COVINGTON, Ga. — Georgia State University’s Newton Campus is gearing up for an Oct. 17 community celebration marking the campus’s 10-year anniversary.
Ten years ago, Newton County became the fourth campus of Georgia Perimeter College, a two-year college in the University System of Georgia.
The campus’s construction was a true community and government collaboration. Private citizens gave the nearly 100 acres of land; the Newton County Commission contributed $2 million in capital and additional funds for infrastructure; and the Georgia Department of Transportation made a $650,000 contribution for road construction. College foundation members worked with eight counties in the area, raising more than $1.5 million in private contributions.
The college campus moved from a crowded Rockdale County location in a shopping center to its new building in June 2007.
In 2016, Georgia Perimeter College consolidated with Georgia State University, and Perimeter’s five campuses, including the Newton County site, became Georgia State locations.
Since its opening in June 2007, the Newton campus has served 18,331 students who have taken at least one class on the campus. Many of those students continued on to graduate and receive their associate degrees.
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, in conjunction with Georgia State University’s Homecoming events, the Newton Campus will celebrate a decade serving the community. Activities include a student showcase, speeches from former students and a welcome from Dr. Peter Lyons, dean and vice provost of the college. A time capsule dedication and a community softball game also will be part of the afternoon. Refreshments will be served.
The free event will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Activities start in the 2-N building atrium before moving outside to the time capsule dedication and softball game in the athletic fields.
The community, including former students and retired faculty and staff, are invited to the celebration. For information, contact Betsy Hardy at [email protected] or Rebecca Rakoczy at [email protected].