Gwinnett Federal Credit Union establishes first scholarship for GGC education majors

Representatives of Gwinnett Federal Credit Union (GFCU) and Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) attended a ceremony and reception at GGC on Jan. 21, 2010 to celebrate the signing of an agreement in which GFCU established the college's first scholarship directed toward education majors. This also is the first GGC scholarship established by a business in the financial services sector. Pictured here are Dr. Frances E. Davis, Gwinnett County Public Schools chief human resources officer and GFCU board member; Kay Yetter, chairperson, GFCU board of directors and retired teacher; Marshall Boutwell, GFCU president & CEO; Dr. Cathy Moore, dean of GGC's School of Education; Dr. Daniel Kaufman, GGC president and Gordon Harrison, GGC Foundation president.

Gwinnett Federal Credit Union has established an annual scholarship fund for Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) students majoring in early childhood education, special education or another major leading to teacher certification.

“This is the first scholarship established at GGC that specifically benefits students within the School of Education,” said Cathy Moore, dean. “We are deeply appreciative of the Gwinnett Federal Credit Union’s generosity. An investment in education majors is unique in that it ensures an ongoing impact on the youth of our community, as our students will spend their careers teaching others.”

This also is the first scholarship established at GGC by a business in the financial services sector.

Representatives of Gwinnett Federal Credit Union, the college and the Gwinnett County community celebrated this gift at a Jan. 21 ceremony featuring the signing of the scholarship agreement.

“Gwinnett Federal has a long standing commitment to supporting education. We currently fund $58,500 in student and adult career scholarships in support of local school systems,” said Marshall Boutwell, president and chief executive officer of Gwinnett Federal Credit Union. “With the addition of Georgia Gwinnett College to the local landscape it was the logical and right thing for us to do.”

Students receiving the Gwinnett Federal Credit Union Scholarship must maintain full-time status and a specified minimum grade point average. The scholarship will cover full tuition and fees, and will be renewable for up to four years. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need.

“As a young institution, we have a critical need for scholarships and other funds that support students, programs and other needs not funded through state budget, tuition or other forms of income,” said Gordon Harrison, president of the Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation. “We applaud Gwinnett Federal Credit Union for being one of the first to pledge their support. It is through gifts such as this that Georgia Gwinnett College will become the model institution this community expects and deserves.”

The Gwinnett Federal Credit Union Scholarship represents a new phase in the college’s growth, according to Georgia Gwinnett College President Daniel J. Kaufman.

“What we have done so far in building the physical foundation of the college is clearly visible,” Kaufman said. “But today, we celebrate the often unseen support that ensures an institution’s long-term stability, and helps students achieve their dreams. Building the scholarships and other resources of the GGC Foundation is vital to our growth as a college, and the future of our students.”