Dear Alumni Family,

Fall is here! The leaves have started turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, there is a crisp cool breeze outside and pumpkin spice season is in full effect. But aside from the pumpkin-spiced lattes and the return of football, what makes this time of year truly special is the exciting tradition of homecoming. A time where we come together to celebrate, reconnect with old friends, and create new memories.

The UGA Black Alumni homecoming experience is our version of a family reunion. It’s a time of celebration, reflection, and expression of pride for our alma mater and the trailblazers that came before us. It’s an honor to congregate on the historic Myers Quad, the grounds where Charlayne Hunter-Gault (ABJ ’63) and Mary Frances Early (MMED ’62, EDS ’67) lived during their time at UGA. They, alongside Hamilton Holmes (BS ’63), paved the way for thousands of students to attend UGA. It’s a special and sacred occasion to honor the past while also celebrating the impact and accomplishments of all Black alumni.

We cannot wait to get together with you all on November 4 at the UGA Black Alumni Homecoming Tailgate. Thank you to everyone who supported the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund by purchasing a homecoming box and/or T-shirt. In 48 hours, we raised over $30,000! Thanks to your support we are well on our way to reaching our $1 million goal this year—with less than $240,000 to go. We look forward to seeing your reactions when you open your boxes!

Can’t make it to Myers Quad this year? Join fellow bulldogs at a chapter game-watching party in your city. And make sure you show your Bulldog pride by wearing your Black alumni T-shirt.

This season is a reminder that change can be beautiful and homecoming is about more than just returning to a place—it’s about coming back to the people and memories that shaped us. A special community of Black alumni Bulldog faithful we refer to as “the family we choose.”

Thank you for your continued support! We hope to see you all this weekend.

Go Dawgs!

Shayla Hill (BBA ’08)

President, Black Alumni Leadership Council