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The aims to raise $45,000 for 12 projects created by the University of North Georgia's (̨Íåswag) faculty and staff to benefit students. While the event runs from April 4-30, a series of special events at the April 22-24 Parent-Alumni Weekend will help support the fund-raising initiatives.

"Every spring, I am energized by the renewed excitement from ̨Íåswag faculty and staff who choose to volunteer as #ONĘÍåswag project leaders," Alberto Perez, ̨Íåswag's annual giving officer, said. "It is their enthusiasm that inspires others to invest in the student experience and post-graduation success."

One project seeks $2,500 in for Language Lab assistants, those individuals who help students practice the more than 10 languages offered in the labs on the Dahlonega, Gainesville and Oconee Campuses and online.

"This tuition award will allow us to give back to the students who serve so diligently in their role as lab assistants where they help their classmates learn to communicate in a second language," David Hair, director of Language Labs, said. "The project will increase the visibility of the Language Labs on our campuses and highlight our mission of serving students."

Another project will benefit ̨Íåswag's Public Safety Academy. Students enrolled in the academy graduate with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) council certification, and six other state certifications within four years, making them highly competitive in the job market.

"Donations will provide a continuous and smooth training atmosphere that gives our academy students a far higher level of training than the Georgia minimum for police academy graduates," Dr. Butch Newkirk, director of the academy, said.

A third project will assist the operations of the North Georgia Astronomical Observatory, which opened in 2020.

"With the proper funding, the observatory will be a destination excursion for many individuals who have an interest in astronomy and those who wish to know more," Dr. Gregory Feiden, director of the observatory and associate professor of astronomy, said.

The other nine projects are:

• : This project aims to increase retention and degree completion by providing academic, social and financial support to first-generation university students.
• : This effort seeks to ensure Honors Program students are able to complete their research and present multiple times in their undergraduate careers for their chosen field of study.
• : The Vanguard student newspaper will use these funds to educate readers about why a free press is so important for the community and the United States.
• : The Realizing Inspiring and Successful Educators Undergraduate Program (RISE UP) and the Aspiring Teachers Program (ATP) are partnerships between the College of Education and two local school districts that facilitate pre-service teachers of color in becoming certified P-12 teachers.
• : This project will provide funding for travel expenses for the poultry judging competition team, which gives students experiential learning opportunities.
• : This project will raise some of the initial funds for the new home for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education on the Dahlonega Campus. It will be a state-of-the-art facility that will house the College of Science and Mathematics under one roof, facilitating a synergistic STEM learning environment.
• : This Corps of Cadets specialty unit provides realistic training in small unit, light infantry, and Ranger tactics.
• : This specialty unit trains and develops cadets into potential mountain combat soldiers with an emphasis on mountaineering, fixed installations, terrain navigation, small unit tactics, hand-to-hand combat, and survival tactics.
• : This project will help Doctor of Physical Therapy students by offering them encouragement at orientation, white coat ceremonies, clinical matching celebrations, internship completions, and research days.