July 21, 2010 - Popular syndicated morning radio host Tom Joyner is shining the national spotlight on Fort Valley State University this fall. His nonprofit organization, The Tom Joyner Foundation, selected FVSU to be its October “School of the Month,” along with eleven historically black colleges and universities. Each receives the organization’s marketing support to raise scholarship funds.
“Fort Valley State University will have an opportunity to utilize the Tom Joyner Foundation name and brand to raise money to support student scholarships,” said Corey Savage, TJF’s director of college relations. “Being a ‘School of the Month’ partner has helped other HBCUs by linking them to lost alumni, new donors and corporate partners, and increased visibility. The partnership also gives HBCUs the opportunity to create new programs and fundraising initiatives.”
FVSU’s director of development, Jim Simmons, and development associate, Alecia Livatt, wrote a proposal one year ago, on July 16, requesting to be selected a School of the Month. The agreement was then finalized.
Simmons says the national radio host’s backing is crucial since most of FVSU’s students require financial aid. Many are the first in their families to attend college, so for our students, scholarship money is very important.” More than 4,000 students are expected to enroll this fall.
“We’re a growing campus that has a tremendous capacity to absorb as much scholarship money as we can raise,” Simmons continued. “The Tom Joyner Scholarship Foundation wants to help us reach out to new donors. That’s what they do on every campus.” So far, TJF has identified four new donors for the university.
During the promotion, FVSU President Dr. Larry E. Rivers will be interviewed on Joyner’s syndicated, on-air radio show. A gospel lunch fundraiser is in the planning stages.
All proceeds raised from the initiative will be awarded through FVSU’s financial aid department. Awardees will be determined based on need and other criteria outlined by FVSU and its corporate partners.
Later this month, the TJF will send representatives to discuss the partnership and outline fundraising strategies. The campaign ends December 31, 2010. To contribute online visithttp://www.fvsu.edu/alumni-donors/give-online or make your checks payable to TJF for FVSU and mail to:
The Tom Joyner Joyner Foundation for FVSU
c/o Office of Development
1005 State University Drive
Fort Valley, Ga. 31030-4313
For more information, contact FVSU’s Office of Development at (478) 825-6092.
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