Dalton State College raised a record-breaking $424,467 during its 2026 Giving Day campaign Oct. 18. The campaign’s success was driven by support for both longtime Giving Day initiatives and new projects, including four new scholarships established in honor of individuals whose legacies have made a lasting impact on Dalton State and the Northwest Georgia community.
“Each year, Giving Day reflects the belief our community has in the transformative power of education,” Dalton State President John Fuchko said. “This record-breaking support is a testament to the generosity of our alumni and friends and their confidence in our students. Their contributions help ensure Dalton State students have the resources they need to succeed both now and in the future.”
Dalton State serves more than 5,800 students and has experienced enrollment growth of approximately 30% over the past four years. While Dalton State has been recognized nationally for its affordability, nearly half of Dalton State students receive need-based financial aid, underscoring the critical role donor support plays in expanding access to higher education. Gifts made through Giving Day help provide scholarships, emergency assistance and other resources that reduce financial barriers and support students.
“The true measure of Giving Day is not simply what was raised, but what those gifts will make possible,” David Elrod, vice president of advancement at Dalton State, said. “The funds generated through this year’s campaign will have both immediate and lasting impacts on our students by supporting scholarships, academic programs and experiences that help them thrive.”
Giving Day priorities included existing endowed scholarships, the Roadrunner Student Emergency Fund, a greatest-need category that provides flexible funding to address emerging student and institutional needs, and four new endowed scholarships established in honor of Jackie Pope, Judge Tom Pope, Dorothy McCrory and Mary Hatton Byrd.
The Jacquline S. “Jackie” Pope Scholarship in Education Endowment Fund and the James Thomas Pope Memorial Scholarship in Criminal Justice Endowment Fund honor Jackie Pope and her late husband, Judge Tom Pope. Jackie Pope taught thousands of students during her career with Dalton Public Schools, while Judge Pope was an early advocate for Dalton State when the college was being planned and established in the 1960s.
Donors also supported the new Dorothy “Dot” McCrory Memorial Scholarship in Education Endowment Fund. McCrory had a distinguished career as a teacher and counselor with Dalton Public Schools before spending a decade as GED coordinator at Dalton State. Her lasting impact on students and the community inspired several friends to establish this scholarship in her memory.
The new Mary Hatton Byrd Memorial Golf Scholarship Endowment Fund, which will support current and future generations of Roadrunner golfers, honors the life of Mary Hatton Byrd, a tireless competitor in every endeavor she pursued.
“The college is grateful to the many donors whose support made this year’s Giving Day the most successful in Dalton State history,” Elrod said. “Whether supporting scholarships, emergency assistance or academic opportunities, every gift helps create pathways to success for our students. Dalton State also extends special appreciation to the Pope family, friends of Dot McCrory and Allison and Matt Oxford, parents of Mary Hatton Byrd, for helping raise awareness and support for these new Giving Day opportunities.”
Next year’s Giving Day will be on October 21, but the Dalton State Foundation accepts gifts year-round. Learn more about giving at Dalton State by visiting www.https://www.daltonstate.edu/giving/.
