Ron and Elizabeth Davis are invested:
In working to uplift the community.
In being a positive force for social justice.
In sharing their skills and extending a helping hand to younger generations.
After generously contributing to the Georgia State FirstGen Scholarship in previous years, the Davises formalized their investment in Panther student success in 2020 by creating and endowing the Overcoming Obstacles Fund. Established as part of the Georgia State Foundation’s The State Way Match program, the fund will provide scholarships to students who have demonstrated dedication and resilience when faced with difficulties.
Funding a scholarship was hardly the first time the Davises positively impacted Panthers’ lives. For more than 20 years, they have volunteered for numerous social and racial justice initiatives in the downtown Atlanta communities Georgia State and its students call home. Over the years, they have worked with numerous current, former and future Panthers through their commitment to the Big Bethel AME Church’s Saturday Academy, tutoring students at Hope Hill Elementary School and volunteering with Operation P.E.A.C.E. in the Bedford Pines community.
“We were deeply impressed with Georgia State students,” said Ron. “While they varied in what they were studying, they were all intelligent, motivated, high-quality students.”
They got additional perspective on Panthers in the classroom when Elizabeth enrolled as a GSU-62 student to study art and art history after retiring from a 30-year career in academia. There, the retired professor emeritus from Georgia Tech University learned that a significant percentage of Panthers are first-generation students, just like she and Ron were.
“Because we were both the first people in our families to go to college, Ron and I had an understanding of some of the obstacles many Georgia State students face,” said Elizabeth. “Your parents really don’t have the background to help, so you have to figure out how to navigate all the systems within a university—and how to pay for it—by yourself. It’s stressful.”
When the Davises decided to leave a financial legacy in higher education, they decided that investing in Panthers held the greatest promise.
“We get solicitations to give to the Ivy League schools we attended but, while we’re very grateful for the scholarships we received, they have plenty of money and plenty of donors,” said Ron. “We wanted to put our money where we could have the most impact.”
“Georgia State is in the category of urban universities helping people from challenging economic backgrounds,” said Elizabeth. “From meeting many Georgia State students and alumni I know it’s an excellent place for students from challenging circumstances to earn valuable professional credentials and get a good start for their career.”
“With its diverse campus and student body and high graduation rate, Georgia State is an exceptional shining star,” said Elizabeth. “We invested in Georgia State because we want it to be there for all the children Ron and I met and worked with, for them to have the opportunity to achieve the great things they’re capable of.”