Bulldogs Abroad: Building Community Across the Pond

Bulldog Nation knows no borders. From the heart of campus in the Classic City all the way across the pond to London, our alumni chapters bring the red and black spirit to Bulldog around the world.  

The UGA London Alumni Chapter brings hundreds of alumni and friends an ocean away from campus for one common purpose: to cheer on the Dawgs. No matter how far away you are from Athens, there’s always a way to connect with other Bulldog alumni. 

Together, the London Chapter collaborates with staff in Athens to host game-watching parties for alumni, friends and fans to cheer on the Dawgs and make it feel like home.  

“There’s an unmistakable energy in the room when everyone is cheering on the Dawgs together, halfway across the world from Sanford Stadium.” Drew Bacon (AB ’08), president of the London Chapter, said. 

The first step is trying to find a venue that is willing to cater to American football fans, particularly since it’s not the most popular sporting event to watch in England.  

Most importantly, the biggest factor to consider in all of this planning: time. London is five hours ahead of Athens, meaning the 7:30 p.m. night game experience that many Bulldogs love, is past midnight in London. 

However, this doesn’t discourage London Dawgs from getting together to watch other games. In fact, for the Oct. 18 game against Ole Miss, UGA’s London Chapter and Ole Miss’ London Chapter came together for a joint watch party that over 150 number of people attended. 

“There’s nothing quite like hearing a full crowd in central London call the Dawgs!” Bacon said. “It’s a little piece of Athens right here in the UK.” 

Not only does this chapter bring together alumni, it also supports current students that are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience. The London Chapter Experiential Learning Scholarship, created by the London Chapter, is housed within UGA’s Office of Global Engagement and was designed to provide financial support for students studying abroad in the UK. The London Chapter also works with the office and the Oxford Study Abroad program to support students going across the pond for study away experiences.

The London Chapter is only continuing to grow, thanks to the Bulldog network that stretches far beyond Athens. They are hoping to continue to engage alumni in the area, grow the partnership and find different ways to connect with current UGA students that are studying abroad in the area or just visiting. 

“Whether they’re a transplant, a study abroad student, or an alumni visiting Europe, I hope that’s how everyone feels after they mix and mingle with the London Dawgs community,” Macy Sirman Holmes (ABJ ’13), vice president of the London Chapter said. “Full, happy, and like they’ve found a piece of home on this side of the pond.”  

Interested in connecting with fellow Bulldogs in your area?