GSC Hosts Third Annual A Heart for Gordon Gala

Gordon State College hosted its annual A Heart for Gordon Gala on Saturday, Feb. 1, welcoming nearly 480 guests for a night of celebration and raising more than $120,000 in support.

The black-tie optional event began with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a welcome from Kenny Coggins, co-chair of the GSC Foundation Events and Recognition Committee.

“Tonight is about coming together and enjoying the evening, but it’s also about supporting the students of Gordon State College,” Coggins said. “We are here to celebrate our students and generate meaningful support for their success.”

The evening continued with dinner, the recognition of distinguished service honorees, and concluded with dancing to live music from the Emerald Empire Band.

“Gordon State College has long been a beacon of hope and education in this region, and tonight, we have the opportunity to shape its future,” said Dr. Donald J. Green, GSC president. “People give once to meet a need, but they support a vision for a lifetime. Gordon State’s future lies in workforce development and economic growth. Your support tonight provides more than financial aid, it offers hope and encouragement to students working toward brighter futures.”

Upson Regional Medical Center served as the presenting sponsor of the A Heart for Gordon Gala. Silver sponsors included Piedmont Henry, United Bank, Wellstar Health System, and The Blackstock Family Foundation, Inc., while Bronze sponsors included Georgia Power, Wealth Intelligence, and The Southern Credit Union.

Silent auction sponsors included Grits Café, Tidal Wave Auto Spa, Georgia Power, Dr. Joanne Ardovini, A Novel Experience, Southern Rivers Energy, Coggins, Dr. Julie Little, Queen Bee Coffee, Mauldin & Jenkins, Aladdin Campus Dining, David Rumfelt, Fawne DeRosia, Dickey Farms, Donald and Cathy Green, Mr. and Mrs. Rischbieter, Duke’s Wine and Spirits, Raintree Golf Course, PetroSouth Energy, High Museum of Art, Meadows Clay Sports Forsyth, Georgia Aquarium, Michael and Caryn Liss, SunSouth Barnesville, No Room to Escape, The Westin Jekyll Island, Cherokee Rose, Old Hudson Plantation, Big Red Oak Plantation, Blue Eyed Dog Creations, Smith Farm Supply, Robert Detamore, and Mark and Meagan Williams.

Guests also had the chance to win the 2025 D5 Evolution Ranger 4 golf cart, which was on display at the event, through an exclusive raffle with only 300 tickets available.

The 2025 A Heart for Gordon Gala honored Outstanding Young Alumna Kathryn Claxton Green of Lamar County, marketing and communications supervisor for Southern Rivers Energy, and Outstanding Alumnus James “Jimmy” Matthew Jr. of Lamar County, founding father and executive director of the Georgia Rural Water Authority. For the first time, the GSC Foundation presented its highest honor, the Legacy Award, to George Hightower Jr. of Upson County in recognition of his profound impact on the college.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award. My family has been connected to Gordon State College for many years, and we take great pride in supporting students in our service area as they pursue an excellent education at an affordable cost,” Hightower Jr. said. “The Foundation’s growth is the result of many dedicated individuals over the years. I am just one of many.”

The gala reinforced GSC’s mission by providing students with the financial resources needed to complete their degrees and contribute to their communities. This investment in education not only empowers students but also strengthens workforce development and drives regional economic growth.

“We’re expanding health programs, proposing new business offerings, and strengthening community partnerships to create more opportunities,” Green said.