Fountain City Classic: More Than a Game, A Legacy of Service and Opportunity

For Saundra Ellison, the Fountain City Classic represents far more than an annual football rivalry between Albany State University and Fort Valley State University. It is a celebration of history, tradition, educational opportunity and community pride.

As co-chair of the Fountain City Classic Committee and a proud Fort Valley State University alumna, Ellison has dedicated years of volunteer service to helping preserve and strengthen one of Columbus' most cherished traditions. In this interview, she reflects on her involvement, the Classic's economic and educational impact, and the importance of preparing the next generation to carry its legacy forward.

Q: What inspired you to become a volunteer member of the Fountain City Classic Committee, and what does being part of this longstanding community tradition mean to you personally?

Saundra Ellison: When I first moved to Columbus, one of the first things I did was become involved with my Fort Valley State University alumni chapter. When the Fountain City Classic was established, getting involved was a natural progression for me.

As president of the alumni chapter, I eventually became co-chair of the Fountain City Classic Committee. Being a Fort Valley State graduate, I have always believed that wherever our university is represented, we should be there supporting it and doing our part.

For me, the Classic is about more than football. It's about representing my alma mater with pride, honoring our traditions and making sure we continue to build on the foundation established by those who came before us.

Q: The Fountain City Classic is more than just a football game. How do you believe the Classic impacts the Columbus community, particularly through its scholarship programs, educational opportunities and economic contributions?

Saundra Ellison: First and foremost, the Fountain City Classic has a tremendous economic impact on Columbus. When people travel here for the game and the surrounding activities, they come prepared to spend money. They stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores and enjoy everything Columbus has to offer. That generates significant revenue for our community.

But what makes the Classic especially meaningful is what we give back through education.

Our scholarship programs provide opportunities for students to further their education, and that is something we take great pride in.

We offer two scholarship opportunities. One is a community scholarship available to eligible students attending colleges and universities beyond the two schools participating in the Classic. The other is specifically for students planning to attend Albany State University or Fort Valley State University.

Following the Classic, students can go online to review the scholarship opportunities and determine which programs they qualify for.

That's what makes this event so special. We are not just bringing people together for a football game. We are investing in young people, supporting higher education and helping students pursue opportunities that can change their lives.

Q: As a volunteer who helps make the Fountain City Classic successful each year, what do you hope future generations will remember about the Classic, and what would you say to encourage others to volunteer and help carry on its legacy?

Saundra Ellison: More than anything, I want future generations to understand that the Fountain City Classic is part of our history. It is a tradition that belongs to this community, and its future depends on people who believe in it enough to work to preserve it.

We cannot take for granted that the Classic will always be here. It will only continue if people are willing to support it, work for it and help move it forward.

It's not enough to simply say, "I'm going to the game." There is so much work that takes place behind the scenes that people never see. Planning and executing an event of this magnitude requires dedicated volunteers who are willing to give their time, share their talents and do whatever is necessary to make it successful.

We need people who are passionate about representing their schools, but we also need individuals who simply believe in the mission and want to contribute.

Fortunately, under Mr. Snyder's leadership, we have been intentional about bringing together a broad and diverse group of people who not only have the desire to serve but also possess the skills and talents necessary to get the job done.

My hope is that younger generations will recognize the importance of what has been built here and understand that they have a responsibility to help sustain it.

The Fountain City Classic is our history, but its future will depend on those willing to step forward and become part of that history.

For Ellison, the message is clear: The Fountain City Classic's greatest legacy will not be measured solely by victories on the football field or the crowds in the stands, but by the educational opportunities it creates, the community it strengthens and the generations of volunteers who ensure that its tradition continues.