Wounded Eagle Fund

James Van Epps (’77) is following in the tradition of many other Georgia Southern alumni who have endowed a fund at the University to benefit succeeding generations of students. Van Epps, a successful executive in the finance and insurance industry, decided he wanted to do something to help military veterans who face many challenges as they ease back into civilian life and navigate the nuances of higher education. The business administration graduate has endowed the Wounded Eagle Fund to benefit the nearly 800 veteran students, including dependents, at Georgia Southern.

“As alumni, I feel it is important that we act as good stewards and make sure our wounded veterans are given support,” Van Epps said. “Everyone benefits from the services that the military gives us over a lifetime, and it is important for us to support these deserving men and women after they have served their country.”

Georgia Southern has been named among the most military-friendly campuses in the nation by both G.I. Jobs magazine and Military Advanced Education’s Guide to Military Friendly Colleges and Universities. Still, veterans who return to the classroom may struggle physically, psychologically or financially. The Wounded Eagle Fund provides direct help to the brave men and women who serve in times of war and peace. It was established to provide the gift of a financial stipend supplementing the benefits of the G.I. Bill for wounded veterans or their dependents.

For Van Epps, the Wounded Eagle Fund is a family affair. He and his wife Buff (’77) have hosted events for Wounded Warriors, and their son Jason (’10) helped design the Wounded Eagle Fund website where anyone can contribute to the Fund. “I want alumni to know that this fund is a unique opportunity for them to make donations that go directly to Wounded Warriors on Georgia Southern’s campus,” he said. “Donors will know where their money is going, and they have the potential to meet the people the Fund assists.”

Military students eligible to receive assistance from the Wounded Eagle Fund include veteran Wounded Warriors from any branch of service who maintain a 3.2 GPA, Purple Heart recipients or veteran students with a demonstrated financial need.

Today, Van Epps is the co-founder and chief operating officer of First Principles Capital Management, a privately held investment management firm with offices in Atlanta and New York. He explained being at Georgia Southern “was an exceptionally important period in my life. I made many good friends there, received a great education and it helped start my career in the business world. Georgia Southern provided me with a good foundation.”

That foundation is what he wants for the University’s veterans and Wounded Warriors. – Sandra Bennett