Five nontraditional female students at the University of North Georgia (UNG) each earned a $2,000 scholarship from the Women of UNG on Dec. 5 at the Women's Holiday Scholarship Luncheon.

"Legacy of Success" was the theme for the event, and while this was the 15th year scholarships were provided, the luncheon celebrated 21 years of its existence. It initially started as a means to show appreciation to the women of the Gainesville community who made an impact.

Scholarship recipients included Tiffany Little, Jennifer Sipe, Devin Whitaker, Rylie White, and Kayla Woodford.

Scholarship recipient speaker Little shared that she had endured a traumatic experience, and during therapy, she was able to heal from a tumultuous childhood and was inspired to enroll at UNG with the goal of a career in therapy. She had been a stay-at-home mom when her boys were younger. Currently pursuing a degree in psychology, Little's goal is to earn her Master of Science in counseling.

"Your generosity has allowed me to pursue and focus on my goal of becoming a therapist while alleviating some of the financial responsibilities that come with it. Returning to college at 40 has been one of the best decisions I ever made. Education has been a blessing and an investment that has transformed my life," Little said. "My experience in therapy changed my life. I healed from things I didn't even know I needed healing from, and I grew in ways that I was not aware I could grow. I became a huge fan of the growth and healing therapy gifted to me, and I wanted to pay it forward."

Little sought to leave the supporters in attendance at the luncheon with the message that their generosity has exponential impact.

"Not only are my children watching me pursue my goal of being a therapist so I can help others the way I was helped. But they are growing up with an example of parents who do their best to work hard and to overcome challenges as a team to achieve their goals. They were at my husband's graduation, and soon they'll be at mine," Little said. "Your support doesn't just change one individual's future. It creates a ripple effect that touches the lives of many others. You're helping to create a brighter future not just for those of us receiving the scholarship, but for the generations to follow."

A pair of psychology professors, Dr. Diane Cook and Dr. Connie Ringger, have been instrumental in Little's journey, as has her experience as a facilitator in Supplemental Instruction. Little is also pursuing a minor in sociology, and sociology professor Dr. Michallene McDaniel helped connect her with an internship at Gateway Domestic Violence Center that has promoted further healing for Little.

"I realize now that the combination of what I learned in class with Professor McDaniel, what I learned in my internship and what I've learned from my life can work together like a superpower that gives me the ability to comfort, care and advocate for those who are hurting and vulnerable," Little said.

Dr. Chaudron Gille, provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs, also spoke at the event, sharing about both UNG's history of serving women since its start in 1873 and her 30 years of service at the university. She reflected on the support she has received while at UNG and how one of her most rewarding tasks is the opportunity to mentor the upcoming generations of women.

"We support women, like our scholarship recipients today, in meeting their goals," Gille said. "I have a magnet on my refrigerator that says, 'Behind every successful woman is a long line of other women.' It's so true."

Gille also noted the important work of former Presidents Bonita Jacobs from 2012 to 2023 and Martha T. Nesbitt from 1997 to 2012. Jacobs became the first female president of North Georgia College & State University and Nesbitt the first female president of Gainesville State College. Both attended the luncheon.

White, a senior from Pensacola, Florida, pursuing a bachelor's degree in sociology and a minor in communication, said it has been important for her to work through college so she can graduate debt-free. Following the associate degree she earned in Florida, she took a three-year break to save for college and currently works three jobs while studying at UNG. White said the scholarship will lift some of that burden.

"I'm leaving here today feeling very empowered, being surrounded by women who have come before me and walked the same path that I'm on," White said. "It's a big confidence-booster to hear people say, 'We had a similar journey, and it is possible.'"

Whitaker, a senior from Woodstock, Georgia, previously earned an associate degree in business administration and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity. After her associate degree, she took a three-year break from school, working at Publix. After marrying in 2022, she decided to return to school and quickly realized the HOPE Scholarship expired seven years after high school and that she was no longer eligible for Pell grants.

"This scholarship has made it easier for me to pursue my goals," Whitaker said.

The Women's Educational Scholarship is accepting monetary gifts for the upcoming academic year, and donations can be made online or by emailing the scholarship luncheon coordinator, Kimberly Miller, at kimberly.miller@ung.edu.