Gulfstream Makes $10,000 Donation to Center for Wildlife Education

March 15, 2013

Georgia Southern University’s Center for Wildlife Education and The Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center received a donation of $10,000 to its Freedom Fund for Excellence from Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. in Savannah, Ga. The gift honors Gulfstream’s Pres Henne, who is retiring from his position as senior vice president of Programs, Engineering and Test. The money will be used to support the Center’s ongoing wildlife education programs.

“We are extremely appreciative of Gulfstream’s support of Georgia Southern’s Wildlife Center,” said Steve Hein, the Center’s director. “Georgia Southern’s Wildlife Center is one of the leading environmental education facilities in Georgia and is one of the most unique in the country. Gulfstream is not only recognized as the leader in its industry, but also in the community.”

The origin of the Wildlife Center began nearly 25 years ago as Georgia Southern was about to win its fourth national football championship. A large bird of prey was spotted flying over Paulson Stadium and a sports announcer called it a bald eagle. It was in fact a turkey vulture. After the sports broadcast, a University supporter and outdoor enthusiast decided Georgia Southern should have an American bald eagle on campus. At more than 17 acres in size, the Center is the only such facility to be located in the middle of a major University campus and is home to three bald eagles: Freedom, Glory and its newest eagle, Franklin.

The Freedom Fund for Excellence was established in 2012 to make it possible for the Center to operate in perpetuity with a legacy of positive influence on both young and old Center learners. Funds from the endowment are used to support programming, facilities, staff and other expenses incurred in the operation of the Center. Gulfstream’s donation to support the Center and to honor Henne will be recognized on the Wildlife Center’s donor wall located at Freedom’s Courtyard.

“It’s an honor to contribute to the continued growth of the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center,” said Henne. “This Center is one of the region’s true gems, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy wildlife encounters they otherwise couldn’t.”

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 120 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its stud