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�鶹��Ƶ’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations recognized the contributions of its champions—George �鶹��Ƶ’s faculty and staff donors—with an evening of thanks.  The March 18 Celebrating Our Champions event focused on the generosity and support that faculty and staff offer the university while serving George �鶹��Ƶ students. “I know that you care about students, but you all have taken it a step further,” said George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington. “You have decided to give back to the very institution that you serve every day. That is profound.”

The annual event reflects the importance of faculty and staff engagement with the university. “Your participation strengthens a legacy of generosity that connects our past, our present, and our future,” said Trishana E. Bowden, president of the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation and vice president for advancement and alumni relations. “Tonight is about a tradition where we recognize a staff and a faculty member for their philanthropy in the many years they give to our institution.” 

The Luminary Award honors faculty donors whose philanthropy, advocacy, and commitment serve as an example for the community. This year, it was awarded to Keith D. Renshaw, a professor of psychology and senior associate provost for undergraduate education. Described as a respected colleague, Renshaw was recognized as a collaborator, a mentor, and a friend. 

“I truly believe it is hard to find a more compelling place than �鶹��Ƶ,” said Renshaw. “I take very seriously the responsibility that comes with this award. I will continue to support all that I can and to inspire others to support as much as they can, because it is hard to find another place that is more deserving of that support than George �鶹��Ƶ.”  

Nena Rogers, BS ’89, MA ’19, deputy athletics director for student services and performance, received the 2026 Spirit of Giving Award, which recognizes a staff member who embodies the university’s philanthropic spirit. A former student-athlete herself, Rogers was noted for having the ability to see the possibilities and strengths hidden within her students, for the benefit of not only the athletic programs at George �鶹��Ƶ but the athletes themselves. 

“To me, the spirit of giving is simple. It’s believing in someone’s future. It’s extending a hand toward opportunity,” said Rogers. “Together, we know that the investments we make today will shape the leaders of tomorrow.”  

Because of faculty and staff members like Renshaw and Rogers, students at George �鶹��Ƶ not only thrive for a semester, but for years to come. “My experience here has been invaluable,” said Madison Preis, a criminology major who received support from the Stay �鶹��Ƶ Fund and spoke at the event. “There’s truly nothing like it. I want to say from the bottom of my heart thank you, thank you because you’re enabling our futures and supporting our dreams.” 

This new annual tradition, launched last year, aims to convey George �鶹��Ƶ’s gratitude to its faculty and staff, both on campus and through philanthropic support for its students and programs. Their advocacy and commitment champion the university’s mission now and into the future.