Alumnus John McGee creates Golden Eagle Graduate Scholarship Endowment at APSU
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University alumnus John McGee recently contributed more than $50,000 in gold coins to the APSU Foundation to establish the Golden Eagle Graduate Scholarship Endowment to benefit APSU students. McGee made the gift to commemorate his “Golden Graduate Year,” which is the 50-year anniversary of his graduation from Austin Peay in 1969. He later made an additional gift, bringing his donation total to more than $60,000.
“I just want to give back,” McGee said. “Austin Peay treated me kindly. It gave me the background I needed to be successful.”
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be pursuing a master’s degree in business from Austin Peay. Applicants must write a policy analysis paper of three to five pages discussing the impact that political policy has on the economy of a specific region of the United States, the state of Tennessee or the country as a whole. The purpose of the paper is to foster critical thinking and analysis at a graduate level. Any political opinions expressed in the paper submissions will not affect the review process or students’ candidacy for the scholarship. Recipients must maintain a graduate GPA of 3.0. The scholarship is non-renewable and will be awarded beginning in the fall of 2020.
McGee is originally from Hopkinsville, Kentucky. After high school, he entered the military and served three years on active duty, two years on active reserve and one year on inactive reserve. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Austin Peay, and went on to have a vibrant career in business. During his corporate career, he provided a number of APSU graduates from the President’s Emerging Leaders Program with career opportunities.
Over the years, McGee has attended many Governors sports games and has served as a member of the APSU National Alumni Association Board. He and his wife, Janet, have contributed to many academic and athletic initiatives for the University. The McGees currently live in the Dallas, Texas, area near their two daughters and two grandsons.
Endowments are permanently restricted funds managed by the Austin Peay State University Foundation. The amount of each scholarship award may vary and will be determined based upon the value of the endowment and the Foundation spending plan.
To support APSU fundraising initiatives, contact the Office of University Advancement at 931-221-7127.
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