STATESBORO, Ga. - The highest giving level of the Eagle Fund continues to grow.  New to the 2015-16 Eagle Fund, the Champion Society is an exclusive group comprised of members who support the University's athletics and its Foundation.
 
The Eagle Fund is the annual scholarship fund for Georgia Southern Athletics. Contributions to the fund support nearly 400 student-athletes who play in one of the 17 Division I varsity programs. The generosity and support made by Eagle Fund contributors ensures the success of Georgia Southern athletes for years to come.
                                                                       
 As a five-year commitment, members of the Champion Society have pledged a minimum of $50,000 to the Eagle Fund.  To celebrate their dedication to the athletics program at Georgia Southern, members of the Champion Society receive a Champion Society jacket custom tailored by the Sir Shop in Dublin, Georgia.                                 
 
This year, ten new members joined the Champion Society - Bill Geddy and Brent Myers, Julian and Frances Deal, Phil and Cindy Moore, Mike and Danna Sanders and Gene and Margaret Smith. Their commitment is an affirmation to the success of the University's athletics program and our student-athletes.  Their major contributions will greatly impact the program's development by helping fund scholarships. 
 
On Thursday, October 27, 2016, they were recognized on-field during the Eagles' football game against Appalachian State when they received their jackets from Athletic Director Tom Kleinlein alongside current members of the Society, University President Dr. Jaimie Hebert and Athletic Foundation Chairman Trey Sheppard.
 
Inaugural members include Matt and Linda Hube, Anthony Tippins, and Billy Hickman and Doug Lambert of Southeastern Hospitality Services, Inc.
                                                                                         
"The Champion Society is dedicated to supporting scholarship opportunities for Georgia Southern student-athletes.  Their significant contributions will greatly impact the program's development by helping fund scholarships." said Tom Kleinlein, director of athletics.
 
To learn more about the Champion Society, contact the Athletic Foundation at 1 (800) GSU-WINS.

Photo: (L-R) Bill and Meg Geddy, Brent and Tammy Myers, Billy Hickman, Julian and Frances Deal, Dr. Jaimie Hebert (President, Georgia Southern University), Spencer Hoynes (Honorary Athletic Director for the day) Matt and Linda Hube, Tom Kleinlein (Director of Athletics), Phil Moore, Doug Lambert, Trey Sheppard (Athletic Foundation Chairman), Mike Sanders, and Gene and Margaret Smith. 


          
The Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation's primary goal is to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete for a championship ring and earn a college education while developing them as future leaders in their respective communities.
 
The mission of the Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation, Inc. is to provide private financial support for athletic scholarships, facilities and staff enhancement for the Athletic Department of Georgia Southern University. All of the activities of the Athletic Foundation are conducted with the highest regard for academic and athletic excellence and within the guidelines established by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, conference affiliations and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).