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Cadets raise $32K for suicide interventions

February 1, 2023

The �鶹��Ƶ Corps of Cadets raised more than $32,000 for Armed Forces Mission's suicide intervention efforts through the Courageous Challenge pushup competition.

Article By: Clark Leonard

The University of North Georgia (�鶹��Ƶ) Corps of Cadets raised more than $32,000 for Armed Forces Mission's suicide intervention efforts through the pushup competition Sept. 17, shattering its goal of $25,000.

The cadets brought in $32,243 from 376 donors.

"The Courageous Challenge is another way cadets are showing service to others and campus leadership," retired Col. Joseph Matthews, �鶹��Ƶ commandant of cadets, said. "I am very proud of their amazing hard work and caring for others."

Alpha Company raised the most money with $8,268 and Charlie Company did the most pushups. Cadets raised money by asking for donations to support their participation in the event.

Armed Forces Mission, led by �鶹��Ƶ alumnus Lt. Col. Ken Koon, conducts suicide interventions and teaches first responders and military members to do the same. The Courageous Challenge also offered training to �鶹��Ƶ cadets to know how to help if a friend or loved one is considering suicide.

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Statement on concerns about textbook

Recently, questions have been raised about a passage in a course textbook. After fully reviewing the concern, we want to be clear: the reference in question was not describing Christians or Christianity. The passage refers to an extremist group that misuses Christian symbols to promote hate.

In today’s world, misunderstandings can travel quickly. But our foundation at the University of North Georgia remains steady. We respect people of all beliefs. We reject hate. And we are committed to preparing students to think critically, lead with integrity, and serve in communities across our state, nation, and world.

Education is not about avoiding difficult words or ideas — it is about teaching students to navigate them with context, discernment, and respect. The world is complex, and we are developing students to lead in both these times and what lies ahead. That is what this course, and this university, are about.

We also recognize that learning and scholarship sometimes touch on sensitive, complex, or controversial ideas. That is not a weakness of higher education — it is its strength. Our responsibility is to provide the context, freedom, and support that allow both students and faculty to engage with these ideas thoughtfully. Academic freedom allows us to remain true to our values: protecting freedoms, honoring all beliefs, rejecting hate in every form, and preparing leaders who can meet a complex world with courage and integrity.

While one line in a textbook can get lost in translation, our values have never wavered. For 152 years, the University of North Georgia remains committed to building leaders through debate, dialogue, and learning. That is who we are. And that is what we will continue to do.