NEWS RELEASE
GEORGIAN COLLEGE
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As a single mom and guardian to her grandson, Shivonne O’Brien struggled to pay her college tuition. But thanks to an award she received, she’s able to focus more on her studies and worry less about paying the bills.
O’Brien was one of several students who had the opportunity to express her gratitude and network with Georgian donors and supporters at a special gathering Sept. 19 in the Georgian dining room, Barrie Campus.
Georgian staff provided an update and shared the impact of two ongoing campaigns – WOMEN’S inTUITION and FUND50.
A recent graduate of Georgian’s Law Clerk program, O’Brien is currently enrolled in the four-year Bachelor of Business Administration – Management and Leadership degree. She has full plans to enter the Paralegal program in order to achieve her goal of owning and operating a civil litigation firm.
“Thanks to the generosity of donors and the WOMEN’S inTUITION award I received, my future is full of brighter possibilities,” O’Brien said. “The name of the award alone has been one that’s kept me going, giving me the ability to re-energize, follow my intuition and keep on track with my goals and dreams.”
Georgian volunteer and champion Giselle Bodkin launched WOMEN’S inTUITION in 2015, asking women to empower women by giving to a scholarship fund to assist female students in financial need. She made her donation in honour of her late sister-in-law who studied Nursing part-time at Georgian.
O’Brien is one 38 students who has received a scholarship so far. To date, more than $450,000 has been raised – with a campaign goal of $750,000. WOMEN’s inTUITION donors give $50 a month for five years (total of $3,000).
While financial need is great and a constant fundraising priority, students also had the chance to talk to college donors at the event who support initiatives that enhance the learning experience.
To mark the college’s 50th anniversary, local entrepreneur Chris Adams and director of Larche Digital Jessica Larche co-founded FUND50. The goal of the campaign is to build a culture at Georgian that supports start-ups and fosters an entrepreneurial mindset.
Funds will go toward awards, networking events, seed funds, social activities and pitch competitions.
Adams and Larche are asking 50 entrepreneurial business professionals to donate $50 per month for 50 months in support of activities facilitated by Georgian’s Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre. The centre supports student and community entrepreneurs in any stage of development and in any sector – serving nearly 300 clients a year.
“Supporting innovation is very important for the future success of our community,” said Adams.
To learn more about these fundraising initiatives and how you can get involved, visit here.
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