Dear Alumni Family,

As we kick off 2024, and mark the 63rd anniversary of desegregation at UGA, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible accomplishments and contributions made by our Black alumni community over this past year.

Let’s start with the Homecoming Tailgate—a time was had! Y’all showed up and showed out, making this year’s event one of the biggest and best ever. Thank you to everyone who traveled to celebrate with us ‘on the Quad.’ We know how to come together, and our Homecoming was a testament to the spirit that connects us.

This year, we welcomed three new Black Alumni Scholarship recipients who are thriving in their first year on campus. They each underscored that the scholarship was pivotal in their decision to attend UGA because it helped fill the financial gap that the HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships do not cover. This is all possible because of the generosity of our 1961 Club donors.

The Black Alumni Scholarship Fund is more than just financial assistance; it is a beacon of hope, a symbol of empowerment, and a testament to the collective strength of our community. By supporting this initiative, we not only invest in the education of bright minds but also foster a legacy of excellence and resilience.

We have made remarkable strides in raising funds for the scholarship, but we need your support to reach our $1 million goal. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on the lives of deserving students, empowering them to pursue their dreams and make a lasting mark on the world. Make a gift today!

As we take a beat to soak in these achievements, let’s keep the momentum going. More connections, more collaboration, more impact—that’s what we’re about.

Go Dawgs!

Shayla Hill (BBA ’08)

President, Black Alumni Leadership Council