GAINESVILLE — Brenau University on Thursday awarded Dixie Ramsey for her lifetime of service to the university and Regions Financial Corp. for ongoing leadership in supporting Brenau and other community organizations.

Brenau President Ed Schrader presented both awards Thursday night at a Chattahoochee Country Club dinner honoring close to 200 financial supporters who contributed at least $1,000 to the university’s annual fund or other programs.

Ramsey received the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award, named for a 19th century Southern humanitarian who assisted prisoners during the Civil War and in its aftermath worked aggressively for reconciliation between the states.

Ramsey was honored for her behind-the-scenes work for more than half a century for Brenau and other charitable causes.

Giving the award was special for Schrader because many of the people Ramsey has helped are unaware of her support, he said.

"She does not wait to be asked, and she does not expect to be thanked. But tonight we are thanking her for all she has done," he said.

Also, the university presented Regions Financial Corp. with its Distinguished Service to Brenau award. This marks the first time the award, which usually goes to individuals, has been given to a business.

Brenau cited Regions for its prominent role not only in recognizing the intellectual, cultural and social significance of the university in the community, but also for its economic importance to the region.

Schrader presented the award to Ray McRae, retired president of First National Bank of Gainesville, and to the bank’s regional Chief Executive Officer Peter "Pete" Miller, who is chairman of the university board of trustees.