There was plenty of sparkle and meaningful impact when Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) hosted its second Four Pillars Scholarship Gala, raising $210,000 in support of the Grizzlies Helping Grizzlies Emergency Student Fund. The fund provides critical, needs-based assistance to GGC students facing unexpected financial challenges.
The evening, with over 400 attendees, also honored four community leaders whose dedication and generosity have created lasting, generational impact for the college and its students.
Clyde L. and Sandra J. Strickland received the Visionary Achievement Award in recognition of their philanthropic contributions to GGC. Charlotte J. Nash was honored with the GGC Community Champion Award for her distinguished career with Gwinnett County and her commitment to improving the community and quality of life for its residents. The GGC Alumni Legacy Award was presented to 2011 graduate Tyler Walsh, whose leadership as a student and continued service have made a lasting difference. Walsh established the college’s first alumni-funded endowed scholarship, the Harley/Walsh Endowed Scholarship Fund.
The Grizzlies Helping Grizzlies Emergency Student Fund continues to transform student lives by providing support when it is needed most.
“Being a single mom, working multiple jobs, managing a chronic illness and pursuing a nursing degree is not easy,” said GGC student Nandi Greene. “Some days are really hard, but because of the support I received from the community, I’m still here, and I’m still going. And I’m closer to becoming the nurse I’ve always wanted to be.”
For Daulet Sopan, a GGC nursing student and United States Army veteran, the scholarship has been equally impactful.
“In the Army, we live by a principle called mission readiness—it means being fully prepared mentally, physically and emotionally for the responsibility ahead,” he said. “In nursing, that translates to clinical readiness. By supporting students like me, you’re investing in the nurses who will care for your families, your neighbors and your communities.”