The University System of Georgia (USG) Foundation announced a major step forward in student support during its 21st annual Regents’ Scholarship Gala, which raised more than $4.5 million this past weekend from generous sponsors to expand need-based scholarships for USG students across the state.

The evening also celebrated leadership and dedication at the highest levels. Former Board of Regents Chairman Don Waters received the foundation’s top honor, the Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing extraordinary service to USG. Presented before an audience of donors, legislators, students, Regents and USG presidents, the award is the highest honor the foundation bestows.

Building on this momentum, the foundation launched the new DREAMS Scholarship to bridge financial aid gaps and open new opportunities for students, awarding its inaugural scholarship to Giuli Capparelli Sanabria, a junior majoring in biology at Georgia Tech.

Rounding out the night, the foundation honored 13 exceptional faculty, alumni and friends for their commitment to teaching excellence and unwavering support of USG students and institutions statewide.

“Georgia’s new DREAMS Scholarship Program offers more than just financial support — it represents an investment in our students, communities and future,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “The Board of Regents is focused on affordability, but unmet needs for students can still arise. By helping to close the gap between the cost of college and what families can afford, this program helps us expand access to higher education for those who need it most. At the same time, it strengthens our state’s talent pipeline, ensuring that more graduates are prepared to contribute to Georgia’s workforce, drive innovation and build a stronger economy for generations to come.”

More than half of college students report they would struggle to find $500 in an emergency, and data from Georgia State University’s National Institute for Student Success show students who do not have to take time off from college for financial setbacks are three and a half times more likely to graduate.

The DREAMS Scholarship is designed to close those gaps, making higher education — which data show is a $1.4 million opportunity for graduates — accessible to more Georgians.

Intended to complement the HOPE Scholarship’s merit-based, tuition-only support, DREAMS can be applied to any essential college expense for undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need after all other aid has been applied. Funds will be awarded to students directly through institutions’ foundations, empowering more students to enroll in and complete higher education programs.

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. The scholarship program also fosters student responsibility by expecting part-time employment or volunteer service from participants, as well as offering financial literacy education, ensuring well-rounded, work-ready graduates.

Once fully built out, the aim of the initiative is for the scholarship to not only serve USG students but also those enrolled in the Technical College System of Georgia.

“The support we’ve received will help more students complete their studies, thrive in their careers and contribute to a stronger, more competitive Georgia,” said Regent Cade Joiner, chairman of the USG Foundation Board of Trustees. “Our USG Foundation Board members, Chancellor Perdue and the Board of Regents are focused on ensuring long-term student success, and together with our generous donors, we’re building new pathways that change lives through education.”

During the gala, which was held Saturday evening, Perdue and Dan T. Cathy presented the Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award to former Board of Regents Chairman Don Waters for his extraordinary leadership, dedication to public service and support of USG students and faculty. Cathy, chairman of Chick-fil-A, Inc., won the award in 2024.

“The opportunity to go to college shaped my life’s work, and I’m committed to helping more Georgians experience that same transformation,” said Waters, who is active in several philanthropic efforts as chairman of Waters Capital Partners, LLC. “I’ve been fortunate to give back in some small way, but the real credit belongs to the students who work tirelessly to reach their goals, and to the educators and leaders who support them along the way. I’m deeply grateful for this honor, and to be part of an effort to help more Georgians complete college and find success in their lives and careers.”

Perdue lauded Waters, saying he “served USG honorably for nine years on the Board of Regents and has spent his career championing education and its ability to allow students to pursue their dreams.”

The foundation additionally recognized the following recipients of the Regents’ Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award. This award is presented to outstanding alumni and friends for their dedicated service and support to a USG institution:

• Robert W. Hagan, nominated by Valdosta State University

• Dr. and Mrs. Alonzo Earl Jones, Sr., nominated by Fort Valley State University

• Deborrah Layman, nominated by Augusta University

• Sanford and Barbara Orkin, nominated by the University of Georgia

• John D. Stephens, nominated by Georgia Gwinnett College

• Kurt Stuenkel, nominated by Georgia Highlands College

• Skip Vaughan, nominated by Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Three USG faculty members were honored with the Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award. This prestigious 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:

• Jehan El-Jourbagy, Georgia College and State University, Business Law

• Dr. Sarah Shannon, University of Georgia, Criminal Justice

• Shanika Wright Turner, Georgia Highlands College, Business Administration

Two faculty members were honored with the Regents’ Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Awards: 

• Dr. Jiyoon Jung, Valdosta State University, Instructional Technology

• Dr. Shainaz Landge, Georgia Southern University, Biochemistry, Chemistry & Physics

One faculty member was awarded the Regents’ Teaching Excellence Award for Online Teaching:

• Dr. Trina Fortner Wood, University of West Georgia, Special Education

Over the past two decades, the USG Foundation has awarded over $16 million to support need-based scholarships for over 16,000 students. In fiscal year 2024 alone, donors broke a record in giving to the foundation, with $7.9 million raised.