Submitted photoPictured, from left to right, are Senator Ellis Black of Georgia's 8th District; Dr. Cecil P. Staton, interim president of Valdosta State University; Courtney Brinson, regional director of external affairs for AT&T Georgia; and John D. Crawford, vice president for University Advancement and chief executive officer of the VSU Foundation Inc.

VALDOSTA –– Calling it a commitment to “advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives,” AT&T recently presented a $3,500 gift to Valdosta State University. The funds will be used to support scholarships for “high-achieving, ambitious, motivated students who are successful inside and outside the classroom and engaged leaders on and off campus,” a news released stated. 

“Through its philanthropic initiatives, AT&T has a long history of supporting organizations, institutions, and projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs,” said Courtney Brinson, regional director of external affairs for AT&T Georgia. 

AT&T presented a similar gift to VSU in 2015. With the telecommunications company’s continued support, the university said it “moves one step closer to realizing its dream of significantly increasing the number and dollar amount of scholarship offerings in the hope of enhancing its ability to recruit, retain and graduate high-achieving students.”

John D. Crawford, vice president for University Advancement and chief executive officer of the VSU Foundation Inc., said that VSU is very proud of its ongoing association with AT&T.

“This relationship underscores the confidence of AT&T in the mission of VSU,” he said. “We are very grateful.”

On July 1, 2014, VSU kicked off its first-ever comprehensive capital campaign — the five-year, $53,250,000 Invest. Ignite. Inspire. The Campaign for Valdosta State University. Funds raised will aid in the future development of scholarship support, as well as faculty enhancements, programmatic opportunities, athletics excellence and facility upgrades.

VSU has raised nearly $47 million and, for the first time in university history, will award more than $1 million in student scholarships this fall, according to the news release. 

Contact John D. Crawford at (229) 333-5939 or jdcrawford@valdosta.edu to learn more.

On the Web:

http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/welcome.php

http://www.att.com/?WT.srch=1