Presidential Challenge Coins allow graduates to thank those who made an impact

At the start of their freshmen year, students receive a Silver Challenge Coin from President Weaver to signify the start of their GSW journey. Upon graduation, students receive a gold coin and are asked to give the silver coin to someone who made a difference for them during their time at GSW. The first group of silver coins were presented by May 2021 graduates. Watch more at gsw.edu/Coins.

Julianna Montgomery ’21 gave her coin to Jeremy Martin, her manager in the ER at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.

Carlos Hernandez ’21 gave his coin to Dr. Jim Aller for spending extra time going over course materials and answering questions.

International student Neha Budhathoki ’21 gave her coin to custodian Rose Allen, whom she called her “American grandma.”

Dr. Weaver and Spring 2021 commencement speaker Tracey Cook (middle) present gold coins to the first graduates who had received a silver coin their freshman year: (L-R) Allyson Evans, Jonathan Nguyen, Carlos Hernandez, Dorothy Bryans, Savannah Hall, Meredith Lashley, Taylor Potter, and Kacey Roberson.

Fall 2021 SGA President Jamey Fowler ’21 gave his coin to SES staff member Brooke Tome for going above and beyond for all students at GSW.

2020-21 SGA President Savannah Hall ’21 gave her coin to Dr. Jason Berggren for his mentorship in her SGA role and support getting into law school.

Grace Snipes ’21 gave her coin to Johnny Updike of GSW’s Wesleyan House for his support and encouragement during her college years.

Alicia Adams ’22 gave her coin to Jennifer Dickens, director of GSW’s Pre-K, where Alicia was a student worker.