Dear UGA Alumni Family,

We have had an incredible start to 2025, filled with meaningful events that celebrate our history, honor our trailblazers and support the next generation of leaders.

This year, we proudly celebrated the 64th anniversary of desegregation at UGA, recognizing those who paved the way for progress. As a council, we visited Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary School in East Point, GA to read to students and donate books in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a rewarding reminder of the power of education and mentorship.

On January 31, we supported the G.A.A.M.E. Mentoring Dinner, where hundreds of students connected with UGA mentors who continue to inspire and uplift future leaders. We are proud to see this event grow each year and to play a role in its success.

The Mary Frances Early Lecture on February 4 was another powerful event. As the first African-American to earn a graduate degree from UGA, Ms. Early shared her wisdom and experiences, leaving us all inspired. To mark the 25th anniversary of the lecture series, UGA alumnae Valerie White and Tracey Ford, joined Ms. Early on stage and retold stories of the lecture’s evolution. The Holmes-Hunter Lecture on February 18 was especially impactful, featuring keynote speaker and distinguished alumnus Artis Stevens, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Joined by his brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., as well as members of the Holmes family and Mrs. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, he returned to campus to reflect on their enduring legacies.

Looking ahead, we are excited for the upcoming 1961 Club Celebration, where we will celebrate our generous supporters and our incredible achievement of exceeding the $1,000,000 donation goal. We look forward to sharing more details soon!

Be sure to check out this newsletter to hear from one of our very own Black Alumni Scholarship recipients, a testament to the impact of your continued support.

Thank you for being part of this amazing community. Wishing you all a fantastic year ahead.

Go Dawgs!

Rodd Cargill (BBA ’10)

President, Black Alumni Leadership Council