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Study: GSU has $542-million impact
Georgia Southern University Sweetheart Circle
Sweetheart Circle is one of the more recognizable locations on the GSU campus in Statesboro. - photo by Photo provided.

STATESBORO — The annual survey on the economic impact of the University System of Georgia reveals Georgia Southern University had a $524 million economic impact on Statesboro and the Bulloch County area and accounted for more than 6,500 jobs in fiscal year 2012.
“Despite the tough economic times we faced in the last several years, Georgia Southern continues to grow, provide a high-quality education and generate jobs for so many people,” GSU President Dr. Brooks Keel said. “Even with the financial challenges, people still value higher education and see it as a life-changing investment. We are so proud of what this university contributes to our community and so thankful for the tremendous support we receive in return.”
According to the survey from the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern student spending accounted for $272 million of the university’s economic impact and resulted in nearly 3,500 jobs in the Statesboro and Bulloch County areas. The research found that for every dollar of initial spending by a USG institution or its students, an additional 45 cents was generated for the local economy.
The study showed the USG’s 31 colleges and universities combined to have a $14.1 billion economic impact on the state. This is a $980 million increase from FY2011 and a $7 billion boost since FY1999. USG institutions account for more than 139,000 full and part-time jobs in Georgia. One job out of every 28 in the state is due to the university system.
The complete study with data for all 31 USG institutions is available at www.usg.edu/economic_development/documents/usg_Impact_fy2012.pdf.

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BI hosts LCSS Gala
LibertyCountySchools

Bradwell Institute’s Friends Helping Friends will host the 3rdAnnual Liberty County School System Special Needs Gala Saturday at 7p.m.

The dance portion of the gala is free and open to the public.

FHF was started three years ago by BI special needs teacher Charlie Moon. FHF is comprised of a large group of general education students that connect special needs students with their general education peers. They have raised $20,000 in the last 30 months, for events like this, a new sensory room, music therapy equipment, and many other fun events. 

“FHF does so much for the special needs students. It really brings them out in their social skills. They become so much more comfortable around us all,” FHF Junior Danielle Hennessee said. 

FHF Junior Jada Naftzinger said it’s a two-way street. “It not only helps them, but us as well. It brings us out of our own shells and comfort zones.” 

Moon added, “For us, the Gala is not our calling card. I’ve told the students from day one, unless they truly know these special needs students, we won’t do the Gala at all. We’ll throw a big pizza party instead. The point is, we want the kids to really focus on the one-on-one, in-class work, hanging out in the halls, really talking to them. That’s the only way this program truly reaches its potential. Our motto is, “Changing lives, one friend at a time.”

During a private dinner which precedes the public dance, district office personnel, representatives from Congressman Buddy Carter’s office, district SPED staff, BI Football players and FHF members, parents and the honored guests – 50 special needs students from around the district will be in attendance.

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