Georgia Southern University’s Center for Wildlife Education and the Lamar Q Ball Jr. Raptor Center received a donation of $10,000 to its Freedom Fund for Excellence from Gulfstream Aerospace. The gift honors Gulfstream’s Pres Henne, who is retiring from his position as senior vice president of programs, engineering and test. The money will be used to support the center’s ongoing wildlife education programs.

“We are extremely appreciative of Gulfstream’s support of Georgia Southern’s Wildlife Center,” said Steve Hein, the center’s director. “Georgia Southern’s Wildlife Center is one of the leading environmental education facilities in Georgia and is one of the most unique in the country. Gulfstream is not only recognized as the leader in its industry, but also in the community.”

At more than 17 acres in size, the center is the only such facility to be located in the middle of a major university campus and is home to three bald eagles: Freedom, Glory and its newest eagle, Franklin.

The Freedom Fund for Excellence was established in 2012 to make it possible for the center to operate in perpetuity with a legacy of positive influence on both young and old center learners. Funds from the endowment are used to support programming, facilities, staff and other expenses incurred in the operation of the center. Gulfstream’s donation to support the center and to honor Henne will be recognized on the Wildlife Center’s donor wall located at Freedom’s Courtyard.

“It’s an honor to contribute to the continued growth of the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center,” said Henne. “This center is one of the region’s true gems, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy wildlife encounters they otherwise couldn’t.”