Alumna Spotlight: Sara Alread (BFA ’09)

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Sara Alread (BFA ’09) of Saint Simons Island, Georgia successfully launched her business, Little River Designs, in April 2013. The web-based business features rustic hand-crafted, wooden designs for the Southern home. Litter River Designs is a family business in every sense of the word. Sara’s father is a carpenter, while her mother and sister serve as constant inspirations for new designs. The idea to create Little River Designs came in the form of a new family member.

Sara shares how Litter River Designs got its name, “On November 30, 2011, my nephew, River, was born. He became our inspiration and official mascot. We were already making signs, planning weddings and building furniture for ourselves when friends became interested in what we were creating. Soon after River was born, Little River Designs began.”

Little River Designs centers around a timeless family tradition: tracking grandchildrens’ growth-spurts on the wall at grandma’s house. Little River Designs’ most popular item is the wooden Grow Chart Rulers.

      Grow Chart Rulers by Litter River Designs

Today, Little River Designs continues to develop its online business and clientele. A recent expansion includes a line of wedding signs and the personalization of all Litter River Design products. As Sara and her team grow the Little River Designs line, they have gained the attention of a few big crafting and design websites. The business has been featured on SwissMiss, Sweet Peach, 100 Layer Cake, Rustic Wedding Chic, Golden Isles Magazine, and in the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

To learn more about Sara and Little River Designs, check out the website and Facebook page.

Sisters Rethink “Something Borrowed”

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Borrowing MagnoliasSisters Ashley Steele (ABJ ’06), of Charlottesville, Virginia., and Cali Brutz (AB ’08), of Athens, Georgia., own and operate two businesses that are modernizing the wedding industry. Steele and Brutz began working together in 2008 at the ages of 24 and 22, respectively. At the time, Steele was planning her own wedding and Brutz was a photographer. During the wedding planning process, the pair identified a number of issues that arise for the soon-to-be brides. Looking to solve those issues sparked several entrepreneurial projects.

The duo’s latest venture, Borrowing Magnolia, uses a concept similar to that of Rent the Runway and Warby Parker in that brides will be able to rent wedding dresses for their big day directly from Borrowing Magnolia. The dresses available for rental will be provided by former brides who are interested in earning extra cash by lending their gown to another individual. Borrowing Magnolia ensures that the dresses are in good quality by limiting each dress to three rentals annually and five total. Sizes range from 0 to 24 and alterations are available as long as the changes are reversible

Borrowing Magnolia lives to serve the bride. The sisters ensure the brides-to-be that, “Borrowing Magnolia is committed to helping you find your dream gown, the way the modern bride does the dress. We make it easy for you to buy or borrow a designer gorgeous gown at a fraction of the retail cost, while still having a white-glove personalized boutique experience from start-to-finish. Look fabulous in your dream dress, save some cash, go green, and focus on what really matters on your wedding day. That’s what we’re all about.”

The sisters have obviously been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and show no signs of stopping. This year, Borrowing Magnolia is expected to have over 800 dresses in their collection by the end of the year; the business was featured in the New York Times’ Style Section; and reality show producers are in talks of covering their business endeavors.

Congratulation to Ashley and Cali on their stellar sucess and best wishes as they continue to help women live their dream weddings.

Amazing Student: Sarah Huber ’15

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From the moment she stepped foot on the campus, Sarah Huber could tell that UGA was the perfect place for her. Nearly four years later, the future dentist calls the journey an “extraordinary experience.”

Throughout my four years at UGA, I have experienced significant development in my character and drastic change in my approach to life. I entered college with an outlook that was enthusiastic, yet full of uncertainty in my surroundings and in my hopes for the future. Today, my recent acceptance to dental school and each of the incredible relationships I have formed at UGA serve as reminders of the extraordinary experience that this university has provided me over these past four years.

Read more about Sarah’s incredible four years at UGA.

Griffin-Spalding County is UGA’s 12th Archway Partnership community

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Griffin-Spalding County is the University of Georgia’s newest Archway Partnership community, bringing to 12 the number of counties across Georgia to participate in the unique community development initiative.

“Griffin-Spalding County has progressive visionary leadership, a key ingredient to a successful Archway program,” said Mel Garber, director of Archway, a unit of the Office of Public Service and Outreach. “I commend community leaders for their unified effort.”

Founded in 2005, the Archway Partnership builds on UGA’s land-grant mission by taking a grassroots approach to address community and economic development needs, as identified by that community. Community leaders in Griffin-Spalding County have demonstrated a commitment to working together on community needs and the partnership with UGA will enhance those efforts, said Garber.

“The Archway Partnership represents the culmination of a community initiative undertaken as far back as 2008, to identify an efficient means of bringing our elected officials and their constituency groups together for the purpose of collaborative strategic planning, and the development of solutions to community challenges,” said Chuck Copeland (AB ’83), a Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce volunteer.

Representatives from Griffin-Spalding County take place in the Archway Partnership MOU signing. From left to right, front row, James Westbury (BBA ’64), Rita Johnson, Doug Hollberg; back row, Chuck Copeland (AB ’83), Regent Tommy Hopkins (M ’79), Stephanie Windham and Angel Jackson.

In the Archway Partnership, the community drives the priority-need process through an executive committee made up of local citizens and community leaders. An Archway professional, based in that community, identifies resources at UGA, as well as other institutions, that can be tapped to address those needs. Since the program began in 2005, more than 850 UGA students and 158 UGA faculty members, and 25 non-UGA faculty members have engaged in an Archway Partnership project.

As the Griffin-Spalding County Archway Partnership becomes established, residents will have opportunities to participate in listening sessions and town hall meetings during which the community’s most critical needs will be identified.

“I am pleased that Griffin-Spalding County will be the next Archway Partnership community,” said Jennifer Frum (PHD ’09), vice president for public service and outreach. “We are excited about strengthening the ties between UGA and Griffin-Spalding and partnering with the community to help it grow and prosper.”

For additional information about the Archway Partnership, see www.archwaypartnership.uga.edu.

Alumni Spotlight: Tituss Burgess (AB ’01)

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Titus BurgessAthens native and UGA alumnus Tituss Burgess (AB ’01) has found his way to the Netflix stage.

As a student at Athens’ Cedar Shoals High School, Burgess aggresively pursued his passion for theater. After graduating from UGA with a Bachelor of Arts in music, Burgess headed to New York City where Broadway welcomed him with open arms. He made his Broadway debut in the musical Good Vibrations as Eddie in 2005, and appeared in Jersey Boys in 2005 as Hal Miller. He originated the role of “Sebastian the Crab” in the musical The Little Mermaid in 2007 and went on to play Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the revival of Guys and Dolls in 2009.

Burgess soon found his niche in television acting, as well. Since 2009, he has guest starred in several TV series, including The Battery’s Down, A Gifted Man, Blue Bloods, 30 Rock and Royal Pains. 

While these minor roles made a major impact on Burgess’ career, Netflix has the potential to now launch him into super stardom. Over the last several years, Netflix has caught the attention of millennials and serial TV watchers with its popular web-released TV series, such as Orange is the New Black and House of Cards. Netflix’s success is sure to continue with Burgess’ newest project, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, starring The Office’s Ellie Kemper.

The series is the work of comedienne and writer Tina Fey. Tituss Burgess will play Titus, Kimmy’s roommate, a talented singer who works as a robot in Times Square.

Scene from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is coming to Netflix next month. Watch the trailer now.

The UGA Alumni Association looks forward to seeing this talented alumnus on television screens this spring.

UGA unveils 2015 UGA Day Tour schedule

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The University of Georgia is once again hitting the road to bring the Bulldog spirit to alumni, friends and fans around the Southeast.
From April to July, UGA coaches and administrators will travel to seven cities, sharing their insights into UGA’s upcoming athletic seasons and the latest news from campus. Attendees will also learn more about local UGA Alumni Association chapters and how to become involved.
Each stop on the UGA Day Tour will bring delight to UGA fans of all ages – you won’t want to miss out on the action.
Registration for each stop on the tour will open in March at www.alumni.uga.edu/ugaday.
If you are interested in serving as a sponsor for UGA Day, click here for more information.
See you on the tour – Go Dawgs!

UGA names new DC facility in recognition of $5 million grant from Delta Air Lines Foundation

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Exciting news for UGA in Washington was released today. The full announcement can be read on UGA Today.

The University of Georgia has received a commitment for a $5 million grant from the Delta Air Lines Foundation to support UGA in Washington. In recognition of the gift, UGA will name the university’s new residential facility in Washington, D.C., Delta Hall. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia formally approved the naming at its meeting today.

Funding UGA in Washington has been a priority for UGA President Jere W. Morehead (JD ’80) and the UGA Foundation board of trustees as they seek to elevate the university to greater national stature. Delta’s gift also establishes a lecture series that will feature prominent speakers each year as well as five internships.

The new facility, which was purchased by the UGA Foundation in 2014, has undergone extensive renovations to transform the 20,000-square-foot space from a commercial office building to a residence hall and learning community. The renovated building provides living quarters, classroom and study space for UGA students and faculty who participate in UGA’s experiential learning programs in the nation’s capital. The facility is located on Massachusetts Avenue in the heart of Capitol Hill. The inaugural class of students moved into the house in January, and the dedication of Delta Hall is planned for February 26.

UGA has a long history of promoting and sponsoring internships in Washington, D.C. The Washington Semester Program and the Honors in Washington Program, along with several schools and colleges, have offered opportunities for students to intern and study in the nation’s capital for more than a decade.

UGA unveils 2015 Bulldog 100 rankings; Kabbage Inc. tops list

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On February 7, the UGA Alumni Association recognized the 100 fastest-growing companies owned or operated by UGA alumni at the sixth annual Bulldog 100 Celebration.

The 2015 fastest-growing business was Kabbage Inc., an Atlanta-based firm co-founded by 1995 UGA graduate Marc Gorlin. Kabbage pioneered the first financial services data and technology platform to provide small businesses with financing. The company uses data, such as shipping history, business volume, and social media activity to extend short-term cash advances to small- and medium-sizes businesses online. Since Kabbage was founded in 2009, it has raised more than $100 million in venture capital. It offers more than $3 million in loans each day and employs more than 80 individuals and serves more than 20,000 customers. Gorlin is the first Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication graduate to lead the fastest-growing business since the Bulldog 100 program began in 2010.

Left to right: Executive Director of Alumni Relations Meredith G. Johnson (BSFCS ’00), Marc Gorlin (ABJ ’95) and UGA Alumni Association President Tim Keadle (BBA ’78)

“Journalists are natural storytellers,” Gorlin said. “I credit Grady with a lot of my early abilities to communicate and tell stories. When you are starting a company—whether it’s an accounting firm, a pool-cleaning business, a digital agency or a financial services firm—you’re telling a story to your customers; you’re solving a problem for them. The more effectively you tell that story, the better you’re going to do.”

This year’s Bulldog 100 top ten was dominated by Georgia-based businesses:

1. Kabbage Inc., Atlanta
2. Onward Reserve, Atlanta
3. Kevin Aycock Homes, Atlanta
4. The Ansley Group, Atlanta
5. Agora, Athens
6. Palmer & Cay LLC, Atlanta
7. EvoShield, Athens
8. One Love Organics Inc., St. Simons Island
9. Social Empowerment Center, Lawrenceville
10. Networked Insights, Chicago

Visit www.alumni.uga.edu/b100 to view the complete ranked list.

Nominations for the 2016 Bulldog 100 are open until Monday, June 1.

2015 Bulldog 100 Celebration is tomorrow

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Tomorrow, the UGA Alumni Association and the UGA community will gather at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis to honor and celebrate the 100 fastest-growing Bulldog businesses.

The 2015 Bulldog 100 includes businesses of all sizes and from industries such as landscape design, marketing and orthodontics. Several areas of the country are represented, including companies from as far north as Chicago and as far west as Texas. Of the 100 businesses, 88 are located within the state of Georgia. The Atlanta office of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors verified the information submitted by each company and ranked the businesses based on a compounded annual growth rate during a three-year period.

The 2104 No. 1 business was The Social Empowerment Center, owned by Shelly (MSW ’00) and her husband Edward Hutchinson (MED ’09).

The awards ceremony will feature a keynote address by Hala Moddelmog (MA ’81), the first female president and CEO of the Atlanta Metro Chamber. Moddelmog graduated from UGA in 1981 with a Master of Arts from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Prior to joining the Atlanta Metro Chamber, Moddelmog was president of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Church’s Chicken.

Following her remarks, members of the Student Alumni Council will lead the highlight of the evening-the release of the final rankings and countdown of the 2015 Bulldog 100.

“Each year, the caliber of the Bulldog 100 businesses illustrates the important role that UGA graduates play in their communities’ economic growth,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson, UGA’s executive director of alumni relations. “On campus, important work is being done to prepare students to become leading entrepreneurs. During the annual Bulldog 100 Celebration, I am proud to see the results of that rigorous academic environment.”

To review the alphabetical list of honorees and to learn more about the Bulldog 100, see www.alumni.uga.edu/b100.

Please visit the UGA Alumni Association Facebook page on Saturday evening to find out the No. 1 business.

UGA alumni named to Atlanta Magazine’s Best of Atlanta 2014

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Atlanta Magazine’s Best of Atlanta is self-described as Atlanta’s annual roundup of “everything spectacular, exceptional, riveting, entertaining, stylish, and delicious.” Several UGA alumni were named to the 2014 list as exceptional Atlanta businesses. Read on to learn more about these businesses and the outstanding individuals that run them.

Men’s Prep Shop: Onward Reserve

TJ Callaway (BBA ’07)

Founded in Athens in 2011, Onward Reserve, a men’s gifts, apparel and home goods retailer with an online store and locations in Athens, Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C, was cofounded by UGA alumnus and former 40 Under 40 honoree TJ Callaway (BBA ’07). Most recently, Onward Reserve was named to the Bulldog 100 Class of 2015. To learn more about Onward Reserve, click here.

Sommelier: Steven Grubbs

Steven Grubbs (AB ’00)

Steven Grubbs (AB ’00) is the man behind the excellent wine selections at Hugh Acheson’s Empire State South and Five & Ten restaurants. As wine director for both restaurants, Grubbs’ expertise is the reason why Five & Ten was a semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Service at the 2014 James Beard Foundation Awards.

All-Around Animal Health Care: Briarcliff Animal Clinic

Dr. Elizabeth Busch (BS ’01, DVM ’04) and Dr. Peter Muller (DVM ’84)

It’s comforting to know that the medical team that gives your kitten booster shots is also available if curiosity leads him into harm’s way. Briarcliff Animal Clinic, founded in 1958, operates three clinics and a 24-hour emergency hospital and offers specialty surgery services like laparoscopy and orthopedics. The team at Briarcliff Animal Clinic boasts an impressive list of UGA alumni:

  • Peter Muller (DVM ’84)
  • Elizabeth Busch (BS ’01, DVM ’04)
  • Sandy Hedge (DVM ’72)
  • Mandy Reeve (DVM ’79)
  • Andrea Powell (BSA ’03)
  • Shannon Turner (DVM ’08)
  • Clay Phillips (BSA ’07, DVM ’12)
  • Shannon Day (DVM ’13)
  • Siomara Acevedo (BSA ’03, DVM ’09)

To learn more about Briarcliff Animal Clinic, click here.