The 2019 National Collegiate Health Assessment (NCHA) indicates that LGBTQ+ students are far more likely to consider suicide than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. Sixty-four percent of LGBTQ+ students, compared to 23% of non-LGBTQ+ students, have considered suicide. And, 6.4% of LGBTQ+ students attempted suicide in 2019, compared with 1% of non-LGBTQ+ students. The importance of having LGBTQ+ programs on campus to support students is evident. “Research indicates that, if LGBTQ+ youth...
You may have read the book “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein as a child. It follows the life of a tree and a boy. As the boy grows, he takes more and more from the tree, yet the tree continues to willingly give. The book has a much deeper meaning than just helping young children learn to read. It highlights the lasting impact those willing to “give” can have on others. This book inspired an award at Georgia College by the same name. Since 1996, it’s been given by the GIVE Center...
It’s a day filled with primping, poise and personal development. Run like a pageant, the Miss Amazing event teaches self-advocacy skills to girls and women with disabilities in a fun environment. Participants take part in an interview, a passion presentation that showcases a talent or hobby, get their hair and makeup done, then bring it all together for the final show. “Miss Amazing is an advocacy program for girls and women with disabilities,” said Caroline Pederson, junior special...
Should you register to vote in your college town, or remain registered in your hometown? That’s a question that Student Ambassador and Georgia College tour guide Vivian Cassaniti hears often from students and parents during her tours, and it’s one that Cassaniti is uniquely qualified to answer. Cassaniti grew up with the news always on in her home, so when she was in high school she had a keen interest in how the news influenced and effected those around her. By the time she got to...
As the state’s public liberal arts university, Georgia College is in the unique position to showcase a diversity of topics—especially when it comes to undergraduate research. More than 60 students from all disciplines participated in the university’s 25th Annual Student Research Conference at the end of March. In addition to oral presentations, there were virtual and in-person poster sessions outside Arts and Sciences and in Peabody Auditorium. New this year, there were also special...
As senior Wesley Simpson walks across campus, he can strike up a conversation with anyone he passes. Whether he knows them through classes or sports, with his friendly demeanor he never meets a stranger. The economics major and standout basketball player credits growing up in a military family and moving around for his outgoing personality. “I was able to develop my ability to get to know people fast,” Simpson said. “I am able to make connections and make friends easily. I’ve also...
Throughout the year, you can make an impact on women at Georgia College and fulfill their needs, campus-wide, by donating to the Women’s Giving Circle (WGC). WGC members contribute an annual gift, then determine where funds are allocated. “We researched other Women's Giving Circles across the nation, talking about how we wanted to structure ours on campus, doing an initial outreach to folks. Then we launched it for the first time in the fall of 2020 and worked on fundraising,” said...
Twelve female student-athletes attended the Heidi Samprone Women’s Athletics Leadership Luncheon in February. They heard from top women administrators at Georgia College and learned what it takes to grow as a leader. Dr. Sheri Noviello, dean of the College of Health Sciences described the volatility of health care and what it takes to be a leader. “You don't have to be in a position of authority to be a leader,” she said. “I truly believe that each one of you—sooner or later—must...
The creation of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Historical Preservation Plaza at Georgia College, honoring the nine historically African American international fraternities and sororities—the “Divine Nine” stemmed from Fraternity and Sorority Life looking into honoring the heritage of these organizations on campus. The collective efforts of Stacey Milner, ’11 , ’15, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, African American Alumni Council (AAAC) founding members, donors, students...
The Cultural Center’s doors are open to all students, especially underrepresented individuals, to provide support during their time at Georgia College. Students who enter will learn cultural competence and celebrate the identities of others while building a more inclusive community. “We aim to provide a space where students can find resources, study, have conscious conversations, feel a sense of belonging and build meaningful relationships,” said Nadirah Ross Mayweather, ’08, ’10,...
