Janet Barron is an active GPC retiree and contributor. (Photo by Bill Roa)

Janet Barron worked at Georgia Perimeter College for 30 years, and during that time the former associate director of recruitment convinced hundreds of students to attend the institution. Yet, something bothered her: so many students struggled to afford an education.

“When I recruited students, I convinced them of the value of Georgia Perimeter College, but many never seemed to have money to buy books, even with scholarship money and financial aid,” Barron says. “I vowed to do my part to help them in any way possible.”

As an employee, Barron participated in the Faculty/Staff Campaign for many years, contributing regularly to the Georgia Perimeter College Foundation. Three years ago, she created the Janet Barron Book Scholarship, which gives a new or incoming freshman who demonstrates a financial need $500 per academic year for books. The recipient must be willing to serve as a Georgia Perimeter College Presidential Ambassador and participate in community service activities. Barron is also an active member of the GPC Retiree Association and helps raise funds for scholarships through that organization.

“I have a personal bond with GPC because I was there for so long as an employee,” Barron says. “Being a member of the retiree association keeps me connected to people I worked with and the current administration. And being a member reminds me that part of our mission is to give back to the organization that was so much a part of my life for so many years.”

Giving to the college doesn’t just help students, Barron says. It also helps her. “I find it fulfilling to give back because there is a definite need there,” she says. “The whole GPC family can play a critical role in helping students. I encourage them to come on board if they haven’t already.”