Georgia Southern and Armstrong Foundations Merge to Better Serve Students and Donors

The Armstrong Foundation of Georgia Southern University, Inc. has merged with, and into, the Georgia Southern University Foundation, Inc. This strategic consolidation of foundation resources will streamline fundraising systems while honoring the integrity of donor requests. The boards of trustees of both foundations unanimously agreed to merge the two foundations during a joint meeting last May. 

“There is considerable strength in numbers,” said Mike Kemp, past chairman of the Armstrong Foundation of Georgia Southern, Inc. “Together, we can provide exceptional opportunities to meet the needs of our students and faculty through scholarships and fund endowments that support student success and encourage teaching excellence at each of Georgia Southern’s campuses.”

“Merging the foundations allows us to leverage combined donor bases, volunteer engagement and financial assets to have a greater impact in supporting the new Georgia Southern University’s mission and priorities,” said Billy Hickman, chairman of Georgia Southern University Foundation, Inc. “We look forward to growing stronger together.” 

The merger took effect July 1, 2019.

“This is a significant step toward honoring our past and forging the new Georgia Southern. My gratitude and thanks to the Board members, volunteers and donors who have supported Georgia Southern and Armstrong and now support our new vision. By uniting forces, we have a boundless potential to impact our University in a meaningful way.” 

— President Kyle Marrero

Introducing the Giving Societies of the new Georgia Southern

georgia southern university lifetime giving society logo

Lifetime Giving Society: Honors a distinguished group of leaders with $25,000 or more in cumulative giving to any area University-wide.

Loyal.: Notes the most dedicated donors who continue to make gifts, at any level, consecutively for two or more years. 

1906 Society: Acknowledges donors who have made an annual, cumulative gift of $1,200 or more each year to any area University-wide. 

The Legacy Society: Recognizes the thoughtful generosity of those who have made planned gifts — regardless of their size — to Georgia Southern.

For more information about Georgia Southern’s giving societies visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/DonorRelations.