Benjamin C. Ayers, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Georgia, has joined the Rowen Foundation as its newest board member. Ayers brings more than 29 years of education and academic leadership to the Foundation. Ayers began his tenure as UGA’s chief academic officer on June 30. He has served the university since 1996, holding roles of increasing responsibility.
Before becoming provost, he led UGA’s Terry College of Business as dean for 11 years, guiding the university’s second-largest academic unit. Rowen Foundation Chairman Sachin Shailendra says: “It’s an honor to welcome Ben to the Rowen Foundation Board. His leadership, reputation and background are the perfect combination to help Rowen thrive for years ahead.”
Limited number of tax bills mailed incorrectly
There were 0.1 percent of Gwinnett taxpayers whose Value Offset Exemption (VOE) didn’t appear on their tax bill, because of a programming error. The VOE is a Gwinnett County exemption that prevents the county portion of the bill from going up as property values increase.
Tax Commissioner Denise Mitchell has clarified that the bills that have been impacted by this programming will be corrected and mailed soon. Then the due date for the corrected bills will be due 60 days after the corrected bill is mailed. Mitchell, in her commitment to transparency, has further penned a letter to the taxpayers impacted by the programming issue, maintaining her commitment to transparency.
“Peace and Unity” award goes to Morsberger
On the United Nations’ International Day of Peace Day, community leader Emory Morsberger of Lilburn was recently presented with the inaugural Rotary Peace and Unity Award. Presenting the award at the Hudgens Center was Rotary District 6910 Governor Jessica Fleetwood, who said, “It is my honor to present the inaugural Rotary Peace and Unity Award to our long-serving Rotarian, Emory Morsberger.”
Morsberger is a member of the Rotary Club of Gwinnett County, a former member of the Georgia Legislature, and the chief executive of the Morsberger Group, a firm focused on civic issues and economic development.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Morsberger has led efforts to support the Ukrainian people. After traveling there in June 2022, he helped form the nonprofit Helping Ukraine, a humanitarian effort committed to sustaining the lives of those courageously defending their freedom and democracy. Through his leadership, more than $5 million in humanitarian aid has been delivered to Ukraine over the past three years.
Morsberger has personally made multiple trips to Ukraine, working alongside local leaders and fellow Rotarians, sometimes sheltering from bomb attacks, all while putting his own life at risk to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
JEMC Foundation grants $49,000 to local operations
The Jackson EMC Foundation board of directors awarded a total of $95,025 in grants for organizations during its recent meeting, including $49,000 to organizations serving Gwinnett County.
- $10,000 to Adult Literacy Jackson, Inc., Pendergrass, which is dedicated to improving adult literacy, for its GED Testing Program serving residents in Banks, Clarke, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson and Madison counties.
- $10,000 to the Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund, Inc., to support teachers participating in an impact lab to help students prepare to enter kindergarten through the Building Babies Brains Program.
- $10,000 to Junior Achievement of Georgia, Inc., for student materials for its Discovery Center at Gwinnett.
- $10,000 to YMCA of Metro Atlanta, to support five elementary or middle school students participating in its Y Explore Afterschool Program at the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA.
- $5,000 to Latina Leads, LLC, Suwanee, which empowers girls with the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to become effective leaders in their communities, for mentorship fees for its Future Leaders: Empowering the Next Generation Program for residents in Gwinnett and Hall counties.
- $4,000 to Brenau University, Inc., Gainesville, for its Childcare Access Means Parents in School (CAMPIS) Program to provide counseling support group services to single parents enrolled in courses at Brenau University for residents in all counties served by Jackson EMC.
Jackson EMC Foundation grants are made possible by the 223,150 participating cooperative members who have their monthly electric bills rounded to the next dollar amount through the Operation Round Up program.
Students can win $100 for conservation poster artwork
Your 10th-12th grader could win up to $100 for their artwork!
Gwinnett County Soil and Water Conservation District is currently accepting entries for their annual art contest for 10th-12th grade students now through October 10. Students may submit their poster digitally by emailing a photo of their artwork and the required entry form to jena@gacd.us with the student’s name in the subject line.
The annual art poster contest provides public, private and homeschooled students in 10-12th grades the chance to have their art selected to advance on to the state contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners: $100 for 1st place, $50 for 2nd place, and $25 for 3rd place.
This year’s theme “Home is Where the Habitat is” highlights the essential role of both natural and managed habitats in conservation efforts. For more information, visit www.gwinnettswcd.org.
