Georgia Highlands College (GHC) and the GHC Foundation raised more than $75,000 during the recent Scholarship Gala and Day of Giving events, celebrating the college’s impact on students, the workforce, and communities across Northwest Georgia.
The evening Gala, held at the Forum in downtown Rome, welcomed nearly 400 guests for a night of dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. Former Atlanta Braves player and keynote speaker Sid Bream captivated the audience with stories from his legendary career and personal reflections on the power of scholarships.
During President Mike Hobbs’ remarks alone, 25 guests pledged new gifts to the “Ready to Start” scholarship fund, which helps students begin their college journey.
“Georgia Highlands College is the place where talent meets purpose, and we are proud that over 84% of our graduates remain right here in Northwest Georgia,” President Hobbs said. “Through initiatives like our ‘Ready to Start’ scholarships, we are not only preparing a skilled workforce for our region’s footprint but also nurturing engaged graduates who are better equipped to strengthen and serve the communities we call home.”
The success of the Gala and Day of Giving was made possible through the support of the college’s Premier Sponsor, Atrium Health Floyd.
Other sponsors included the City of Cartersville, David Caswell, Synovus, United Community Bank, River City Bank, Piedmont Cartersville, Lance Barry, Mauldin & Jenkins, Outdoor Exposure, Triple Take Digital Marketing, Wellstar Health System, C. Andrew Garner and MSP McRae, Smith, Peek, Harman, & Monroe LLP, Bartow County Georgia, The Frank Group at Morgan Stanley, Bond James Bond, and Georgia Power.
The community’s investment in scholarships and support reflects GHC’s broader role as a powerful driver of regional economic growth.
According to a new University System of Georgia Selig Center for Economic Growth report:
- GHC’s Total Regional Economic Impact is $167.4 million dollars
- GHC was responsible for adding 1,379 jobs to our local communities
Additionally, the recent economic impact study reveals those who earn a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Highlands College are projected to earn $1.4 million more in lifetime earnings than those without, underscoring the long-term value of a GHC degree.
In addition to the Gala and Day of Giving, GHC marked a milestone with the unveiling of a new 7-foot sculpture carved by GHC alum Jeremy Smith from a heritage oak that once stood on the Floyd campus. The sculpture—depicting a student raising a diploma—now stands outside the gym as a lasting tribute to the spirit, perseverance, and potential of every GHC student.
Day of Giving restaurant partners included Texas Roadhouse, Nagel’s Bagels, Sidelines Grille, Doug’s Place, Guthrie’s, Chick-Fil-A, Jimmy John’s, and Noble and Main
