Jann L. Joseph, Ph.D.
President Georgia Gwinnett College
NEXT LEVEL OF IMPACT
The momentum of excellence continues at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC).
Earlier this year, we proudly celebrated two defining milestones: the official opening of our long-anticipated Convocation Center and the inaugural GGC Four Pillars Scholarship Gala. This unforgettable evening raised vital support for student scholarships and honored the champions who have shaped GGC since its founding. The gala’s success is a testament to 20 years of unwavering commitment from our state and local leaders, donors and our dedicated campus community. Most importantly, this level of philanthropy transforms student lives. We are excited to embrace this signature event as an annual tradition at Georgia Gwinnett College.
GGC now enters its 21st year of providing an affordable, high-quality education that changes lives. Our students rely on us — leaders, advisors, mentors and champions — for guidance, inspiration and opportunity. We are committed to meeting them where they are and helping them achieve more than they ever imagined possible.
Looking ahead, the 2025-26 academic year brings bold priorities that will shape GGC’s future and elevate our impact:
1. Strengthening student retention and degree completion
2. Expanding career-embedded learning and regional workforce development
3. Advancing financial sustainability and strategic enrollment growth
Achieving these priorities requires a culture shift that reflects the next level of our mission. The Board of Regents approved our blended mission, which is effective beginning in July 2026, pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. GGC will be able to launch graduate programs in high-demand fields in January of 2027. This historic step forward signals our continued evolution as an institution that stewards resources wisely, invests in innovation and empowers faculty and staff to elevate student success.
We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and dedication to Georgia Gwinnett College. Together, we are building a greater future.
Go Grizzlies!
K. Carlton Buchanan Jr., M.D. Chair Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation Board of Trustees
The 2024-25 academic year marked a period of continued growth, innovation and impact for Georgia Gwinnett College — and the celebration of its 20th anniversary. The data and stories in this report reflect achievements from that milestone year, from rising enrollment and enhanced student support to new facilities and expanding community partnerships. Each accomplishment highlights the steady progress GGC is making as both a center of academic excellence and a catalyst for opportunity throughout Gwinnett County and the region. Collectively, these efforts reaffirm the college’s lasting commitment to transform lives, strengthen communities and help shape Georgia’s future.
GGC BY THE NUMBERS
Enrollment trending upward
ECONOMIC IMPACT REACHES $7 BILLION
Georgia Gwinnett has contributed more than $7 billion to the economy of Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metropolitan area since the college has been included in an annual University System of Georgia economic impact study.
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Evolution and growth best describe Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC).
YEARS OF IMPACT
“GGC is more than a place of learning — we are an engine of opportunity and innovation for our community,” said GGC President Dr. Jann L. Joseph. “Every graduate who starts a career, every student who serves in the community, and every faculty and staff member who shares their expertise contributes to the vitality of Gwinnett County and beyond. This impact isn’t just measured in dollars — it’s measured in stronger families, thriving businesses, and a brighter future for Georgia.”
That commitment was clear when GGC’s financial aid staff launched the FAFSA Completion Center in the fall of 2024 to help students and families navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. In just six months, the center assisted more than 600 students and families, opening doors to vital resources that support college success.
GGC’s momentum is reflected in its steady enrollment growth. As FY2025 came to a close, the college marked nine consecutive semesters of increasing enrollment — a clear sign of continued progress and confidence in GGC’s mission. The official enrollment figure for FY2024-25, based on Fall 2024 data, reached 12,200 students. While nearly 75% of those students call Gwinnett County home, GGC’s reach extends across the nation and around the world.
2 I Georgia Gwinnett College
Our students represent 33 U.S. states and 116 countries, with the largest international populations from Vietnam, Nigeria, Venezuela, Mexico and India.
This momentum carried into facilities growth as well. In fall 2024, GGC celebrated the grand opening of its new Convocation Center, which quickly became the host site of the college’s commencement ceremony. The state-funded facility is part of a broader capital investment that includes campus infrastructure upgrades and a central energy plant to strengthen sustainability and efficiency.
According to the University System of Georgia’s annual study, GGC’s cumulative economic impact grew 9.3% through FY’24, reaching more than $7 billion across Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metro area.
As GGC celebrates 20 years, one thing is certain: it is more than a college. It is a cornerstone of the community, a pipeline of talent, and a catalyst for growth — economically, professionally and personally.
A Night to Remember: GGC’s First Four Pillars Scholarship Gala
Scholarship. Leadership. Service. Creativity. These four pillars define Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), and on February 21, 2025 they inspired a night of celebration at the inaugural Four Pillars Scholarship Gala.
More than 500 business leaders, alumni and community members filled GGC’s new Convocation Center to show their support. By evening’s end, the gala had raised $289,000 for student scholarships and emergency fund needs. Guests joined in the paddle-raise donations and a spirited silent auction featuring golf and spa packages, sports memorabilia and more.
The program also shined a spotlight on four honorees whose leadership and service embody GGC’s mission. John D. Stephens, philanthropist and businessman, received the Visionary Award for his dedication to GGC and the community.
The Honorable Judy Jordan Johnson, former Lawrenceville mayor and lifelong educator, was honored with the Community Champion Award.
Jonelle Faal, senior vice president of SitusAMC and proud GGC alumna, accepted the Alumni Legacy Award.
Dr. Daniel L. Kaufman, GGC’s founding president, was recognized with the President Emeritus Medallion for his pivotal role in establishing the college.
John D. Stephens, Judy Jordan Johnson, Dr. Jann L. Joseph, Jonelle Faal and Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman
The Second Annual Four Pillars Scholarship Gala is Friday, March 20, 2026 in the Convocation Center.
The Endowment for the Past Five Years
Impact: Funds Distributed to Georgia Gwinnett College
$1,541,956 $1,036,585 $1,152,745 $1,822,758 $6,377,129
HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
Recognition of donors who made gifts from July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
It is with sincere appreciation that we acknowledge those who have so generously supported the Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation. In addition to those listed below, many others have supported GGC through gifts to academic and student programs, scholarships and special projects. We extend our thanks to these donors as well.
The GGC Foundation makes every effort to ensure accuracy in the Honor Roll of Donors. For questions or more information, call Advancement at 678.407.5588 or e-mail advancement@ggc.edu.
Founder’s Circle $50,000 +
Google, Inc. n
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc. n
Mr. Bartow Morgan, Jr. s
Clyde L. and Sandra J. Strickland l
Four Pillar Circle $25,000 +
Assurant n
Beacon Foundation Charitable Trust n
The Halle Foundation n Kaiser Permanente n
Northeast Georgia Health Systems
Northside Hospital l
Peach State Federal Credit Union n
Piedmont Eastside Medical Center n
The Primerica Foundation, Inc. n
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell D. Stephens
University System of Georgia Foundation n
Trustee’s Circle $10,000 + 12Stone Church n
Dr. and Mrs. K. Carlton Buchanan, Jr. n
Builders Insurance Group, Inc.
City of Lawrenceville
The Collat and Pellegrino Families
Ellucian Foundation
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Ms. Kim Gartrell
Georgia Banking Company
Georgia Power Company
Hayes Chrysler Dodge, Inc.
Mr. Gregory Johnson
Metro Waterproofing, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. John D. Stephens l
Mr. and Mrs. R. Lee Tucker, Jr.
Benefactor’s Circle $5,000 +
Aladdin Campus Dining
Associated Credit Union
AT&T
Carroll Daniel Construction
Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta, Georgia
Doeren Mayhew
Mr. and Mrs. Om Duggal
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Hayes
John F. Pennebaker Co, Inc.
Dr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Kaufman
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Lucht
Mr. Antonio Molina, Esq. and Mrs. Evelyn
Molina 2016
Moore Stephens Tiller LLC
Pepsi Beverage Company
Rowen Foundation
WIKA Instrument, LP
Dr. Keeta Wilborn
Scholar’s Circle $2,500 +
Tom and Ethel Anderson n
Anderson, Tate & Carr PC
ARK Temporary Staffing, LLC
Mr. Sean Auerbach
Balanced Bodies Johns Creek
Barbour Orthopaedics
Barnes & Noble
Batson Cook Construction
Ms. Audrey Boyce
BrightView Landscape Services
Mr. John L. Carson
Dr. Ping Chen and Dr. Xi E. Lin
Vijay Chopra and Nisha Ranga
Cintas Corporation
Coca Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.
Cronos Contractors LLC
Diversified Resource Group Inc.
Dr. Christine Miller Divine and Mr. Mark Divine
Dominguez Chiropractic
Jonelle Faal 2011 and Ousman Faal
Fastenal
FastSigns - Norcross
Mr. H. Harrison Finney
Mr. William Grant
The Greco Corporation
Gwinnett County Government
Gwinnett County Health Department
Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department
Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation
The Herget Foundation
Rosalie Hopkins, Ph.D.
Jackson Electric Membership Corporation
Mrs. Melanie James
JMS Family Companies
Gregory E. Lang, Ph.D.
Alexander Malenky
Ann and Wayne Mason
Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC
MRI Imaging Specialist
Chris and Melissa Niquette
Norsan Group
Office Creations, Inc.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Porter Steel Inc.
Mr. Jose A. Ramirez
Jessica Rantamaki 2024 and Rick Rantamaki
Reeves Young, LLC
RMF Engineering
RudHil Companies
Mrs. Robin F. Sansone, CPA and Mr. Paul Sansone
Ser Familia
Situs AMC
Mr. and Mrs. David E. Snell
SSOE Group
Ms. Alana Sulka and Mr. Joseph Sternberg
Mr. and Mrs. Darrin Thomas
United Community Bank, Inc.
Tyler Walsh 2011
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn S. White n
Windham Brannon PC
Dr. Tieliu Yu and Dr. Mei M. Zhang
(Continued on page 8)
GGC Foundation Leadership
The GGC Foundation extends its gratitude to our foundation and emeriti trustees for their invaluable support, dedication and leadership during their service.
FOUNDATION TRUSTEES
Officers and Trustees from July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025
Officers
Chair
K. Carlton Buchanan, Jr., M.D.
Envision Physician Services
Vice Chair
Jann L. Joseph, Ph.D.
Georgia Gwinnett College
President
Barbara Martell
Georgia Gwinnett College
Secretary
Brandon Hartley
AT&T
Treasurer
R. Lee Tucker, Jr.
Mahaffey Pickens Tucker LLP
Trustees
Reza Abree
United Consulting
Kelley Balkcom
Georgia Power
Susie Collat
Bay Pine Holding
Jay Dennard
Northside Hospital Duluth
T. Scott Duncan
Anderson, Tate & Carr, PC
Om Duggal
Diplomat InfraProp Sugarloaf LLC
Larry Ebert
Piedmont Eastside Medical Center
Anthony Ferrari 12 Stone Church
FOUNDATION EMERITI TRUSTEES
Tom Andersen
Andersen, Tate & Carr PC
Ron Garrard Garrard Group
Tommy Hughes Hughes Investment Properties LLC
Bill Russell Retired, Russell Landscape Group, Inc.
Gregory W. Hayes
Moore Stephens Tiller LLC
Wayne H. Mason
Mason Family Management Company LLC
Bartow Morgan, Jr.
Georgia Banking Company
Julio Ortiz, PhD
Mercedes-Benz USA LLC
Norberto Sanchez Norsan Group
Mitch Stephens
Mitchell Stephens Co./Metro Green Recycling
Tom Willard
Rollins, Inc.
Greg Shumate Capital City Home Loans
John D. Stephens JDS Holdings LLC
Richard Tucker Arlington Capital LLC
Glenn White Retired, United Community Bank
President’s Circle $1,000 +
Dr. Michael Alatorre
Dr. Monica Anthony
Richard Biddlecomb and Miranda Biddlecomb
Cathedral Holdings
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Mr. Michael Cobb
Ms. Kristi Cohron
Danny Boy Services LLC
Mr. T. Scott Duncan
Shelly-Ann El-Fil 2012
Dr. Yvonne Ellis
Mr. Emmanuel K. Essandoh
Mr. and Mrs. Ousman Faal
Vickey Hanson and Dennis Ruzeski
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffory P. Harris
Mr. Michael Huff
Dr. and Mrs. Justin E. Jernigan
The Honorable Judy Jordan Johnson and Mr. R. Allan Johnson
Mrs. Cassandra L. Jones
Mr. and Mrs. Nathan P. Jones
Ms. Sloan W. Jones u
Ms. Kimberly L. Jordan
Jann L. Joseph, Ph.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Keitt
Asad Khan 2017
Lanier Islands
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ledford
Mr. and Mrs. Lester Lee
Barbara and Andrew Martell
Mr. Nicholas F. Masino
Mrs. Melissa Meeker
Dr. Chavonda J. Mills and Mr. Timothy Butler
Mark Mscisz
Sabine Mullin
Ms. Beki Myers
Mr. and Mrs. D. Alan Najjar
Drs. Bernard and Eileen Oliver
Mr. Jay Pennebaker
Mr. Steve Petrakos
Jamila Pope
Brett Richards
Kimberly Riles
The River Club
Saake Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Norberto Sanchez
Dr. Mary H. Saunders
Chief Terrance W. Schneider and Mrs. Sandra C. Schneider
Dr. and Mrs. Edward G. Simmons
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. Strickland and Family
Dr. Patrick J. Sweeney
Tara Fine Jewelry Company, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Teems
The TPC Sugarloaf
Kimberly D. Walsh
Tom Willard 2011 and Thomas Phillips
James Wilson 2018
Dr. Brett W. Young
In Appreciation $500 +
1818 Club Inc.
5 Points Electrical, Inc.
Mason Ailstock
Drs. Funwi and Gwendoline Ayuninjam
Kelley Barfield
Antonio R. Barner
Ron Beaver
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks
Jason Black
Angel Carbajal
Mr. Jason C. Chandler
Malik Cooper 2020
Mr. Antonio Davis
Ginger Dennis
Lisa Dreher
Aubrey Dyer
Joanne M. Fadely
The Gary W. Rollins Foundation
Mr. Martin L. Gerson and Dr. Karen L. PerellGerson
Katie Gill
Gleeds Americas
Mr. and Mrs. James F. Hardymon
Brad Hewlett
James and Nicole Hickson
The Honorable and Mrs. Wayne Hill
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Hoden
Mr. Jonathan Holmes
The Honorable and Mrs. Matthew Holtkamp
Janette and Torsten Hoppe
Dr. Tashana Howse
Mr. and Mrs. Wade Hunt
Mike and Amanda Iezzi
Drs. Rudy and Karen Jackson
Jonathan Judd
King of Kings Business & Tax Advisory Firm
Mr. and Mrs. James Lackey
Mr. and Mrs. William Malacrida
Brian Mann
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Martin
Nuraj Maskey and Kestrina Shrestha
Mr. and Mrs. C.G. McBride
S. Cathy McCrary
Chad Miller 2008 and Julia Miller
Dr. and Mrs. Julio Ortiz
Prabesh Pandey and Jyotsana Koirala
Dr. Hyesung Park
Pasa Brothers LLC
William Peltier
Mr. and Mrs. Herman Pennamon, Jr.
Tyler A. Pennington
Daniel and Maricela Perdomo
Perry Street Chophouse
Eric J. Price
Quelch Enterprises
Karen Quintanilla Torres 2020 and Juan Quintanilla
Mr. Johnny Richardson
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Roussel
Mr. and Mrs. Don Seeker
Glenn Sisk
Scott and Renee Sisk
Smith & Howard PC
STG Marketing
Amie Talcott
Total Wine & More
Kristan VandenHeuvel
Hector Viust 2023
Wade Hunt Insurance
Mr. and Mrs. Dexter Washington
William J. Peltier & Associates, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Williams
Dr. and Mrs. Darin Wilson
Todd Younker
Cumulative and Legacy Societies
The GGC Foundation’s cumulative societies celebrate benchmarks in total giving. These levels recognize generous, long-term commitment to and investment in the college and its students.
Endowed Support
Andersen Family Scholarship
Lee and Marshall Boutwell Veterans Scholarship
Lee Boutwell Book Fund
Merri M. Brantley Scholarship
Chen-Lin Foundation Endowed Scholarship
Taylor Hardin Creati Scholarship in Business Administration and Finance
Garrard Family Endowed Scholarship
Kim Gartrell Endowed Scholarship
Georgia Banking Company Endowed
Annual Support
Another Chance Foundation Scholarship
GGC Assurant Scholarship
Antonio Damián Scholarship
Alexander Elbaz Accounting Scholarship
Elite Scholars Scholarship
Ellucian PATH Scholarship
Georgia Banking Company Wellness and Recreation Scholarship
Georgia Gwinnett College Scholarship
GGC Nursing Scholarship
Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Scholarship
HACER Recruitment Scholarships
IME-Becas Scholarship
Joseph Family Scholarship in memory of Dr. Edwin Joseph
Kaiser Permanente Scholarship
Student Grants
Wellness and Recreation Scholarship
Gwinnett County Bar Association Endowed Scholarship
Carter Hardin Scholarship in Business and Economics
Harley / Walsh Endowed Scholarship
Lonnie Harvel Memorial Scholarship
Hughes Endowed Scholarship
Daniel J. Kaufman Scholarship
Lawrenceville Police Scholarship
Elridge W. McMillan Regents Scholarship
Cathy Moore Scholarship
Dr. Cathy Moore Scholarship
Dr. Tom Mundie Scholarship
P-12 Teacher Workforce Hardship Scholarship
P-12 Teacher Workforce Recruitment and Retention Scholarship
P-12 Teacher Workforce Testing & Licensing Scholarship
Peach State Federal Credit Union Scholarship
Spero Peppas Study Abroad Scholarship
President’s Choice Scholarship
Clyde and Sandra Strickland Business Scholarship
Clyde and Sandra Strickland Health Sciences Scholarship
Beacon Foundation Charitable Trust Student Emergency Grants
GGC Student Emergency Grants
THANK YOU!
Georgia Gwinnett College and the GGC Foundation would not exist if not for the vision and generosity of our philanthropic partners. With your support, the college makes the dream of a higher education possible for thousands of students.
As Georgia Gwinnett College continues to create a more enhanced, innovative college experience for future generations, sustained philanthropic support to the college provides funding essential to the successes of GGC. Advancement
678.407.5588 • advancement@ggc.edu
Peach State Federal Credit Union
First-generation Scholars Fund
Milton M. Ratner Foundation Scholarship
Linda Shumate Endowed Scholarship
Stephens Aspirational Scholarship
Stephens Top Honors Scholarship
Clyde L. and Sandra J. Strickland Nursing Endowed Scholarship
White Family Top Honors Transfer Scholarship
Carl D. White, Sr. Scholarship
Clyde L. and Sandra J. Strickland Wellness and Recreation Scholarship
Success Retention Scholarships
University System of Georgia Foundation Scholarship
USFG Fostering Success Act Youth Scholarship
Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship
Dr. Keeta Wilborn Nursing Scholarship
Philip and Mary Hart Wilheit Scholarship
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Georgia Scholarship
To make a gift to the GGC Foundation, please visit www.ggcfoundation.org/giving.
To inquire about establishing a new scholarship or fund, please contact Advancement at 678.407.5588 or advancement@ggc.edu.
OUR MISSION
Georgia Gwinnett College
Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) offers affordable, high-quality associate, bachelor’s and selected career-advancing master’s degrees that meet the workforce and economic development needs of the growing Gwinnett County region and beyond. Through a supportive and engaging learning environment, GGC faculty and staff empower students from all backgrounds to achieve their goals and strengthen our communities.*
Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation
The mission and purposes of the Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation are to provide support to the teaching, research and public service and outreach programs of Georgia Gwinnett College by means of volunteer leadership and assistance in development and fundraising activities; fiduciary care for the assets of the GGC Foundation for the long-term benefit and enhancement of the college; and the provision of broad advice, consultation and support to the president of the college.
*GGC’s blended mission will go into effect July 1, 2026, pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043 www.ggc.edu
