Savannah State University scholarship gala shines spotlight on student support and community impact
Savannah State University’s 2026 Scholarship Gala filled the Savannah Convention Center on April 18 with black-tie style, campus pride, and a clear message: investing in students remains at the heart of the university’s mission. The annual event brought together donors, alumni, supporters, and friends of the university for an evening dedicated to scholarship support and celebration of SSU’s legacy. The sold-out gala, held at 1 International Drive, was presented as a way to honor Savannah State’s history while helping future Tigers move closer to a degree.
- Savannah State University emphasized its historic mission and private support, with sponsors helping raise a record $400,000 for scholarships.
- The evening presented the Student Awards of Excellence honoring five scholars, each receiving a $2,500 scholarship.
- Savannah State University bestowed Awards of Excellence to community leaders: Major General William Green Jr., Hyundai Motor America, and Curtis V. Cooper Primary Healthcare.
- President Whirl and Mrs. Marqueta Whirl gifted $10,000 to the Savannah State University Student Government Association, underscoring philanthropy and tradition.
Founded in 1890, Savannah State University is Georgia’s oldest public Historically Black College and University and the first institution of higher learning in Savannah. The university used the gala to highlight that long history while also emphasizing the impact of private support on student access and success.
Organizers described the evening as an elegant celebration of excellence and education, with proceeds directed toward scholarships for students throughout their collegiate journey. The event drew backing from a wide range of sponsors, including Southern Poverty Law Center, Encore, VyStar Credit Union, Gulfstream Aerospace, and other community partners which raised a record $400,000.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Student Awards of Excellence, recognizing five outstanding scholars for their academic achievement and service. Each recipient was awarded a $2,500 scholarship:
•Elaina Cook, sophomore, mechanical engineering technology major in the College of Engineering Technology and Computing
•Markeema K. Cranston, sophomore, political science major in the College of Sciences and Humanities
•Juwayriah Evans, sophomore, mass communication major in the College of Media Arts and Communication
•Brian Jacob Vinson Jr., senior, middle grades education major in the Hyundai College of Education
•Jenna Wilson, senior, computer information systems major in the College of Business Administration.
In addition to student honors, SSU recognized three community pillars with Awards of Excellence for their ongoing service to the institution and the region:
•Award of Excellence in Leadership: Major General William Green, Jr., former U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains.
•Award of Excellence in Philanthropy: Hyundai Motor America.
•Award of Excellence in Service: The Curtis V. Cooper Primary Healthcare, Inc.
The evening took an inspiring turn when President Whirl announced a personal gift of $10,000 from himself and his wife, Mrs. Marqueta Whirl, to benefit the Savannah State University Student Government Association. University posts from the weekend described the gala as part of a memorable stretch for SSU, marking a celebratory close to Investiture Week. Photos and video shared online captured the energy of the evening and the strong turnout from supporters across the Savannah area. The Scholarship Gala continues to stand as one of Savannah State’s signature events, blending tradition, philanthropy, and student support in a setting that reflects both the university’s history and its future.
