Lora and Max Burns sign the scholarship endowment agreement as Rhonda Toon, executive director of the Gordon State College Foundation, looks on.

 

Retiring Gordon State College President Max Burns and his wife Lora have established an endowment fund for the Lora and Max Burns Presidential Scholars Scholarship.

They established the fund to assist students selected as Presidential Scholars. The Presidential Scholars program was established in 2017 and is designed to enrich the college experience of students who show academic promise.

The first cohort of Presidential Scholars recently completed their freshman year at Gordon State.

"I have been very fortunate in my life," said Burns. "As a high school student in rural southeast Georgia, I wasn't necessarily seen as college material. I persevered, and with the support of my family, I received an education that changed my life. I want that same experience for the students selected for this scholarship."

To commemorate Burns' five years as President of Gordon State College, trustees, alumni, faculty, and staff have, so far, contributed more than $10,000 to the endowment.

The gifts were announced during a concert presented by the GSC Alumni Association Friday, Dec. 8.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Lora and Max Burns Presidential Scholars scholarship may send a check to the Gordon State College Foundation, 419 College Drive, Barnesville.

Gifts are tax-deductible.