:45 am Thursday, November 10, 2016

AMERICUS — On Nov. 23, 1906, the lead headline for the Americus Times-Recorder read “Sumter is the Winner,” having been named the county for Georgia’s Third District Agricultural and Mechanical School. One hundred ten years later, faculty, staff, and students at what is now known as Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) feel like they are the winners, living and learning in a community that places importance on service to others. The GSW community celebrated its big birthday all of last week (Oct. 31-Nov. 4) with fun and fulfilling events dubbed “110 Hours of Celebration.” On Monday, GSW Fitness and Wellness held “110 Minutes of Fitness” with events ranging from dance to yoga. A special blood drive was held on Wednesday, which surpassed its regular goal by nine units of blood. The signature event “110 Minutes of Service ” was held on Thursday. Approximately 250 faculty, staff, and

A group of faculty, staff, and students pause from their work to take a photo at the West College Street home owned by the Fuller Center for Housing.

A group of faculty, staff, and students pause from their work to take a photo at the West College Street home owned by the Fuller Center for Housing.

students dispersed throughout the community and on campus, to participate in service projects. “Culminating a week of activities celebrating Georgia Southwestern’s 110-year history, we took part in ‘100 Minutes of Service’ on Friday,” said GSW Interim President Charles Patterson. “Capping off an exciting week with service to our community is a fitting tribute. We are thankful to our service partners, and we are proud to be a part of Americus and Sumter County.” Service partners included Harvest of Hope Food Pantry, the Boys and Girls Club of Americus/Sumter County, Sumter Humane Society, Sumter County Primary School, Sumter County Parks and Recreation Department, Fuller Center for Housing, Furlow Charter School, Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance, and Americus Main Street.  Feedback from the service partners was very positive.

Dean Liz Wilson of the School of Business Administration, at right, stands with a GSW student while they dry puppies after bathing them at the Sumter Humane Society.

Dean Liz Wilson of the School of Business Administration, at right, stands with a GSW student while they dry puppies after bathing them at the Sumter Humane Society.

“Furlow Charter School appreciates the faculty, staff, and students who donated 110 (+) minutes of their time preparing garden beds for our scholars and advisors,” said Furlow Charter School Assistant Principal Jason Williams. “Georgia Southwestern’s involvement in the education of our scholars shows the importance of GSW’s past, present, and future presence in Americus and Sumter County!” Throughout the week, the University community also collected food items to donate to the Harvest of Hope Food Pantry and holiday wrapping supplies for the Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance. University officials are considering making this day of service an annual activity.