The University System of Georgia, through the USG Foundation, raised more than $2.4 million to support student success, an effort that culminated this weekend at the 22nd annual Board of Regents’ Scholarship & Awards Gala.

The event honored the legacy of former USG Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr., who posthumously received the foundation’s highest honor, the Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award. His wife, Elaine Davis, accepted the award before an audience of donors, lawmakers, students, Regents and university presidents.

The evening also celebrated Gov. Brian P. Kemp and USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue for their long-standing dedication to higher education and public service. Both leaders are preparing to wrap up their tenures, with Kemp concluding his second term as governor in January and Perdue retiring at the end of the year.

“Serving as chancellor has been the most impactful role of my career, and I’m proud of one of the final achievements we made this year by establishing DREAMS, Georgia’s first statewide need-based scholarship,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “That milestone wouldn't have been possible without Governor Brian Kemp, whose leadership and determination ensured this crucial funding passed to support students’ dreams of a better future.

“I’m also honored to celebrate the legacy of Erroll B. Davis Jr. A first-generation college graduate who broke barriers as USG’s first Black chancellor, Erroll led with integrity and knew firsthand how a degree transforms lives and drives Georgia’s prosperity.”

Centered on the theme “Sea of Dreams,” the gala highlighted a landmark year of expansion in need-based financial aid across Georgia. The program featured student hosts and performers, along with an interactive showcase representing all 25 USG institutions. Senior education major Ce’Darius Ingram of Georgia College & State University served as the featured student scholarship recipient.

Data from Georgia State University’s National Institute for Student Success shows that students who avoid taking time off due to financial setbacks are more than three times as likely to graduate. Often, a shortfall of just a few hundred dollars determines whether a student completes a degree, an achievement that data shows can translate into $1.4 million in higher lifetime earning power.

The DREAMS Scholarship was created to close those financial gaps and make higher education accessible to more Georgians. USG laid the groundwork for this effort with a $2 million donation from the Truist Charitable Fund during last year’s gala. Net proceeds from this year’s gala will benefit the state’s DREAMS Scholarship Endowment, which will support Georgia’s students in perpetuity.

“Thanks to the incredible momentum of the DREAMS initiative, the anchoring support of Governor Kemp and the General Assembly, and our corporate and philanthropic partners, we’re opening doors wider than ever before,” said Regent Cade Joiner, chairman of the USG Foundation Board of Trustees. “The generous support at this year’s gala will empower students across the University System of Georgia to thrive, graduate, and achieve their dreams.”

Accepting the Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of her late husband, who served as USG chancellor from 2006 to 2011 alongside then-Governor Perdue, Elaine Davis reflected on his lasting commitment to Georgia’s students.

“It’s an honor to accept this award in Erroll’s memory,” Elaine Davis said. “He was a man of quiet strength and wisdom, with an enduring commitment to his family and community. He brought that same dedication to his leadership in higher education, where his work with Georgia’s students was among his proudest achievements.”

During the gala, the foundation recognized eight individuals with the Regents’ Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award, presented for dedicated service and support to a USG institution:

• Dr. Lee R. Berger, nominated by Georgia Southern University
• Stephen Butler, nominated by Columbus State University
• Rosalyn Donaldson, nominated by Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
• Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Fogarty, nominated by the University of North Georgia
• Thomas “Tog” Goss, nominated by Gordon State College
• Dr. Charles Howell, nominated by Augusta University
• Neal J. Quirk Sr., nominated by the University of Georgia
• Dr. Regynald G. Washington, nominated by Georgia State University

Three faculty members were honored with the Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award for their contributions to their fields and commitment to teaching and student success:

• Dr. Peggy Brickman, University of Georgia (Plant Biology)
• Dr. Jason J. Delaney, Georgia Gwinnett College (Economics)
• Dr. Kerri Shelton Taylor, Columbus State University (Chemistry)

Additionally, two faculty members received the Regents’ Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award:

• Dr. Deborah South Richardson, Augusta University (Psychological Sciences, Medicine)
• Dr. Reba Wissner, Columbus State University (Musicology)

One faculty member received the Regents’ Teaching Excellence Award for Online Teaching:

• Dr. Cassie Mitchell, Georgia Institute of Technology (Biomedical Engineering)