Audrey Morgan Pledges $4 Million to Scholarships, Cage
Center Berry College officials announced
Thursday that Atlanta philanthropist Audrey B. Morgan has pledged
$4 million to support student scholarships and the Steven J. Cage
Athletic and Recreation Center. This represents one of the
largest individual gifts to scholarships in the 107-year history
of the institution.
To honor Mrs. Morgan's generosity, one of
the two new dormitories being constructed on the Berry campus
will bear the name Audrey B. Morgan Hall. These new dormitories,
located adjacent to the Ladd Center near Hermann Hall, will house
a total of 345 students when they open in the fall. More
information is available at www.berry.edu/AroundBerry/july22008.
Mrs. Morgan will be lauded at an on-site
naming ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon and again
Thursday night at Berry's annual Scholarship Night celebration.
"Audrey Morgan understands the value of
Berry's distinctive educational approach, and she shares our
values," said Berry President Stephen R. Briggs. "We are grateful
beyond words for her commitment and her investment in the future
of deserving students."
The bulk of Mrs. Morgan's pledge will be
used to help launch the new Gate of Opportunity scholarship
program. This unique initiative targets those students who desire
a Berry education, demonstrate evidence of a strong work ethic or
noteworthy community involvement, and have significant financial
need.
"This scholarship program is rooted in
the rich history of Berry, but it is designed to meet the needs
of students entering a difficult economic environment in the 21st
century," Dr. Briggs said. "Students graduate well-versed in the
life lessons of determination, resourcefulness and
responsibility."
Each scholarship represents a partnership
among students and their families, Berry College, and donors who
have a strong belief in Berry's core mission. All will contribute
toward the total cost, with the student portion being generated
through participation in the nation's premier on-campus work
experience program.
"This is a forward-looking program for
students who are willing to work hard in exchange for a
first-rate education without debt at graduation," Dr. Briggs
said. "The added benefit is that the recipients will graduate
with four years of progressive and meaningful work experience and
an impressive work history."
In addition to the funds that have been
earmarked for the Gate of Opportunity scholarship program, Mrs.
Morgan's pledge also will provide support for the Cage Center.
The total amount of gifts and pledges received in support of
Berry's state-of-the-art athletic center now stands at $24.5
million.
"Audrey Morgan understands deeply the
value and dream of education," Dr. Briggs stated. "Others
sacrificed to provide her with the opportunity for an education,
and she is now choosing to invest in the young people who will
lead our communities in years to come."
Mrs. Morgan is a strong friend of the
institution who currently serves on the Berry College Board of
Visitors. Other civic affiliations past and present include the
DeKalb Medical Center Foundation, the DeKalb Regional Healthcare
System, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer
Society, the DeKalb Historical Society, the Private Industry
Council, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, the 1996 Olympic
Committee for DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties, and the Christian
Children's Home. She lives in Stone Mountain with husband Jack.
The couple has two adult sons, Jack E. Morgan Jr. and Robert E.
Morgan. BACK TO LISTINGS |