Welcoming New Eagles

Hundreds of prospective Georgia Southern students and their families discovered what it means to join the Eagle Nation at one of the University’s three regional Undergraduate Receptions hosted in October. Georgia Southern University President Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D., along with College deans, faculty, staff and alumni welcomed guests to The Cobb Galleria in Atlanta, Ga.

In the main ballroom, students had the opportunity to watch an admissions video to gain a feel of campus life. Faculty were on hand to discuss majors offered in their respective colleges, and students were also able to explore a range of activities and organizations while checking on their admission status.

That evening, parent volunteer Cher Breslin from Dunwoody, Ga., excitedly greeted guests at her sixth Georgia Southern Undergraduate Reception. “I feel that this is a great way to stay connected to the University, and I believe in supporting my child’s education,” said Breslin, referring to her son Kevin, a first semester freshman.

At the reception, students also had the opportunity to interact with some of the dedicated alumni representing the University, who were working alongside Rachel Miller (‘05), the director of Atlanta regional development. For alumna Margot Dawkins (‘76), the reception represented an opportunity to share her memories of the University with prospective students. An active supporter of the University since graduation, Dawkins enjoyed talking with students and parents about Georgia Southern’s growth and impact.

“I do anything Georgia Southern asks me to do,” said the former Alumni Association president about her participation in the event. “Statesboro is such a warm, loving community, and it’s a good college feel. My goal is to make everyone at the reception aware of the fantastic opportunities available at Georgia Southern.”

For the past dozen years, alumnus Brian Brennan (‘95) has enjoyed meeting prospective students at these receptions. “I always tell students that Georgia Southern is an experience they are never going to forget, and when they graduate, the University will always be a part of their lives, and they will want to give back,” he said.

Other new faces that evening included first-time volunteers, such as alumna Kristin Lord (‘06). An accountant with the firm Mauldin & Jenkins, which employs 40 Georgia Southern alumni — Lord has taken a special interest in recruiting for the University. During the reception, Lord enthusiastically shared her positive University experiences with students, answered questions about the size of the campus and talked about her active involvement with the Alumni Association. “I’m here tonight because I want to bring awareness to the University,” she added. Her most important words of advice to incoming freshmen? “Embrace everything! Campus life offers so much.” – Mary Beth Spence