You may recognize CeeLo Green from his time on “The Voice” or his smash hit, “Forget You,” but the five-time Grammy Award-winning singer is now helping to raise funds for a local college.
Green serves as visiting professor and artist-in-residence for Paine College, which announced the kick-off of its 2023 annual capital campaign, “Growing Paine,” yesterday. The college’s goal is to raise $6 million in 60 days, funding that will be used for a variety of purposes, including improving student housing, renovating campus buildings, and buying new technology.
The college is currently asking for financial support from alumni, local businesses, and the community. One of Paine’s donors is Peach State Federal Credit Union, which in Dec. 2021, pledged to donate $60,000.
“Our credit union was founded by educators 60 years ago this year,” said Peach State President and CEO, Marshall Boutwell at the time the donation was announced. “We honor that foundation through our continued support of education throughout our service area.”
Founded in 1882 by the Methodist Church, Paine’s enrollment grew by 25 percent in fall 2022, and the college has a total estimated economic impact of $33 million on the CSRA.
“This moment in history is challenging, but we are resilient and determined to protect and preserve Paine’s 140-year legacy of educating Black scholars,” said the college’s President, Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones.
Green, who doesn’t receive a salary from the college, encourages the local community to support its fundraising efforts.
“With some muscle and some hustle, Paine College’s future is bright,” he said. “I believe in the mission, the vision, and the soul that lives here.”
For more information or to donate to the “Growing Paine” campaign, visit paine.edu/.
