New director to raise awareness at GC&SU Coverdell Institute

Paul Coverdell, a beloved Georgia politician and U.S. Senator, has a permanent place on the campus of Georgia College & State University with the establishment of the Coverdell Institute.

After serving his state, the governor and the President of the United States for almost 30 years, Coverdell was known by most people for his dedication to being an exemplary citizen.

“The purpose of the Coverdell Institute is to advance Sen. Coverdell’s legacy and to provide scholars access to his Peace Corps and Senate papers,” said Coverdell Institute director Gregg Kaufman.

The papers in the collection were donated by Coverdell and his family and will be housed in the original Ina Dillard Russell library space currently being renovated. The actual institute office can be found on the bottom floor of Beason Hall.

Kaufman joined the institute staff in Oct. 2004, after serving for almost 30 years as a Lutheran minister. He has experience in grant writing, fundraising, overseeing budgets, and securing construction loans and mortgages.

“Now that Kaufman is on board, we hope that the awareness of the Coverdell Institute will be raised and that it will become a vital instrument on campus,” said Tracy Norris, Coverdell Institute Program Assistant and GC&SU graduate.

Norris is responsible for managing the institute’s office, budget and day-to-day operations.

Both Kaufman and Norris are putting together a number of programs throughout the semester that they hope will bring recognition to the university and create a reputation of excellence.

GC&SU will be one of 18 schools nationwide to participate in the “Congress to Campus” program at the end of February. This will bring two former members of congress to campus to lead lectures and discussions in and out of the classrooms.

The main event for the semester will be in March when former Paul Coverdell staffers will come and lead a symposium on campus.

“I want these programs to help students and faculty see Coverdell as an admirable man and a worthy role model,” said Kaufman.

The institute has also set up a scholarship fund, awarding scholarships to four incoming freshmen each year at GC&SU. These scholarships are renewable if scholars meet the requirements each year.

Kaufman has also written a grant proposal to receive The New York Times on campus Mondays through Fridays to allow students and faculty access to an international newspaper.

For further information on the events or resources of the Coverdell Institute, contact Gregg Kaufman or Tracy Norris at (478) 445-1711 or on the Web site at www.gcsu.edu/coverdell after Feb. 1.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Feb 4 2005. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry