D r. Joseph and Patricia Samprone of Gold Canyon, Arizona—known affectionately around the Georgia College & State University campus as Joe and Patti—received the University System of Georgia’s 2024 Regents' Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award during the 20th annual Regents’ Scholarship Gala Sept. 12.

The Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award is given to an individual or couple known for championing academic excellence and access to higher education in Georgia. Nine people were inducted into the Regents' Hall of Fame recently.

The Samprones were nominated for this honor by Georgia College for more than 40 years of campus involvement.

Dr. Joe Samprone taught economics from 1983 to 2003 in what was then known as the J. Whitney Bunting School of Business, while Patti Samprone earned her MBA from GCSU in 1988 and worked in human resources at Vought Aircraft Industries, now Qarbon Aerospace, in Milledgeville.

Joe also became head coach of the Bobcat Cross Country team for 14 years, well into his retirement. In 2007, he earned Peach Belt Conference Coach of the Year honors. Patti co-chaired the university’s last capital campaign, which concluded in May 2020 with more than $50 million in philanthropic support.
 

Through all these endeavors, the Samprones became beloved figures to hundreds of Georgia College students every year, many of whom they remain in contact with years after graduation.
 

As part of their lifetime commitment to the university, the Samprones started making charitable donations in 1989. The Samprones now sponsor eight of Georgia College’s flagship Presidential Scholarships, which includes a stipend for study abroad. They also fund one of the university’s first endowed professorships for junior faculty members, as well as endowed scholarships for first-generation students and for athletes in women’s basketball, volleyball and golf.

“It’s quite an honor to showcase people who’ve made such a big impact here and statewide. It also shows how alumni can express their love and deep appreciation for the university and its uniqueness,” said Seth Walker, vice president of GCSU’s Office of University Advancement.

“The Samprones understand that without philanthropy, we would be much more limited in what we can offer our students,” Walker said. “They love and appreciate our uniqueness as the state's designated liberal arts institution and understand that philanthropy is a huge aspect of being able to continue to provide top quality resources for faculty and students.”

Learn more about the Distinguish Pillar in our Imagine 2030 Strategic Plan