STATESBORO - The Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation and the Georgia Southern Department of Athletics have announced the launch of the 1982 Society, a new giving society level for donors who have accumulated $1 million+ in lifetime giving.
The Athletic Foundation launched four giving societies in 2021 (The Oak Circle, $500K; Beautiful Eagle Creek Society, $300K; Talon Society, $150K; and Champion Society, $50K), but with philanthropy increasing by 225% since their inception, a new level was needed to recognize the generosity of our donors.
"Since the inception of our giving societies four years ago, the growth of the Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation is unprecedented," said Deputy AD for Development
Allie Ware. "As we reflect on our success, we are excited to announce the 1982 Society to honor our most loyal and generous donors. The impact this group has made is truly remarkable. We could not be more appreciative of their continued support!"
The 1982 Society already has 13 members who have a cumulative lifetime giving of $23,921,627.
"With the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, schools are relying on the generosity of the fans and donors more than ever," said Director of Athletics
Chris Davis. "The creation of the 1982 Society gives us another avenue to recognize those who continue to go above and beyond with their generosity. We're excited to recognize these 13 members and look forward to celebrating new members here in the near future."
The 1982 year is to pay respect to Georgia Southern's past as that is the year Southern Boosters was founded (what the Athletic Foundation was before the name change in 2009). This group laid the foundation and made everything we have today at Georgia Southern Athletics possible.
The 1982 Society part of the logo was created using former football coach Erk Russell's handwriting, which was digitized from his 1982 practice plans.
Anyone interested in donating to the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation can contact
Allie Ware at
aware@georgiasouthern.edu.
