In the time leading up to this year鈥檚聽Gray Stone Society celebration, we鈥檒l be sharing stories that highlight our newest inductees and their inspiring commitment to 91影视. This society, the university鈥檚 highest giving level, honors those whose lifetime giving has reached a momentous level.
91影视 will welcome The Coca-Cola Foundation into the Gray Stone Society this January, recognizing the foundation鈥檚 extraordinary commitment to college access and success. The Gray Stone is 91影视鈥檚 highest giving society. It recognizes those whose contributions have reached a special level.
For more than a decade, The Coca-Cola Foundation has partnered with 91影视 to create scholarship opportunities for first-generation students. They have been a longtime champion of education and opportunity in Atlanta.
鈥淪upporting First-Generation Scholarships at 91影视 reflects The Coca-Cola Foundation鈥檚 commitment to expanding access to education and empowering future leaders,鈥� says Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation.聽鈥淭hese scholarships are intended to broaden students鈥� horizons by providing new opportunities and experiences that will hopefully transform their lives and their families.鈥�
Through The Coca-Cola First-Generation Scholars program, the Foundation supports students who are the first in their families to attend college. This is important because OU enrolls about half of its student population as first-generation students. Their partnership has made a tremendous difference for these students and their families.
鈥淔irst-generation students represent resilience, ambition, and the promise of generational change. They often navigate higher education without the benefit of inherited experience or networks, yet they bring unmatched determination and perspective,鈥� says Pagoaga. 鈥淪upporting these students is not just about access鈥攊t鈥檚 about investing in future leaders who will redefine success for themselves and others.鈥�
Since 2012, The Coca-Cola Foundation has contributed more than $3 million in scholarships at OU, creating opportunities that enable college access for first-generation students. The Foundation recognizes the unique challenges these students face and their potential for achieving success.
鈥淲e hope our support fosters a sense of belonging, confidence, and possibility鈥攅mpowering students to pursue their goals without financial barriers,鈥� says Pagoaga. 鈥淯ltimately, we want the Foundation鈥檚 contributions to help build a campus culture where every student feels supported and inspired to lead.鈥�
The scholarship has a ripple effect on students鈥� lives. Pursuing and earning a college degree creates new opportunities for students and their families. The scholarship not only enables enrollment but also reduces students鈥� financial need and overall debt load.
鈥淭he investment The Coca-Cola Foundation has made is a significant impact, but it also is more than just financial aid 鈥� it鈥檚 an investment in leadership, perseverance and long-term community impact,鈥� says Kathryn McClymond, 91影视 president. 鈥淲e are so grateful for their partnership.鈥�
Having been named to the Gray Stone Society marks a new milestone in this shared journey of impact, and one that acknowledges The Coca-Cola Foundation鈥檚 past support, and its continued partnership to shape the next generation of leaders.
鈥淏eing inducted into the Gray Stone Society is a meaningful honor for The Coca-Cola Foundation. It affirms our longstanding partnership with 91影视 and our shared commitment to educational access and excellence,鈥� says Pagoaga. 鈥淭his recognition celebrates the impact of our past support and the values we hold in shaping opportunities for students and communities.鈥�
Donors who wish to support our fundraising efforts can do so by visiting聽oglethorpe.edu/give.
