Georgia Southern alumnus Anthony Waters, Bulloch County native and familiar name in the community, will serve as the community chair of the University’s 42nd annual community celebration of A Day for Southern on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

In 1982, Waters graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting, and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity as a student. Prior to serving as chair of A Day for Southern, Waters also served as a past member of the Georgia Southern University Foundation. Waters and his wife, Sally, have passed on their dedication to Georgia Southern to their children, Loy and Lee, who are currently students at the University.

"A Day For Southern is a prime example of the spirit of cooperative leadership that exists between Georgia Southern and Statesboro,” said Waters. “Sometimes the university leads and sometimes the local community leads, but together we are really going places!"

As co-owner of L.A. Waters Furniture Company, Waters operates 11 locations of the 81-year-old retail furniture business in Southeast Georgia. A leader in his industry, Waters has served as a past president and member of the Board of Directors for Georgia Home Furnishings Association and as past chairman and member of the Georgia Retail Association. He also led his company to receive the Georgia Home Furnishings Association Retailer of Year.

Through the years, Waters has been a leader in local civic, church and community activities. He is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Statesboro, a member of the Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce and a member of Statesboro First United Methodist Church.

A Day for Southern provides a day for the University and the community to recognize that “together we’re better.” Gifts to the campaign not only support the campus community, but also enhance the longstanding and positive impact Georgia Southern has made on the Statesboro and greater Bulloch County community. Forty-two years ago, a few volunteers from Statesboro and Bulloch County joined with university officials and built upon the then 66-year relationship between the college and community by participating in the very first A Day for Southern campaign.

“A Day for Southern is a wonderful occasion to showcase and celebrate the community’s commitment to our students,” said Salinda Arthur, vice president of University Advancement. “We are very grateful for community leaders like Anthony Waters who support the University’s role in providing exceptional opportunities for our students to learn, grow and succeed as future influencers in the world around us.”  

Funds raised not only help Georgia Southern enhance programs that attract and support research and scholarships, they also provide learning and cultural experiences through the University’s various outreach centers. Supporters of A Day for Southern are encouraged to give to the areas at the University for which they are most passionate, whether it is a scholarship fund, a college within the University, athletics or one of a variety of student programs and services. Financial gifts can be made through GeorgiaSouthern.edu/Foundation.