Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has received a $400,000 gift from Georgia Banking Company to provide scholarships to students studying exercise science and wellness.
Bartow Morgan Jr., CEO of Georgia Banking Company, says: “This is part of our own culture to support organizations that have a positive impact on the community. In the case of Georgia Gwinnett College, the impact is generational.”
Dr. Jann L. Joseph, president of GGC, responded by saying: “We greatly appreciate the long-standing support that Bartow has shown our college, not only with his valuable expertise and time but also with this scholarship fund for our students.” Morgan is a member of the Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation.
The Georgia Banking Company Wellness and Recreation Scholarship Fund will provide students with up to $2,000 per semester and can be renewed up to four years. Eligible students must have a 3.0 GPA and be enrolled full time and in good standing at GGC.
Jennifer Hendrickson, associate vice president for advancement at GG, adds: “Bartow has driven efforts that have greatly enhanced the college’s resources and student opportunities. He has championed the company’s participation in GGC’s Corporate Affiliates Program (CAP). The CAP program gives our students and faculty the opportunity to interact with business leaders. That interaction helps prepare them for careers in the business sector. It’s professionals like Bartow that see a need and step up to help.”
Careers in exercise science and wellness offer many avenues. Dr. Lauren Tapp, associate professor of exercise science and physical education department chair at GGC, says: “It’s a diverse major in that our students can pursue careers from physical therapy and physician assistant to public health education, athletic trainers and coaches. Many of our students hold part- or full-time jobs, plus going to school, so this scholarship will mean a lot to them.”
Athens artist is winner of $50,000 Hudgens Prize
Artist Victoria Dugger of Athens, Ga.
Victoria Dugger of Athens is the winner of the 2024 Hudgens Prize for the Arts announced at an awards ceremony held Saturday at the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning.
The $50,000 Hudgens Prize is one of the largest awards in the nation given to an individual artist. The purpose of the competition is to elevate and promote the arts throughout Georgia, while providing a transformational opportunity for the winning artist.
Born in Columbus and a current resident of Athens, Dugger’s practice spans painting, mixed media works and sculpture. Working across these forms, she produces objects that blur accepted categories, exploring novel modes of self-expression and embodiment.
Dugger will receive a cash prize of $50,000 and a solo exhibition in the future at the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning.
Other finalists were Krista Clark of Atlanta, Joni Mabe of Athens and Sergio Suarez of Atlanta.
The 2024 Hudgens Prize jurors include Annette Cone-Skelton, CEO and founding director, The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia; Floyd Hall, executive director, The Atlanta Contemporary; and Melissa Messina, curatorial and advisory services consultant, and curator, Mildred Thompson Estate.
The Hudgens Center for Art and Learning is a non-profit organization that has been focused on supporting the arts in Georgia since its establishment in 1981. Its mission is to bring together art lovers, leaders and learners through quality art education programs and exhibitions. The Hudgens presents enriching and inspiring art exhibitions in five gallery spaces throughout each year; offers art education and programming, in multiple languages, for all ages and abilities; and provides outreach through the arts that support Georgia’s traditionally under-served individuals, families and communities.
Previous winners of the Hudgens Prize for the Arts include Gyun Hur (2011), Pam Longobardi (2013); Bethany Collins (2015); Lori Stallings (2017); Paul Stephen Benjamin (2019); and Olu Amoda (2022).
The Hudgens Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, in Duluth, on the Gas South District campus. For more information about exhibitions, events and arts education at the Hudgens, visit the website at www.thehudgens.org or call 770-623-6002.
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