Georgia State’s centennial is not just another campus event or celebration, but was planned by a committee to be a continuous year-long celebration that will involve numerous university-wide events and festivities, costing the university about $350,000.
The Centennial Committee comprised this budget during their planning to efficiently fund the celebrations of the entire year.
“I believe that is a modest budget,” said DeAnna Hines, special assistant to the President.
The centennial budget is divided into state and non-state funding, most of which is coming from the Georgia State University Foundation.
“Both types of funding will help to get done what needs to be done,” Hines said. “We have been very judicious about the budget and getting the things done.”
State funding will include advertising and other promotional costs such as on-campus signs, buttons and magnets.
The state funding of the budget also includes centennial signs on MARTA buses and the purchase of customized centennial flags for the Georgia State marching band colorguard to use in the upcoming Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C as well as usage for the rest of the year.
“What would be better than having our marching band display our centennial year in the parade on Pennsylvania Avenue?” Hines said.
Promotion and advertisement off-campus is a key component to the celebration because it will showcase “what we offer to Atlanta and the state of Georgia,” Hines said.
Hines said on-campus promotion is also important to boost school pride in students and faculty.
“I hope that students would be proud that they are here at an important time for this institution,” Hines said.
The on-campus promotion and advertising will include tagging every event with the Centennial label.
Funding from the Georgia State Foundation will cover other costs, such as food for the events and festivities.
In addition to state and non-state funding, the committee also utilized business relationships to promote the centennial year. The Atlanta Business Chronicle published a special pullout section in their publication showcasing Georgia State’s celebration and the history and accomplishments of the university.
The members and chairs of the Centennial Committee also worked to divide themselves into 12 different subcommittees to plan every aspect of the celebration as well as represent every part of Georgia State.
Hines said the committee hopes that students, faculty and organizations will participate in as many events as they can.
“We are very excited about the upcoming Centennial events,” said Student Government Association President Marcus Kernizan. “I encourage everyone to visit the Centennial website to stay updated with all of the events and announcements and to be involved in the festivities.”
Students can find information about the Centennial Celebration online at 100.gsu.edu.
Unfortunately, GSU’s Centennial Celebration has been a disaster. This celebration should include the graduates of Georgia State. Hines is out of touch and I fear that the most important event in the history of Georgia State will be a failure.