Dawgs in Wyoming: Recreating Saturdays in Athens in the West

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UGA Alumni Chapters across the country prove that no matter where you are, you never have to bark alone. 

The vast support of the UGA community manifested itself for Brad Flynt (BBA ’05, MBA ’12, JD ’12) during his move from Atlanta to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 2017. While house-hunting, Flynt was surprised to see a UGA pillow featured in the pictures on the listing of his future home. Little did he know that small UGA connection would spark a years-long, community-wide tradition in a small ski town 1,600 miles away from Athens. 

That UGA pillow (and home) belonged to Mark “Fish” Fishman (AB ’89). The two alumni quickly connected over a shared love for Georgia and, in 2017, decided to start an alumni chapter of their own. 

With upwards of 60+ people in attendance at their game-watching parties, the Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter has made a significant impact by bringing more red and black spirit out West. 

“Part of the panache of this particular chapter is that we’re like an oasis,” said Fish Fishman, co-founder of the chapter.

Jackson Hole Wyoming Alumni Chapter game-watching party celebration.

Game-watching party attendees celebrate the Dawgs.

Flynt and Fishman work hard to curate a game-watching atmosphere that makes Dawg fans feel like they are back at home Between the Hedges.

In fact, every year the pair drives two hours to the nearest Chick-Fil-A in Idaho Falls, Idaho to bring a true taste of Georgia to their first party of the season.

However, the Bulldog magic doesn’t just stop after the season opener. The founders make sure to keep tradition alive all the way in Wyoming. Fishman’s daughter, Mia Fishman ’26, created homemade turnover spikes to amp up the chapter’s game celebrations.

co-founder of UGA Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter and his daughter show off their homemade, golden UGA turnover spikes.

Fishman and his daughter show off their homemade turnover spikes.

The Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter also honors some of UGA’s most fierce rivalries in unique ways. This year for the Georgia vs. Florida game, Fishman imported 30 pounds of alligator meat to make gator balls for attendees to snack on while watching the iconic matchup. 

“We joke that it’s the closest thing you could be to Sanford Stadium in Wyoming,” said Brad Flynt, president of the chapter. 

The abundance of Bulldog spirit brings local alumni closer to home, especially if they are new to town. The Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter’s game-watching parties have become a go-to event for UGA alumni to connect with new people after making the move from Athens to Wyoming. The founders even say they introduce all new faces to the usual crowd, ensuring that everyone supporting the Dawgs is welcomed by those around them. 

The Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter’s game-watching parties also attract a crowd far beyond UGA alumni and fans. Fans from across the Southeast attend these events to be surrounded by SEC spirit. Flynt and Fishman have even transformed Wyoming natives into full-fledged Georgia fans, as the watch parties have become a popular Saturday activity for local families. 

“Kids our sons’ age that are not Georgia fans, end up becoming Georgia fans because they like the whole experience of being there and seeing a bunch of grown people barking,” said Flynt. 

Children decked out in red and black smile while attending a Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter game-watching party.

Children of attendees enjoy the fun of a game-watching party.

Connecting people and building a community around the beloved Bulldogs is Flynt and Fishman’s ultimate goal for their chapter. They live by the saying “Dawgs helping Dawgs,” which they make sure spans past the Georgia Bulldogs on their email list. 

To help support different kinds of dogs (and cats), the Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter makes and sells custom merchandise at their game-watching parties and sends the proceeds to local initiatives, many of which support animals in need.

An array of custom t-shirts made by the Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter hangs on a wall.

The chapter’s custom t-shirts for sale at a game-watching party.

Through celebrating the growing UGA family in Jackson Hole, the chapter’s game-watching parties have become a true celebration of Bulldog spirit. 

Interested in finding Bulldog connections in your area?

Find Your Alumni Chapter

UGA Career Caravan takes students to Norfolk Southern and Microsoft

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The University of Georgia Career Center provides students with invaluable opportunities to explore diverse career paths. On November 7, the Career Center organized a “Career Caravan” to the Atlanta headquarters of two industry-leading companies: Norfolk Southern and Microsoft. This immersive experience aimed to give UGA students firsthand connectivity to recruiters and UGA alumni.

At Norfolk Southern, participants were provided with a closer look at the significant role railroad operations play in the state and national supply chain, as well as the logistical undertakings and technological innovations necessary to maintain and operate such a vast network. The day featured a tour of the Atlanta headquarters, showcasing the Network Operations Center which manages rail activity around the country. A panel of UGA alumni from various parts of the company shared their personal journeys and offered insights into their career paths, expectations and advancement opportunities.
UGA Career Caravan students at Norfolk Southern
At Microsoft, students engaged in a networking lunch that facilitated connections with Microsoft representatives, many of whom were UGA alumni, and provided high-level industry insights including Microsoft’s position in the artificial intelligence space. These alumni addressed student questions, offering firsthand perspectives on their professional journeys and industry expectations. The visit concluded with a tour of Microsoft’s Atlantic Station campus, highlighting its various maker spaces and host sites of university hackathons and coding competitions.

The Career Caravan exemplifies the UGA Career Center’s commitment to equipping students with the tools and experiences necessary for successful career journeys.

“While we regularly welcome employers to Athens, it’s just as important for our students to step into these workplaces themselves, to get a feel for the environment and connect with our alumni and their colleagues on their own turf,” said Will Lewis, Associate Director of Employer Relations & Communications of the UGA Career Center. “Getting our students in front of companies like Norfolk Southern and Microsoft gives them a real feel for company culture, hiring practices, and possible career paths. It’s the kind of hands-on exposure that really bridges the gap between what they learn in class and what it’s like to work in the real world.”

The Career Caravan exemplifies the UGA Career Center’s commitment to equipping students with the tools and experiences necessary for successful career journeys. Other recent Career Caravan corporate site visits have included Delta Air Lines, IHG Hotels & Resorts, the Atlanta Braves, Google-Midtown, Boston Scientific and Insight Global.

“Building and maintaining partnerships is mutually beneficial, enabling us to support students while giving companies a direct connection to UGA’s exceptional talent,” said Holly Getchell, Director of Employer Relations at the UGA Career Center. “We’re grateful to have partners like Norfolk Southern and Microsoft who help us elevate the student experience and foster professional growth.”

Host a UGA Career Caravan

Career Caravans take place every semester. Companies interested in hosting UGA students for a future Career Caravan should contact Will Lewis at wal24@uga.edu.

Dawgs on the Coast: Bringing Athens to the Sunshine State

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The red and black spirit of Bulldog Nation stretches far beyond the hedges in Sanford Stadium, reaching the coastal waters of the Florida panhandle. 

No matter where you are located in the Sunshine State, the UGA Emerald Coast Alumni Chapter welcomes all alumni — current and future — to cheer on the Dawgs.

The UGA Emerald Coast Chapter established its presence well over a decade ago and has since continued to serve as a central hub for those living in Bay and Walton counties, as well as their surrounding communities. From across the panhandle, alumni gather at the Old Florida Fish House under a palm tree canopy near a sparkling coastal dune lake.

A table at the Old Florida Fish House featuring game day accessories.

With a venue that is able to host over 300 people, the game day experience is always elevated. In fact, the chapter held the most well-attended game-watching parties among all participating UGA alumni groups during the 2024 football season, drawing a total of 2,582 Dawgs fans across 14 events.

Outside of game-watching parties, the Emerald Coast Chapter enjoys highlighting alumni work in the surrounding community. In 2024, in collaboration with the Lamar Dodd School of Art, the chapter hosted a gallery night at Jonah Allen Gallery, named after a UGA alum and artist. The evening mixer was just one of the ways the chapter continues to engage with the community and connect alumni in the area.

Family and friends gathered at a game-watching party at the Old Florida Fish House.

The chapter is only continuing to grow, thanks in part to a growing Bulldog Nation. They are hoping to continue engaging with more younger alumni in the area. Chapter leaders DJ Burnham (BBA ’21), Steve Hicks (BBA ’85) and Pete Foley (ABJ ’79) utilize their photo and social media skills to encapsulate the game-watching party experience.


“The Emerald Coast Chapter truly excels at creating a warm, family-like atmosphere that makes alumni, fans, and friends feel right at home,” DJ Burnham said. “From calling the Dawgs to sponsor giveaways and the classic ‘victory cannon’, they do an incredible job of bringing everyone together and making each game day unforgettable.”

 

The Emerald Coast Chapter game-watching party during UGA vs. Texas in 2024.

In the future, the chapter hopes to expand its game-watching parties to 3-5 venues by the start of the 2026 season. Austin Bentley (AB ’17, MS ’22), the chapter president, and other leaders are exploring more options to reach more Dawgs through the watch parties and other events.

With their community engagement, expanding social media presence and the inviting atmosphere at the Old Fish House, the Emerald Coast feels a little more like a home away from home when Saturday rolls around.

Interested in finding Bulldog connections in your area?

Find Your Alumni Chapter