by Joy Esiemokhai
With college education becoming more essential to a promising career, scholarships are becoming an even more important source of funding. In a commitment that is sure to go a long way in alleviating the financial burden of two incoming University of West Georgia students, the Carrollton, Georgia-based wire manufacturer Southwire recently pledged a $40,000 gift that will fund two four-year scholarships.
The scholarship fund, which will be known as the Southwire Sustainable Business Honors Scholarship Fund, will benefit two incoming UWG freshmen in the Richards College of Business (RCOB). The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $5,000 annually per student for up to four years. The two recipients will be selected based on stringent academic and extracurricular criteria, evidence of leadership potential and a dedication to community service. Recipients must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 and remain enrolled in the SSBH Program for the duration of their studies at UWG.
According to Dean of RCOB and Sewell Chair of Private Enterprise Dr. Faye McIntyre, the new gift “will be very helpful in our recruitment of top students. Southwire’s commitment to the success of the program has been tremendous. CEO Stu Thorn has dedicated both time and funding to provide students with the unique opportunities the Southwire Sustainable Business Honors program offers.”
Melanie Hildebrandt, the co-director of the Southwire Sustainable Business Honors Program, echoed this sentiment.
“This gift allows us to attract top students to the University of West Georgia and will not only impact the success of our students, but also our community, as these students learn how to conduct business with a collaborative and sustainable mindset,” she said. “We appreciate the support of the Southwire Company and admire their holistic view of sustainability as they partner with us to offer a unique learning experience.”
The SSBH program was founded in 2013 with a $1.1 million gift from Southwire to RCOB, a donation that remains the largest in Richards College of Business history. The program allows a small group of select students, known as cohorts, to pursue and earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration within four years. Students in the program are required to enroll in honors courses and undertake both academic and extra-curricular lessons and activities that focus on sustainable business practices and corporate and personal social, ethical, and environmental responsibility. Throughout the program, students actively engage with members of Southwire’s management and leadership teams through internships, special projects, and community service activities.
For more information on the scholarships and the Southwire Sustainable Business Honors Program, visit the program’s website at www.westga.edu/business/ssbh.php or call 678-839-5356.
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