Athens CEO

Georgia Chamber to Host The Georgia Inventure Prize Initiative April 3rd-4th

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce will host the first annual Georgia InVenture Prize on April 3-4 at Georgia Public Broadcasting. The Georgia Chamber joined in partnership with the Technical College System of Georgia, Georgia Department of Education and Georgia Public Broadcasting to host the two-day competition. The Georgia Chamber proudly thanks the Georgia Power Foundation and the Georgia InVenture Prize sponsors, University System of Georgia, NCR Corporation, Georgia Lottery Corporation and Gulfstream, for participating in a great opportunity for college students in Georgia. Georgia InVenture Prize highlights the state’s innovation ecosystem and its high potential, ambitious and growth-oriented student entrepreneurs. A team of students were chosen by their college and will present their unique business solution to judges in a statewide competition. The winning institution will receive the “Georgia InVenture Prize Cup” to proudly display on their campus for the year. …There are 19 teams who have qualified to participate.

Albany State University

Atlanta Technical College

Augusta Technical College

Columbus State University

Dalton State College

Fort Valley State University

Georgia College and State University

Georgia Gwinnett College

Georgia Tech

Georgia Southern University

Georgia State University

Kennesaw State University

Mercer University

Middle Georgia State University

Savannah State University

Southern Regional Technical College

University of Georgia

University of North Georgia

Valdosta State University

Hypepotamus

Medical Devices, E-Cigs, and Drones: Student Startups Shine At Georgia Tech’s InVenture Prize

BY Jessica Barber

On Wednesday, March 13, Georgia Tech’s 11th annual InVenture Prize wrapped up its final round of competition. Six finalist startup teams got three minutes to present their pitches and four minutes of brief Q&A with a three-membered panel of expert judges, all for the chance to win thousands of dollars for their company. The stakes were raised even higher as the contestants presented in front of a live audience, televised via Georgia Public Broadcasting.  One of the last presenters, Ethos Medical, ultimately took home the First Place designation for their ultrasound-based needle guidance system for procedures such as spinal taps and epidurals. The team landed $20,000, a free patent filing from Georgia Tech’s Office of Technology Licensing, and automatic acceptance into the next cohort of Create-X’s Startup Launch Program.

Newnan Times-Herald

Coweta students win at Inventure Challenge

By THE NEWNAN TIMES-HERALD

Seventeen teams comprised of 34 students from five Coweta County School System schools recently competed in the K-12 Inventure Challenge at Georgia Tech, winning several awards. Jack Whittemore, a seventh-grader at Madras Middle School, won first place overall in the middle school division with his invention, the “Salinity Saver.” His device is designed to provide fresh water to those with access only to salt water. Whittemore created the device with the help of his grandfather to help the U.S. military provide fresh water to U.S. troops, as well as for developing nations where fresh water is difficult to find.

WTVM

Columbus State University hosts statewide robotics competition

By Julie Waldock

This weekend, high-school students from across Georgia, including one Columbus-area team, will have the opportunity to showcase their hard work and demonstrate their skill for science, mathematics, and technology. The FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition is being held over the next few days on the Columbus State University campus. Over the past six-weeks, teams of students worked with professional engineering Mentors to design a robot that solves a problem using a Kit of Parts and a standard set of rules. Now, these young inventors are gathering in Columbus to showcase their work and compete for the top spots. Judges for the competition measure the effectiveness of each robot, the power of collaboration, and the determination of the students. Outside of the teams participating in the event, there were hundreds of other students and residents in attendance to learn more about first programs and to cheer on their favorite robots.

Savannah Morning News

Savannah universities’ teacher candidates at head of class — but there just aren’t enough of them

By Ann Meyer

As a smart inner-city student, Aaliyah Buckholts said at least one teacher told her “never be a teacher.” But she didn’t listen. Instead, she is following her heart and her passion at Savannah State University, where she is majoring in math to become a math teacher. “Mathematics is better than education. It will allow me to do other things,” she said. Majoring in math also will make Buckholts stand out among educators, as Georgia and the nation confront a shortage of math and science teachers, experts said. …SSU student named Outstanding Scholar Aaliyah Buckholts, a junior at Savannah State University pursuing a major in mathematics with a track in secondary education, was honored as a University System of Georgia Outstanding Scholar at the Board of Regents’ Academic Recognition Day on Feb. 12 in Atlanta. Buckholts, who has a 4.0 grade point average at Savannah State, is vice president of the SSU chapter of the Georgia Association of Educators, a tutor for Upward Bound and a member of the National Council of Negro Women. She also works as a student assistant in the registrar’s office. Buckholts was among 26 students selected to represent the universities in the USG system. The Outstanding Scholars are recognized for their “demonstrated excellence in academic achievement and personal development,” the Board of Regents said.

Albany Herald

Future work force looks at area job opportunities

Finding jobs for qualified young people entering work force a major issue in Albany

By Rachel Lord

Jessica Jones, a freshman at Albany State University, was drawn to Albany for the inexpensive cost of secondary schooling at the university. But now she says she plans to leave the area after graduation. Jones is a computer science major and says the primary reason she plans to leave the area upon graduation is the lack of job opportunities she sees in the area. And Jones is not alone. Interviews were with nearly 20 young people between the ages of 16 and 31, from Dougherty and Lee County High School students to ASU and Albany Technical College students and young entrepreneurs, in an attempt to understand why Albany consistently has its educated young people leaving the area.

Southeast Ag Net

Georgia Student Takes Top Honors at AFBF Discussion Meet

The winner of the American Farm Bureau (AFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers Collegiate Discussion Meet, announced at the Farm Bureau FUSION Conference, is Kylie Bruce of Georgia. Bruce was awarded the top prize following a discussion on technology as a driving force for innovation in agriculture. Bruce is studying agriculture education and poultry science at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and will receive her associate of science degree in May. The Collegiate Discussion Meet is designed to replicate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each collegiate participant. Participants are judged on their ability to exchange ideas and information on an agricultural topic and find answers or solutions related to it. Bruce qualified for the national competition upon winning the Georgia Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet. As the national winner, she received a $3,000 scholarship from competitive event sponsor CHS Foundation.

CBS Denver

Mother-Son Team Gain New Experience Thanks To Solar Program

By Jeff Todd

It wasn’t just the work being done to her house, but also who was doing it that kept a smile on Jeanette Flood’s face all day. “He’s really excited. He’s learned a lot. It makes me really proud of him. I told him ‘I’m just so happy you found something you like and enjoy doing,’” Jeanette said. Not only were 16 solar panels being installed for free on her house, but her son Rodney was leading the crew… Rodney was leading a team of students from Georgia Tech. They’re spending their spring break installing the Flood’s panels then touring the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden.

WLOX

College students spend spring break holiday helping others

Community Collaborations International helps students give back

Now that spring has officially begun, college students from across the country will start planning their annual pilgrimage to the Gulf Coast area for their holiday fun. This week there are a few students who have chosen, with the help of Community Collaborations International, to spend their time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but not to celebrate in the usual way. Jake Park is usually a mechanical engineering student at Georgia Institute of Technology. This spring break, he has decided to dedicate his free time to working with children at Biloxi’s Moore Community House Early Head Start. While working with children is new for him, he gladly accepted the responsibility.

Forbes

Delta Taps Forbes 30 Under 30 Visionaries For Future Flight Experience

Delta is tapping into the creative Forbes Under 30 community in a first-of-its-kind partnership to develop new and thoughtful flight experiences. The Delta Under 30 Advisory Board includes Forbes 30 Under 30 List honorees representing a diverse set of young innovators, entrepreneurs and risk-takers, who are lending their propensity for disrupting a variety of industries to the Delta experience… While the global airline regularly connects with customers to shape experiences, it has also partnered with higher education institutions including the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) and Georgia Tech to think critically and creatively about what’s possible

11Alive

Georgia Tech football player dies at 21

School officials said football player Brandon Adams died on Saturday. He was 21 years old.

Author: Donesha Aldridge

The Georgia Tech student body is mourning the loss of one of their classmates. School officials said football player Brandon Adams died on Saturday. He was 21 years old. “All of us here at Georgia Tech send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brandon Adams,” said Georgia Tech President G. P. “Bud” Peterson. “We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.” …Adams, a Brentwood, Tenn. native, was a business administration major and a rising senior football student-athlete.

11Allive

UPDATE: Georgia State hoops coach Ron Hunter agrees to take Tulane job

Tulane, which finished 0-18 in the American Athletic Conference this season, hasn’t posted an NCAA Tournament berth since 1995.

Author: Jay Clemons

Ron Hunter, who oversaw Georgia State basketball’s resurgence over the last eight seasons, has apparently accepted the challenge of another rebuilding project. Through various media sources, including 11Alive Sports anchor Wes Blankenship, Hunter has confirmed he will be leaving Georgia State (three NCAA Tournament appearances since 2015) for Tulane, based in New Orleans. …On Saturday, word broke out (via SI.com) that Hunter had been in the process of finalizing contract details with Tulane; and apparently after sleeping on the decision for the night, Hunter let various people in the media know of intentions.

Savannah Morning News

GSU Armstrong professor honored for Operation Empower Health initiative

By Christopher Berinato For Savannah Morning News

For many homeless and low-income residents of Savannah, receiving basic health care is a challenge. Patients can turn to some options, such as free clinics, but there is always more the community can do to ensure people get the essential services. One such initiative was recognized at the Health Care Heroes Awards banquet in December. The Georgia Medical Society honored Janet Buelow, a professor of health sciences at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus, with the Health Care Hero Award for Community Outreach for her hand in bringing last year’s Innovative Readiness Training exercise to Savannah. …Buelow, who has been with GSU for 12 years, was completely oblivious to her nomination when colleagues asked her for her resumé and then later asked if she was free the night of the awards banquet. “I said, ‘No, I’m busy,’” Buelow recounts. “And then they said, ‘Someone has to tell her she won.’”

11Alive

Georgia Gwinnett College Interim President sits down for a Q&A

As Georgia Gwinnett College looks for its next president, Interim President Dr. Mary Beth Walker looks to move the University forward.

Author: Sade Hurst

Since her start as Interim President at Georgia Gwinnett College, Dr. Mary Beth Walker has been working on ways to better prepare students for the work force. Dr. Walker was formerly the dean of Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. Thursday, Dr. Walker invited members of the media out for a Q&A session. Although Walker’s time with GGC is temporary, she is looking to grow the college more. GGC was founded in 2006. Dr. Walker says now that the school is past its infancy it’s time to move forward. “There are a number of ways where we need to figure out what are the right next steps to take,” Dr. Walker said. Gwinnett County residents make up 75 percent of all GCC students.

Savannah CEO

Georgia Southern, East Georgia State College Sign Agreement Supporting Student Success

Staff Report From Savannah CEO

A renewed agreement between Georgia Southern University (GS) and East Georgia State College (EGSC) streamlines the path to success for students who want to keep advancing their education while also taking advantage of comprehensive student life experiences. The presidents of GS and EGSC formalized a history of collaboration between the two institutions dating back to 1997 by signing a new memorandum of understanding this week. The institutions are partnering to make it easier for students who start at EGSC to progress into academic opportunities on the GS Statesboro Campus that serve the region and enhance the workforce of southeast Georgia. The effort will support student educational goals, student success, and increase degree retention and degree retention rates for both institutions.

Moultrie Observer

Conservation workshop coming in June

Staff Reports  Mar 23, 2019

Over $15,000 in college scholarships, back-to-nature field trips, and a true taste of college life will be on the line for high school students who attend this year’s Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) on June 9-13 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. “The workshop provides an excellent opportunity to engage high school students in the importance of natural resources and agriculture in Georgia,” NRCW Interim Director Kip Hall, an assistant professor of forestry at ABAC, said. “During NRCW, students gain a new perspective on conservation, stewardship, and sustainable agriculture with both classroom and outdoor experiential learning. The workshop opens the door for many students to consider a college major for a career in agriculture and natural resources.” Students participating in the workshop will attend lectures and hands-on activities to boost their knowledge of Georgia’s vital natural resources. Local, state, and federal natural resource agencies and specialists from universities will host these sessions.

WGAU

UGA MEDICAL STUDENTS PARTNER WITH MEALS ON WHEELS

By: Mary Kathryn Rogers

Each week the Athens Community Council on Aging and its 200 volunteers deliver over 1,300 meals to homebound adults in Clarke and Barrow counties through the Meals on Wheels program. Some of the 300-plus clients are older adults who have difficulty getting out, while others suffer from disabilities that prevent them from leaving home. This service not only provides individuals with meals but serves as a safety check. Many of ACCA’s Meals on Wheels clients are at an increased risk for medical emergencies, falls and other accidents, and it is often difficult for them to get to doctor appointments. Dr. Don Scott was quick to recognize this growing problem after he began volunteering with the ACCA. Scott, one of the few practicing geriatric physicians in the Athens area, is an Augusta University/ University of Georgia Medical Partnership faculty member. He reached out to Eve Anthony, chief executive officer of the ACCA, to see how he could help.

WRBL

Smarr Smith Foundation gears up for third annual gala in Americus

By:  Greg Loyd   Brya Berry

On Saturday, March 23, The Smarr and Smith Foundation will hold its third annual gala on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus. The yearly gala is the organization’s biggest fundraiser. The foundation memorializes Americus Police Officer Nick Smarr and Georgia Southwestern State University Police Officer Jody Smith, both of whom died in the line of duty while serving their community. As way to honor their lives and devotion to the people they served so bravely, community members joined forces to create The Smarr Smith Foundation. The organization raises money to give to Americus Police, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Southwestern State University Police Department to supplement agency budgets to purchase needed items and supplies.  Some of the foundation funds provide scholarship monies for officers to continue their educations.

Suwannee Democrat

ABAC to honor Colquitt County families during Homecoming awards

Staff Reports

The Harry and Lester Thompson families from Colquitt County will receive the Family Legacy Award from the ABAC Alumni Association at the annual Homecoming awards luncheon on April 5 at 12:30 p.m. in Gressette Gym at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The ceremony will recognize ABAC alumni who impacted the college and their communities in significant ways. … The Family Legacy Award was established in 1998 to recognize families with five or more family members spanning two or more generations who have attended ABAC and made a significant contribution to the college thereby creating a legacy for their own family and leaving a legacy to ABAC.

CNN

A UGA fraternity was suspended over a video mocking slavery that included a racial slur

By Rebekah Riess and Eric Levenson, CNN

A fraternity at the University of Georgia has been temporarily suspended after a video circulating on social media shows several people mocking slavery and one person using the n-word. The video, about 30 seconds long, shows an individual lightly hitting another person with a belt. At least one person is heard saying, “Pick my cotton, b****.” As the group laughs, the phrase is repeated several times. A male voice is heard saying, “You’re not using the right words,” and then someone uses the n-word. The Xi-Lambda chapter of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at UGA is currently suspended and “there is an investigation underway regarding the students involved in the video,” UGA’s Student Government Association said in a statement. The national Tau Kappa Epsilon organization said it is “disgusted, appalled and angered by the remarks shown in the video,” according to a release. …The organization said the incident did not take place on the fraternity chapter’s premises. The four people in the video have been expelled from the fraternity chapter, according to TKE, which also confirmed the chapter was temporarily suspended.

Savannah Morning News

Monitor: Savannah area economy strengthens during Q4

By Katie Nussbaum

The Savannah area economy closed out 2018 on a positive note with gains in all key economic sectors, according to the fourth quarter Coastal Economic Monitor. The Monitor is a publication of the Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research under the direction of Michael Toma at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus. “The fourth quarter economic situation was notably stronger than in the third quarter of 2018. Third quarter numbers were sort of soft and there was a breadth to that softness across the different economic indicators that I monitor,” Toma said. ″… The signals are strong, certainly stronger than they were in the third quarter of 2018, so it’s pretty safe to say that the economy has shaken off the third quarter weakness.”