Larry Benson (BBA ’74) leads one of Athens’ most enduring enterprises as owner and chairman of Benson’s, Incorporated, the more‑than‑a-century‑old parent company of Benson’s Bakery and Benson’s Hospitality Group. For generations, the Benson name has been woven into the fabric of the Athens community, and Larry has carried that legacy forward with a blend of tradition and deep affection for the University of Georgia.

His love for UGA is felt prominently on campus. Benson Hall, in the Terry College’s Business Learning Community, honors three generations of the Benson family — Larry, his father, Ed, and his grandfather, Howard — each of whom has played an influential role in the University’s history. In fact, Benson’s Bakery partnered with UGA in the 1960s and 1970s for a memorable venture where students crossed the country selling Benson’s Old Home Fruit Cakes to civic clubs and community groups, a journey that even future U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (BBA ’66) experienced firsthand as a student.

Philanthropy and leadership are defining threads in the Bensons’ story: Ed was a distinguished UGA alumnus and businessman who served in numerous roles across the University, including on the UGA Foundation and Athletic Association boards. His contributions were recognized with several major honors, among them the Distinguished American Award and the UGA Alumni Family of the Year Award in 2018, which he shared with Larry.

Larry’s own service to Athens reflects that same spirit of community engagement. He has led the Athens Rotary Club as president and contributed his expertise to the boards of the Touchdown Club of Athens, the Oconee County Industrial Development Authority, and the Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation. In 2024, his longstanding commitment was recognized with the University System of Georgia’s Regents’ Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award, one of the system’s highest honors for service and support.

Continuing his family’s legacy, Larry has supported a wide range of UGA priorities through personal giving and the Lawrence R. Benson Foundation — from the expansion of the Terry College Business Learning Community to contributions toward the new School of Medicine Medical Research and Education Building. His generosity reflects a lifelong commitment to strengthening the institution that shaped him.