Development
From Hairy Dawg to GIVING Dawg…
Before Joshand Michal Whitlock were 25 years old, they established an endowment at the University of Georgia. No, they aren’t rich in worldly resources, but they have an overflowing appreciation for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and knew they had a goal to accomplish: “We realized that this was probably going to be the least expensive stage in our lives and we knew that if we put it off we would have never done it. So we asked our parents to split the donation” says Josh (BSFCS ’05, Human Development and Family Science).
Pledging over a five-year period, the Whitlocks along with Josh’s father and stepmother, Ronnie and Denise Whitlock of Colleyville, Texas, are creating a new undergraduate scholarship in the department where Josh majored and Michal minored.
“Our FACS (and especially our Human Development and Family Science) education has been so applicable in our everyday lives, making our marriage stronger, and improving our communication skills with everyone around us.” says Michal (BSED ’07, Recreation and Leisure Studies).
They are both using their education in their chosen careers in Duluth. Josh started For Goodness Sake Music and writes children’s music and curriculum (www.forgoodnesssakemusic.com). Michal is a ministry associate for Camp All-American. Together they lead worship for 4th-6th grade and volunteer with the 7th-8th grade band at their church. “UGA couldn’t have prepared us better,” says the young couple.
Not only was Josh a FACS student ambassador, but he had the enviable opportunity to serve as UGA’s Hairy Dawg mascot as an undergraduate. He blended the two by often bringing “Hairy” to FACS student and alumni events. “I had the best college experience, and I wanted to do anything I could to see others enjoy it as much as I did,” he says. “I was fortunate and grateful to earn two scholarships from FACS donors, and I’m glad my family has made it possible to start a scholarship in our family’s name to help others as others helped me.”
The word “endowment” scares some people because it often implies a goal that is unreachable. The minimum endowment at UGA begins at $10,000. Scholarship endowments begin at $25,000. These amounts, pledged over five years, can be attainable by many when planned in one’s charitable giving budget.
If Josh and Michal can creatively establish an endowment…maybe you can too? For more answers please contact the FACS Development office. We are ready to help you help others. It’s easier than you might think.
| Katrina L. Bowers is Director of Development for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. For more information on how to give a current or deferred gift, please contact Katrina at (706) 542-4946, by email at kbowers@fcs.uga.edu, or write to her at FACS, 224 Dawson Hall, UGA, Athens, GA 30602. |  |
