Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Press will receive a 2008 Governor’s Award in the Humanities for its distinguished publishing program, which has enriched the humanities in Georgia. The press, nine Georgians from across the state and one other organization will be honored at the 23rd Governor’s Awards in the Humanities luncheon, which will take place at the Old Georgia Railroad Freight Depot in Atlanta on May 8.
Established in 1938, the press is marking 70 years of service to the state of Georgia and to readers beyond. Its books represent high standards of scholarship, editing and design. Additionally, the press has reintroduced masterworks of out-of-print fiction and non-fiction through the Brown Thrasher series. The press has been a partner to the Georgia Center for the Book, public libraries and other venues devoted to reading and discussion. It is also a partner in the development of the New Georgia Encyclopedia, the first state encyclopedia originally conceived as an online publication.
“The University of Georgia Press has worked tirelessly to uphold our history and heritage,” said Gov. Sonny Perdue. “I salute all the winners for their efforts to promote the humanities in Georgia.”
Recipients of the Governor’s Awards are nominated by the public, reviewed by a committee of the Georgia Humanities Council board and approved ultimately by the governor.
“These individuals and organizations build community, character and citizenship in our state through their efforts,” said Jamil S. Zainaldin, president of the Georgia Humanities Council.
The Georgia Humanities Council (www.georgiahumanities.org) serves the state of Georgia through its projects and grant programs. An independent nonprofit organization, the council receives funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the State of Georgia, foundations, corporations and individuals. The council believes the humanities are vital to the continued health and prosperity of society and it supports educational activities that help Georgians learn about their heritage and stories, thus preparing our state’s citizenry to make decisions for the future.
For more information on the University of Georgia Press, see http://www.ugapress.uga.edu/.
