A Day to Give West is one of the University of West Georgia’s most beloved traditions, built on the efforts of countless volunteers and the steadfast support of the community. Bob and Tish Stone and Doyle ’62 and Rebecca Akins have championed UWG for decades, and as one of the annual fundraising drive’s founding families, they have provided essential support to the campaign since its inception in 1982.
“Many people may not realize that A Day was originally established to not only support scholarships and resources for students, but to also bridge the gap between the university and the local community,” said Bob Stone, member of the UWG Foundation Board of Trustees. “A Day has helped foster a meaningful connection, creating a strong and lasting partnership between UWG and its neighbors.”
What began as an effort to encourage the community to support UWG student success, A Day has grown from a small gathering of local advocates to a cornerstone event that celebrates the collective impact of donors, alumni and community members from around the world.
“A Day continues to be an important event each year that reminds our local community and businesses of the continuing need to have them involved in the university in many ways,” said Doyle Akins. “Every business and person around the area is impacted by the university. It’s important to remind them of this and give them an opportunity to be involved.”
As the A Day tradition continues, so does its impact on students, alumni and friends like Christy Sammons ’90 and Louise Reeves, who have been serving as A Day volunteers together for many years.
“I am inspired to continue volunteering because I want to give back to the university that has given me many good friends, opportunities and memories,” said Sammons, a member of the UWG Alumni Association Board of Directors. “Without the scholarships that A Day provides, many students would not be able to pursue higher education. The long-standing tradition of A Day is something that students, faculty and the community look forward to each October.”
For some, like Louise Reeves, A Day is not just an opportunity to give but a deeply personal way to honor family ties.
“My dad was a professor at UWG for many years and served as an A Day volunteer. When he passed, I decided to continue his legacy because community involvement is necessary for UWG’s future success,” said Reeves. “Not everyone grows up with a college in their hometown. A Day is a way for me to remember my dad and childhood growing up in Carrollton.”
The spirit of generosity that sparked the inception of A Day to Give West 42 years ago continues to live on throughout the entire UWG community. This collective effort ensures that the legacy of giving lives on, helping pave the way for student success, one scholarship at a time.
To learn more about A Day or more information on how you can support UWG students, please visit the A Day to Give West webpage.
