Dear UGA Alumni Family,

As we wrap up the 2024–2025 fiscal year, I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together. It’s been a memorable year filled with moments that brought us closer and deepened our impact.

We kicked off the fall with our largest Homecoming tailgate yet, where thousands of Bulldogs reconnected and celebrated. Special thanks to Red Bull and the Tailgate Kings for making it a standout event.

Soon after, we partnered with the UGA Office of Undergraduate Admissions for an early admitted student reception, welcoming future Bulldogs and sharing the spirit of our alumni network.

In January, we supported the GAAME Mentoring Dinner, where students connected with mentors for an evening of inspiration. That same momentum carried into February with the 25th anniversary of the Mary Frances Early Lecture, followed by our visit to Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary to read and donate books in honor of MLK Day. Later that month, the Holmes-Hunter Lecture featured keynote speaker and UGA alumnus Artis Stevens (AB ’97), CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. His return to campus, alongside the Holmes family, Mrs. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, and his brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was incredibly powerful.

In the spring, we co-hosted another admitted student reception and supported the Rite of Sankofa graduation, celebrating the achievements of UGA graduates, where the inaugural president of the Black Alumni Leadership Council, Dominique Holloman (AB ’01, BS ’01, MED ’04, JD ’04), served as the dynamic keynote speaker.

We closed the year with the 1961 Club Celebration at the Georgia Museum of Art, where we honored Dr. Michael V. Smith (BSA ’79) as the 2025 UGA Footsteps Award recipient and celebrated surpassing the $1 million milestone for the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund.

It’s been a privilege to serve as president of the UGA Black Alumni Leadership Council. I’ve loved leading this dedicated group and will always stay involved. I’m excited to see Shirleyse Haley take this work even further.

Thank you for your continued support. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to join the 1961 Club and help us keep building a strong future for UGA students.

Go Dawgs,

Rodd Cargill (BBA ’10)

Immediate Past President, Black Alumni Leadership Council