$60-for-60
Commemorating the 60th anniversary of desegregation
It began with their courage.
Hamilton E. Holmes (BS ’63), Charlayne Hunter-Gault (ABJ ’63), and Mary Frances Early (MME ’62) became the first African American students to integrate UGA, paving the way for future Bulldogs to follow in their trailblazing footsteps.
Twenty years later, Professor James Simmons Jr. and Horatio Lanier (ABJ ’77), with the support of numerous alumni, faculty, and friends, established the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund. Today, the UGA Black Alumni Leadership Council carries that legacy forward through the 1961 Club, helping ensure that students, regardless of circumstance, have access to a world-class UGA education.
It continues with our commitment.
All contributions support efforts to ensure that students, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to a college education at UGA. Participants in the $60-for-60 campaign automatically become members of The 1961 Club giving society, which supports the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Join Our Council
Interested in getting involved? Nominate yourself or a fellow alum by November 30 to join the Black Alumni Leadership Council!
UGA Black Alumni connects alumni and students with shared experiences to continue building a welcoming and supportive campus community. Get involved and make a difference at your alma mater!
Our Mission
Retain – Support students to completion of degree programs
Engage – Current students and alumni by mentoring and professional development
Donate – ‘Friendraising’ and fundraising for UGA needs
Serve – as UGA ambassadors in the community and to fellow Bulldogs
Black Alumni Scholarship Fund
The 1961 Club is a dedicated group of donors, named for the year of integration at Georgia, who share a passion for ensuring student success. With a gift of $19.61, $196.10, or $1,961.00, any amount will make a difference. By supporting the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund, we remove barriers to education and keep the doors open for students to attain a quality education.
UGA Black Alumni Leadership Council
2025-26 Leadership
Shirleyse Haley
(ABJ ’11)
President
UGA Alumni
Alicea Gaston
(ABJ ’11, BSHP ’11, MBA ’18)
Vice President
UGA Alumni
Godswill Nwankwo
(BBA ’20)
Secretary
UGA Alumni
Rodd Cargill
(BBA ’10)
Immediate Past President
UGA Alumni
Jessica Afeku
(BBA ’14)
UGA Alumni
Meila Barnes
(BS ’16)
UGA Alumni
Tiffany Coleman
(AB ’05, JD ’10)
UGA Alumni
Camille Telicia Gordon
(BS ’08)
UGA Alumni
Cassaundra Govan
(BBA ’01, PHD ’12)
UGA Alumni
Aneek James
(BSEE ’17)
UGA Alumni
Roderick Langston
(EDD ’22)
UGA Alumni
Geoffrey Loften
(BA ’15)
UGA Alumni
Alia Martinez
(BBA ’10, MBA ’17)
UGA Alumni
Kydae Scott
(BS ’23)
UGA Alumni
Janella Thomas-Burse
(BS ’86)
UGA Alumni
Clarisa Thompson
(MED ’10)
UGA Alumni
Joe Vaughn
(BSFR ’16)
UGA AlumniIf you are passionate about building a welcoming UGA community for all Bulldogs and enjoy helping fellow alumni connect to their alma mater, you should consider volunteering on one of the UGA Black Alumni Leadership Council Committees or applying to become a member of the council. Please email ugablackalumni@uga.edu for more information about this fantastic team of volunteers.
If you are interested in learning more about UGA alumni affinity groups/networks or starting one for a different group of graduates, please email Realenn Watters (AB ’04) at rwatters@uga.edu.
UGA Black Alumni Instagram
Events
[tribe_events_list category=”black-alumni-affinity-group” limit=”3″ city=”yes” ]
Important Links
Offices and student organizations promoting campus diversity:
