The annual event, which has become one of the city’s most celebrated events since the initial fundraiser to restore historic Hill Hall in 1999, now serves as a vital source of support for SSU’s scholarship programs. Because nearly 90% of SSU students rely on some form of financial aid, the Gala enables talented and deserving students to pursue their academic goals regardless of financial barriers. This year’s gala raised $327,472.
New SSU President Dr. Jermaine Whirl said celebrating the legacy of Georgia’s oldest public HBCU while simultaneously investing in the next generation’s pursuit of excellence was the perfect way to start his tenure at SSU.
“This event embodies the essence of what SSU stands for: a celebration of academic excellence and a dedication to student success. As we honor the remarkable contributions of our alumni and community leaders, we also lay the groundwork for a brighter future—one where every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to excel and become a change-maker in our world.”
SSU, Georgia’s oldest public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) recognized trailblazers who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to scholarship, leadership, and community service. Their dedication embodies the spirit of SSU’s mission to foster excellence, equity, and opportunity for all.
“The Scholarship Gala is a powerful reflection of our shared commitment to preserving SSU’s rich legacy while investing in the future of our students. Each donation and honoree underscores the importance of empowering the next generation of leaders, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities to reach their fullest potential,” said Adrian Scott, Vice President for University Advancement.
The honorees for the 26th Annual Scholarship Gala are:
Arts & Entertainment: Huxsie Scott
Savannah-native and SSU alumna Huxsie Scott, ’76, is regarded as one of the Savannah Coastal Area’s greatest jazz/blues artists. While she is best known for five decades of contributions in the music industry, Scott is also a retired Savannah-Chatham County School System educator of 22 years. She began her music career as a jazz vocalist in 1973 and performed with many of the area’s premier jazz ensembles and symphony orchestras. She was a featured opener for such jazz greats as the late Lionel Hampton and McCoy Tyner, the first vocalist for the Telfair Jazz Society, later called the Coastal Jazz Society, and the first vocalist with the Savannah Jazz Orchestra. She recorded four full Gospel projects, an album of Johnny Mercer music and a self-titled album of her favorite standards. In recognition of her career and 40th year in the music industry, she held a prominent role in “The Great American Songbook,” which was presented at the Savannah Theatre. Scott has been a featured vocalist at the Savannah Theatre since its opening in August 2002. She received special recognition by the city of Savannah in honor of 50 years as a vocalist. Scott has three children, 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Leadership: Richard Shinhoster
Richard Shinhoster ’64 had a distinguished career as a college administrator, retiring as Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs of Savannah Technical College. He earned academic degrees and certifications from SSU, Georgia Southern University, and the University of Georgia. Shinhoster is a member of many professional and civic organizations, including the Savannah Branch of the NAACP, Greater Savannah International Alliance, Greater Savannah Accra Alliance, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He has been blessed to complement his professional and civic experiences with an active spiritual life and service to the United Methodist Church. He serves as Financial Chairman of Connexion United Methodist Church and serves on the Coastal District Church Board of Mission, South Georgia Personnel Committee, South Georgia Leadership Forum, and is a Trustee at the Georgia United Methodist Foundation. As an entrepreneur, Shinhoster is the CEO of the Shinhoster Group International, a company specializing in International Trade and Economic Development. He has been married to Lillian Hill for 56 years. Together they have two daughters and four grandchildren.
Scholarship: Dr. Percy A. Mack, Jr.
Dr. Percy A. Mack, Jr., ’71, is the Chair of the Educational Leadership Department at South Carolina State University. He helped the University attain R2 status because of the research money received and the number of doctoral degrees awarded. He has served as a school administrator for over 25 years. He began his teaching career in Savannah Public Schools where he served as a teacher and coach. He spent 19 years in the DeKalb County School District as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. His administrative career includes 12 years as a Superintendent in Dayton, Ohio and in Columbia, South Carolina school districts. He has received many community and national awards, including the 2006 National Superintendent of the Year by NABSE. He was named the Most Powerful Educator in Dayton by the Dayton Business Journal. In 2024, Dr. Mack was inducted into the Richland One School District Hall of Fame. He established an endowed scholarship in honor of his parents and aunt to provide yearly scholarships to education and band students at SSU. He received the Master of Education Degree from the University of Georgia and the Doctor of Philosophy from Georgia State University.
Service: J.C. Lewis Primary Care Center & Savannah Feed the Hungry
With a mission statement that says, “Providing high-quality, cost-effective, and comprehensive health care for all,” J.C. Lewis Primary Health Care Center believes that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, should have access to high-quality healthcare. Led by CEO Dr. Rena Douse, J.C. Lewis Primary Health Care Center provides affordable and comprehensive primary and preventive care to all people, including those who are uninsured or underinsured. Patients who meet the federal poverty guidelines can also qualify for a sliding scale discount program. J.C. Lewis Primary Health Care Center remains guided by its core values of collaboration, integrity, and accountability.
Savannah Feed the Hungry was formed in 2009 by Carl Gillard. Since its inception, the organization has provided over 1.5 million meals to the working poor in over 14 cities in Georgia and South Carolina. Now with one of the largest holiday celebrations in the nation, over 50,000 people are fed annually. The work of Savannah Feed the Hungry extends beyond feeding. The organization has partnered with St. Joseph’s/Candler in the opening of the Empowerment Center, a one-stop-shop resource center that helps people get on their feet. The focus is on sustainability. Since the Empowerment Center’s opening in 2019, over 244 people have been assisted in transitioning from renting to purchasing a home. Other services include GED classes, continuing education and conflict resolution classes, after school programs, workshops and seminars. Savannah Feed the Hungry has partnered with Savannah Technical College, Saint Leo University, Georgia Ports Authority and Georgia Power, and boasts hundreds of volunteers from businesses, organizations, churches and schools. Savannah Feed the Hungry remains committed to the idea that we can do more together to make a difference in the lives of the working poor.
2025 Scholarship Gala Photos can be found here:
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