Twenty Years of HOPE and The Georgia Lottery, Thanks to Zell

Former governor and current U.S. senator Zell Miller makes a rare appearance to the University of Georgia’s appropriately named Zell B. Miller Learning Center to commemorate the state scholarship’s 20th anniversary.

“Two and a quarter million dollars has to be raised a day to fund H.O.PE. and Pre-K,” Miller said.  “Thank you all for being here. There are so many of you here.  Lord knows, I don’t know what to say to you anymore. [My former staff] I love you so much and I appreciate you taking the time.”

The presentation celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Georgia Lottery Corporation, which funds the H.O.P.E. scholarship program, and the satte Pre-K program. One and two-third million students statewide and 25,000 students in Athens-Clarke County have benefitted from the scholarship program, according to Debbie. D. Alford, the president and CEO of the Georgia Lottery Corporation.

“As president of the Georgia Lottery Corporation, I am going to make this promise to you; that this organization’s support of these programs is as strong today as it’s ever been.” Alford said.

As a key player in upholding the H.O.P.E program, Gov. Nathan Deal also spoke at the reception. As a tribute to the senator, Deal proclaimed June 26, 2013 as Zell Miller Day.

“This is a great day for the state of Georgia,” Deal said.  “It is a great day for education in our state. It is a celebration of an idea that was born in the mind of our former governor Zell Miller and I am so pleased that he is able to be with us today. This is a tribute to him.”

Deal presented Miller with a glass diploma and certificate proclaiming the honorary holiday.

Among the speakers, new president-elect Jere Morehead thanked both governors for their service to higher education.

“Governor Miller gave us hope and Governor Deal helped keep hope alive,” Morehead said.

Attendees of the ceremony also included, Bobby Cagle, Commissioner of the Bright Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, Tracy Ireland, president of the Georgia Student Finance Commission, and Deep Shah, a HOPE scholarship recipient. Each speaker expressed gratitude to both governors.

“As a state we are indebted to you [Gov. Zell and Gov. Deal]. We’re indebted to you for your vision that you set out for the educational program and for having the backbone and the leadership to stand up and say that it was time to make the changes.”

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