UGA’s must-see campus upgrades: 2020 edition

When Bulldog alumni arrive in Athens for Alumni Weekend (March 26-28), campus will look a lot different than it did during their glory days.  

It’s been a while since our last campus update, so we thought alumni would enjoy a peek at some must-see campus upgrades, just in time for a return visit to the Classic City  

Studio 225

UGA’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship is changing the face of campus. In 2019, Studio 225 opened to house the Student Center for Entrepreneurship. The building, located off West Broad Street where campus meets downtown, was completed as part of phase one of the Innovation District, an initiative to promote entrepreneurship, research commercialization and industry partnerships at UGA.  

The Delta Air Lines Foundation recently pledged a $5 million gift to UGA, half of which will support the renovation of UGA’s Spring Street Building. The renovated space, part of the District’s phase 2, will provide flexible workspace, conference rooms and presentation areas to support faculty startups and enable greater collaboration among students and industry partners. It will be completed by January 2021.  

Where to find it: Studio 225 | 225 West Broad Street 

Lake Herrick

Lake Herrick, nestled between Oconee Forest Park and the Intramural Fields, closed in 2002 due to water quality concerns. Thanks to a partnership between UGA, the Georgia Power Foundation and the Riverview Foundation, Lake Herrick is once again open to the public.    

The Lake Herrick Watershed Restoration Project created a healthier ecosystem, an improved shoreline and a new dock and pavilion. If the weather’s nice, Lake Herrick is definitely worth a visit 

Where to find it: Lake Herrick | 111 Lake Herrick Drive 

Business Learning Community

The Terry College of Business completed its Business Learning Community last year with the dedication of the final two buildings: Sanford and Barbara Orkin Hall and M. Douglas Ivester Hall. The Business Learning Community was one of the largest capital projects in UGA’s history and included three phases over six years. Private support funded half of the $140 million project total.  

Where to find it: At the corner of Baxter Street and South Lumpkin Street 

Russell Hall

In 2018, UGA completed a 15-month renovation of Russell Hall, which originally opened in 1967. The project modernized the dorm’s climate control, plumbing and electrical systems, updated furnishings, improved bathroom privacy and renovated lounges to foster group interaction and collaboration.  

The project received an award for Excellence in Sustainable Preservation from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and an Outstanding Rehabilitation award from the Athens-Clarke County Heritage Foundation, now Historic Athens. 

Next up for renovation is Brumby Hall, which will reopen in fall 2020 

Where to find it: Russell Hall | 515 Baxter Street  

I-STEM Research Facility

At the corner where Cedar Street meets East Campus Road, a major construction project is ongoing to build the new Interdisciplinary Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (I-STEM) Research Building. The project broke ground in late 2018 and will open in summer 2021.  

The I-STEM Research Building will provide space for faculty and graduate students in chemistry and engineering and represents UGA’s commitment to the 1-in-5 students who graduate each year with a STEM degree.  

Where to find it: The corner of East Campus Road and Cedar Street (but we don’t recommend entering a construction site) 

Sanford Stadium 

The new and improved West End Zone of Sanford Stadium was unveiled in August 2018. The $63 million project, largely funded by private donors, included a host of improvements that created or updated 120,000 square feet, including: 

  • New locker room nearly twice the size of the previous one, complete with shower facilities  
  • Hospitality lounge to host prospective student-athletes and their guests on gamedays  
  • Video board 33% larger than the previous one 
  • Enhanced upper and lower plazas for fans 

A little over a year later, on Sept. 7, 2019, another major change occurred: players stormed out of the West End Zone tunnel and set foot onto the newly named Dooley Field for the first time. The field dedication took place in a pre-game ceremony and honored former Bulldog head coach and athletic director Vince Dooley. 

 

Want to take a stroll down Gillis Bridge and see it for yourself? Well then we’ll see you at Alumni Weekend!

Condor-Chocolates-Blog-Header

15 Bulldog 100 businesses to visit in Athens

Condor-Chocolates-Blog-Header

Athens is a fantastic place to visit. Whether you’re in town on a gameday or for a weekend getaway, there is no shortage of fun to be had in the Classic City. Athens boasts a slew of Bulldog-owned or -operated businesses, many of which have made the Bulldog 100 list over the years. Next time you are town, be sure to support the alumni entrepreneurs behind these successful businesses 

 And be sure to check out the complete 2020 Bulldog 100 list–there might be a business you can support in your own hometown!

SAUCEHOUSE BBQ

2018 and 2019 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE

Check out Saucehouse BBQ for a fun, inviting and authentic BBQ experience. They offer a variety of BBQ sauces and made-from-scratch food that will have you screaming … “it’s the best BBQ anywhere!” 

Location:

830 W. Broad Street

Owned/Operated By:

Christopher Belk (AB ’05, MBA ’13)

Website:

saucehouse.com 

 

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK

2017, 2018 and 2019 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE

They love chicken salad—as if you hadn’t guessed from their name—and they serve up more than a dozen tasty flavors every day.  

Location:

196 Alps Road 

Owned/Operated By:

Scott Deviney (AB ’95) 

Website:

chickensaladchick.com

 

CONDOR CHOCOLATES

2019 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE  

Brothers Nick and Peter Dale, born, raised and educated in Athens, own and operate Condor Chocolates located in the historic Five Points neighborhood of Athens. They produce and sell bean-to-bar chocolate bars, truffles, sipping chocolate, hot cocoa, coffee, iced beverages, gelato and a variety of confections. 

Location:

1658 S. Lumpkin Street

Owned/Operated By:

Nicholas Dale (BSA ’04), Peter Dale (ABJ ’99)

Website:

condorchocolates.com

 

SOUTHLAND ORGANICS

2019 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE

Southland Organics helps farmers and landscape professionals overcome bacterial challenges and nutrient deficiencies. They work to enhance landscapes by eliminating harmful microbes, and delivering vibrant color and health to your crops.  

Location:

189 Luke Road (Bogart) 

Owned/Operated By:

Mike Usry (BSED ’99) 

Website:

southlandorganics.com

 

ONWARD RESERVE

2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE 

Onward Reserve aims to live authentically. This menswear store, with locations in and outside of Athens, has everything from button-downs to coolers.  

Location:

146 E. Clayton Street

Owned/Operated By:

TJ Callaway (BBA ’07) 

Website:

onwardreserve.com

  

YOUR PIE FRANCHISING LLC

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE 

Inspired by the Italian culture, Your Pie invites customers to experience the art of making their own pizza.  

Location:

196 Alps Road (Athens) // 1430 Capital Avenue (Watkinsville)

Owned/Operated By:

Drew French (BBA ’05), Bucky Cook (BBA ’77), Allen French (BS ’77)

Website:

yourpie.com

  

AVID BOOKSHOP

2017, 2018 and 2019 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE

Avid Bookshop is an independent, community-focused bookstore with two locations in Athens. Avid aims to be a safe space for locals, while standing up for human rights, equality and the freedom to read.  

Location:

1662 S. Lumpkin Street // 493 Prince Avenue

Owned/Operated By:

Janet Geddis (MED ’06) 

Website:

avidbookshop.com

 

EXTRA SPECIAL PEOPLE

2017 and 2018 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE 

ESP creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families to engage, connect and thrive. When you visit, check out where ESP’s Java Joy team is serving coffee and a smile.

Location:

189 VFW Drive

Owned/Operated By:

Laura Whitaker (BSED ’07, MED ’10) 

Website:

extraspecialpeople.com

 

CHEEKY PEACH BOUTIQUE

2016, 2017 and 2018 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE

Cheeky Peach is a local boutique with the goal of creating a shopping experience that makes customers feel good about themselves. Cheeky Peach’s style is fearless, authentic and fashion-forward.  

Location:

160 W. Clayton Street

Owned/Operated By:

Katie Jacobs (ABJ ’05), Jason Jacobs (BS ’10) 

Website:

shopcheekypeach.com

 

THE SIGN BROTHERS

2018 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE

What started as a sibling-run company has now become a larger team dedicated to bringing its customers’ ideas to life. The Sign Brothers design, produce and install the highest quality signs and graphics.

Location:

195 Ben Burton Circle (Bogart)

Owned/Operated By:

Justin Seibert (BSA ’02) 

Website:

thesignbros.com

  

ENTOURAGE CLOTHING & GIFTS 

2016, 2017 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE

Entourage was founded on the belief that you don’t have to spend a million to look like a million. They are always changing, and always in style.

Location:

2095 S. Milledge Avenue

Owned/Operated By:

Katie Nichols (BSFCS ’05) 

Website:

entourageclothing.com

 

PAWTROPOLIS

2011, 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE

Pawtropolis is your source for all things pets. Their mission is to create an environment where your cat or dog is safe, happy and mentally stimulated. 

Location:

130 Whitetail Way (Bogart)

Owned/Operated By:

Amanda Rodriguez Crook (BS ’01), John Crook (BS ’02) 

Website:

pawtropolis.com

   

AGORA VINTAGE

2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE

This family-owned, vintage consignment shop has been serving the Athens community for over 20 years. Agora sells quality, designer goods at a fraction of the price. 

Location:

233 E. Broad Street

Owned/Operated By:

Airee Edwards (AB ’99), Russell Edwards (JD ’10) 

Website:

agoravintageshop.com

 

TERRAPIN BEER COMPANY

2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE

Inspired by the creative culture of Athens, Terrapin is always adding quality craft beers to its lineup. Terrapin’s mission is to create unique experiences through passionate brewing. 

Location:

265 Newton Bridge Road

Owned/Operated By:

John Cochran (BBA ’93), Dustin Watts (BBA ’03), Irina Melnik Cochran (BBA ’93) 

Website:

terrapinbeer.com

 

NUÇI’S SPACE 

2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016 BULLDOG 100 HONOREE

Nuçi’s Space is a musician’s resource center fighting to end the epidemic of suicide and the stigma surrounding mental illness. Whether you are seeking support for your own well-being, for a loved one or for a friend, you don’t have to do it alone. They are here to help. 

Location:

396 Oconee Street

Owned/Operated By:

Bob Sleppy (BS ’05, MBA ’10) 

Website:

nuci.org

 

Don’t go bacon my heart: alumni-owned breakfast spots

Trying to decide where to eat breakfast or brunch during your next visit to Athens (maybe even for Alumni Weekend)? Why not check out an alumni-owned restaurant, such as …

Athens Bagel Company

Owner: David Asman (BS ’08)
Location: 268 N. Jackson Street
Fun Fact: Athens Bagel Company sells nitro mimosas on draft.

When I go to Athens Bagel, I get to eat good food and support a local business, which I love.” – Zoe Maher ’21  

Heirloom Café and Fresh Market

Owner: Jessica Rothacker (AB ’03)
Location: 815 N. Chase Street
Fun Fact: Heirloom is run by a father-daughter team.

“My favorite thing to get at Heirloom is the ‘doscuit holes!’ Biscuits as donuts? You can’t go wrong.” – Caitlyn Richtman (AB ’19AB ’19) 

 

Photo from @homemadeathens on Instagram

 

Last Resort Grill

Owner: Melissa Clegg (BBA ’88)
Location: 174-184 W. Clayton Street
Fun Fact: Jimmy Buffet performed at Last Resort before it transitioned from music club to restaurant.

“The three-cheese bacon omelet is to die for!” – Austin Grant ’22  

 

Mama’s Boy

Co-owner: Cooper Hudson (ABJ ’98)
Co-owner: Alicia Segars (AB ’93)
Original Location: 197 Oak Street
Fun Fact: Mama’s Boy has a second location at The Falls(8851 Macon Highway, Suite 403)

Check out Sam Flexner’s Haiku below!

 

Photo from @theplaceathens on Instagram

The Place

Co-owner: Alan Pope (AB ’08)
Co-owner: Ryan Pope (BBA ’09)
Location: 229 E. Broad Street
Fun Fact: The Place is named after the owner’s grandfather’s car dealership.

“The chicken and waffles at The Place are my favorite. – Maggie Cavalenes 20 

 

Photo from @zombiecoffeeanddonuts on Instagram

Zombie Coffee & Donuts

Owner: Tony Raffa (BBA ’16)
Location: 350 E. Broad Street
Fun Fact: Each month, Zombie donates 5% of gross profits to local nonprofits–often departments or programs on campus!

“Zombie has tons of different toppings to choose from. There’s something for everyone!” – Julia Strother ’20  

We love celebrating UGA alumni, especially when they open delicious restaurants. On your next visit to the Classic City—to attend a football game, meet your student mentee or attend Alumni Weekend—we hope you’ll start your day at one of these eateries. 

2019 Alumni Weekend earned an A+

The 2019 Alumni Weekend earned an A+ in my book. I might be slightly biased since I helped plan the event, but I think this video will prove my point:

If you weren’t able to attend, I’m happy to provide you with a quick “report” on how things went … ultimately to create a little FOMO so you’ll be sure to mark your calendar for next year (hint-hint: March 26-28, 2020).

THURSDAY

100+ alumni and friends gathered in the Stelling Family Study in Moore-Rooker Hall, one of the newest buildings in the Terry College Business Learning Community. It’s a beautiful space, made even lovelier by the UGA Alumni Association events team (and yes, the tables were named for places on campus):

Kessel-Family-Study

Orientation-Dinner-Table

Folks grabbed their swag backpacks and a T-shirt (shown here on a few of the staffers who made Alumni Weekend come to life):

Alumni-Weekend-Staff

Look at all those goodies packed inside that backpack!

Backpack-Swag

During dinner, we heard from UGA President Jere W. Morehead (JD ’80):

Jere-Morehead-Orientation-Dinner

We had the opportunity to ask him a few questions, like “What are you most proud of since you became president?” and “What is your favorite movie?” I think he enjoyed that last one:

Jere-Morehead-Orientation-Dinner-2

People were enthralled and impressed by how much is happening at UGA these days …

Orientation-Dinner-Attendee

Orientation-Dinner-Attendee-2

Including Matthew Auer, dean of the School of Public and International Affairs:

Dean-Auer

Yes, even yours truly:

Elizabeth-Elmore-Orientation-Dinner

Then, we closed out the evening and headed home to get a good night’s rest before class the next morning …… PSYCH.

What’s a trip back to Athens without seeing a little music in the best college music town in America?

GATH-Marquee

Yacht-Rock-on-Stage

Group-at-Yacht-Rock

FRIDAY

On Friday, we greeted the day at Bolton Dining Commons. This isn’t the Bolton of yesteryear; this is a new space that is straight out of a Harry Potter movie. Seriously:

Bolton-Dining-Commons

Credit: Bruner/Cott Architects

And yes, students can have Super G waffles at the 24-hour breakfast station. #jealousy

G-Waffle-Bolton-Dining-Commons

Lots of attendees met their Alumni Weekend “classmates” during these meals. Just imagine the memories they are exchanging from their time on campus:

Bolton-Dining-Commons-Chat

Then it was off to first period – we served up classes taught by three incredible faculty members.

Gary T. Green, assistant dean of academic affairs and professor in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, who taught “Challenges Facing Resource Management: Implications from a Changing Society.”

Gary-Green-Teaching

Maria Navarro, professor in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who taught “Hunger Who? An Introduction to Global Food Insecurity.”

Maria-Navarro-Teaching

Jenna R. Jambeck, associate professor in the College of Engineering, who taught “Marine Debris from Land to Sea.”

Jenna-Jambeck-Teaching

During second period, classes included: “Fairy Tales: An Examination of Hidden and Gendered Messages” by Juanita Johnson-Bailey, director of the Institute for Women’s Studies.

Juanita-Johnson-Bailey-Teaching

“Bombs, Bugs, Drugs and Thugs: The United States in a Hostile World” by Loch K. Johnson, Regents Professor of Public and International Affairs.

Loch-Johnson-Teaching

… and an encore of “Challenges Facing Resources Management – Implications for a Changing Society” by Gary Green.

With all that learning, it was time for another meal break at Bolton:

Realenn-Watters-Bolton-Dining-Commons-Lunch

Gentleman-at-Bolton-Lunch

Pair-at-Bolton-for-LunchAnd then one more class period for the day that featured:

  • “From Babe Ruth to LeBron James: How Changes in Media Shape Perspectives on Sports Heroes” by Vicki Michaelis, the John Huland Carmical Chair in Sports Journalism & Society
  • “What About Small Town? Solving Rural Housing Problems When Everyone is Thinking About Cities” with Kim Skobba, the director of UGA’s Housing and Demographics Research Center.
  • and an encore of Maria Navarro’s “Hunger Who? An Introduction into Global Food Insecurity.”

Then, just like any Friday for a student – classes ended and we left the Miller Learning Center to begin our weekend. After a little free time, we reconvened at Wall & Broad in downtown Athens. This event space is run by UGA alumni and the food is catered by LRG Provisions, the sister restaurant of Last Resort Grill, another mainstay on the Athens food scene. It was a beautiful space:

Wall-Broad-Decor

And the mixing and mingling was in full swing:

Wall-Broad-Mingling

Wall-Broad-Mingling-3

Wall-Broad-Mingling-2

Look – even Professor Skobba joined in the fun!

Kim-Skobba-Wall-and-Broad

At 6:30, the reception concluded and folks headed to the Classic Center just a few blocks away for the TEDxUGA, a celebration of “ideas worth spreading.” This event is spearheaded by UGA’s New Media Institute and features student, alumni and faculty speakers. Interested in who was in the lineup this year – check it out.

TEDxUGA-Decor

I was inspired by all of the speakers, but particularly enjoyed hearing from Ansley Booker (MS ’13), the interim director for Mercer University’s Educational Opportunity Center (and a member of the UGA Alumni Association’s Black Alumni Leadership Council). Her TED Talk made me want to go out and recruit every young girl in America to enter a STEM field.

Malcolm Mitchell (AB ’15), is a former UGA football standout who went on to be a Super Bowl Champion as a wide receiver for the New England Patriots. He also is the author of a children’s book, The Magician’s Hat, and is passionate about youth literacy. His TED Talk emphasized the power of overcoming obstacles and while he announced his official retirement from professional football during his talk, he cited that he’s ready for what’s next.

TEDxUGA-Malcolm-Mitchell

And I also was inspired by A.C. Williams, a third-year student studying management information systems and international business. As an experienced event director in the Esports world, he opened my eyes to the community that is thriving around gaming.

And after a long day of class and TEDxUGA inspiration, Alumni Weekend participants headed back to their hotels and homes for the night.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, we enjoyed a brunch in the Sanford Stadium SkyClub. The weather was beautiful and everyone was in high spirits!

Brunch-Group-Mingling

Brunch-Pair

Look! Even Professor Navarro joined us:

Maria-Navarro-Brunch

Student Alumni Council President Nash Davis ’19 welcomed attendees to the “Commencement Brunch” and everyone laughed when he officially conferred their Alumni Weekend degrees on them.

Nash-Davis-Brunch

Brunch-Group-Stands

Then it was off to grab some grub and take pictures in the photo booth:

Brunch-Line

Brunch-PhotoBooth

A special guest even joined us for this special occasion:

Brunch-PhotoBooth-Glory-Glory

Brunch-PhotoBooth-Hairy-Dawg

Brunch-with-Hairy-Dawg

Brunch-with-Hairy-Dawg-Pal

And then Meredith Gurley Johnson (BSFCS ’00, MED ’16), executive director of the UGA Alumni Association, closed out the brunch with a few remarks and a toast to a great weekend:

Brunch-Meredith-and-Hairy

Brunch-Group-Toast

While this was technically the “end” of Alumni Weekend, we lined up a few optional activities that everyone could attend on their own. Those events included a UGA baseball game vs. LSU, a “One Man Star Wars Trilogy” performance, an exhibit at the UGA Special Collections Libraries, and a private tour of the Georgia Museum of Art with GMOA Director Bill Eiland.

Baseball-Game-Hairy-Dawg

Some attendees participated in a tour of the newly renovated West End Zone of Sanford Stadium led by Colby DeCesare, a graduate assistant with the UGA Athletic Association:

West-End-Zone-Tour

West-End-Zone-Tour-Locker-Room

Savage-Pads-Pose

Sanford-Stadium-Group-Pic-on-Field

IN SUMMARY

It was truly a great weekend that made me proud of my alma mater and reminded me why I love this place so much.

My key takeaways include:

  • Our president LOVES this place – he attended school here, has been on the faculty since 1986, is passionate about changing lives through education, and is dreaming big about the impact UGA can have on the state and beyond.
  • I miss the dining halls – adult life has its pros, but cooking all your own meals is not one of them.
  • Our faculty are ROCKSTARS – why did I not go to every single office hour that was offered by my professors? They are inspiring, committed and are changing the world!
  • Nothing beats a Saturday between the hedges – whether it’s during football season or during a special event like Alumni Weekend, there’s just a good feeling emanating from that field.
  • OUR ALUMNI ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD – I enjoyed meeting new alumni throughout the weekend (and reconnecting with old friends, too). We’re so diverse, passionate and very much in love with this school. It makes me proud to call myself a Georgia Bulldog.

As we learned in college, every good “report” closes with a summary statement. I’d have to say that my summary is simple: The 2019 Alumni Weekend was one of the best alumni events I have been able to help plan and I can’t wait for our alumni to see what we have in store for March 26-28, 2020. See you then! GO DAWGS.

Eat Your Heart Out: Student Recommendations for Every Meal of the Day

For many students, good food is an essential part of the UGA college experience. In Athens, there are countless tasty restaurants to choose from when wanting to indulge. Here are some recommendations by students as you plan to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner when in town for Alumni Weekend.

Breakfast

Mama's Boy restaurant

photo by the AJC

Mama’s Boy Restaurant

197 Oak Street

8851 Macon Hwy Suite 403

“I really love their biscuits and grits. The bread is huge and so fluffy. It’s always so good!” – Morgan Jones, Class of 2019, nutritional sciences major

 

Last Resort Grill

photo by yelp.com

Last Resort Grill

174-184 W Clayton Street

“I love love love Last Resort Grill! My friend and I stumbled upon it once in high school after a UGA campus tour and fell in love. The intimate feel of the restaurant and friendly staff makes the food taste even better.”- Curria Johnson , Class of 2020, marketing and international business double major

Big City Bread

photo from Big City Bread Cafe Facebook page

Big City Bread Cafe

393 N Finley Street

“I really enjoy getting brunch with my girlfriends at Big City Bread Cafe because they have a Southern, family-owned, friendly vibe to their restaurant. Plus, the food is delicious.” – Jillian Jones, Class of 2019, public relations major, theatre minor

Lunch

Cali N Tito's

photo from Cali N Tito’s Facebook page

Cali N Tito’s 

1427 S Lumpkin Street

1245 Cedar Shoals Drive

“I love Cali N Tito’s because everything is authentic. The food definitely is and the physical locations were each made specifically to make you feel like you’re in Latin America.” – Rachel Webb, Class of 2018, advertising and marketing double major

Taqueria Del Sol

photo from Taqueria Del Sol Facebook page

Taqueria Del Sol

334 Prince Avenue

“It’s the tacos, the margaritas, the memories you make after going there every Friday of senior year. It’s everything. It’s the first place my friends and I go back to when we’re back in Athens because it means we’re home and all together again.” – Stefanie Will, Class of 2019, Master of Accountancy

 

Tlaloc

photo from Tlaloc Facebook page

Tlaloc

1225 N Chase Street

“The food is great, and I love it.” – Caitlyn Richtman, Class of 2019, journalism and women’s studies double major

Dinner

Trappeze Pub

photo from Trappeze Pub website

Trappeze Pub

269 N Hull Street

“Trappeze’s fries. End of story.” – Cat Kendrick, Class of 2020, journalism major

Maepole

photo from Maepole Instagram page

Maepole (NEW!)

1021 N Chase Street

“Maepole is new favorite place in Athens because it’s different from all the places we’ve grown used to. I love being able to choose whichever protein, base and sides I like , and then sitting in their outdoor area to enjoy my healthy meal.” – Lauren Diaz, Class of 2019, journalism major, sociology minor

Clocked

photo from Clocked website

Clocked

259 W Washington Street

“Clocked has burgers that are indescribably good. It’s so much fun to eat good food with friends there.” – Maya Jones, Class of 2019, public relations major, Spanish minor

 

Come home to Athens March 21-23 for Alumni Weekend and feel like a student again. We hope you enjoyed these restaurant recommendations!

Lit 101: How To Sound Like A Student … Again

Are you ready to be #relevant again?

Listen up as UGA students Maya (’19), Marq (’21) and Caitlyn (’19) spill the tea on some of the most popular phrases of the day.

Looking for the perfect opportunity to put this newly learned lingo to use? Join us in Athens for Alumni Weekend on March 21-23—it’s going to be lit, so be sure to register today!

Along with reconnecting to your inner youth, you can make Alumni Weekend a girl’s trip, try all the new coffee shops in Athens, and pick up a G Book to relive traditions old and new.

5 Ways to Make Alumni Weekend the Perfect Girls Getaway

Alumni Weekend is a great opportunity to return to Athens and enjoy a weekend back on your old stomping grounds. It’s also the perfect opportunity to bring a few friends with you, ladies! So text your girlfriends and encourage them to join you for a weekend back in Athens … it’s time to feel like a student again!

Here are a few tips to ensure y’all get the most out of your trip:

1—Curate a schedule that rounds out the weekend.
Alumni Weekend begins on Thursday evening and concludes with brunch on Saturday. This schedule was developed to allow alumni to curate portions of the weekend to hit their interests and passions. Think about what you and your friends enjoyed as students and what you like to do today – there’s usually a way to bring those interests to life during your trip.

2—Pick a convenient place to stay.
There are room blocks available at a few hotels for Alumni Weekend guests, but you certainly aren’t required to stay in them. Feel free to reserve accommodations that will allow you to most easily travel to and from activities during the weekend. Not sure which fits your tastes best? The UGA Alumni Association staff can help direct you – give us a call!

3—Use your time wisely.
There are a few hours on Friday and plenty of time on Saturday to add personalized activities to your itinerary. Might we suggest a little local shopping in downtown Athens on Clayton and Hull Streets? Or a cup of joe at a coffee shop that is favored by staff and students. And then there’s also walking at the State Botanical Garden, taking a self-guided tour of campus, stopping by an old professor’s office to say hello or sweating it out at Ramsey Student Center.

4—Book meal or tour reservations.
If you and your friends are interested in any optional activities, be sure to purchase tickets or book reservations in advance.

5—Bring your camera!
What’s a visit to campus with your gal pals if you forget to snap pictures to remember the weekend? So charge your phone and be sure to take advantage of UGA’s best locations for photo opps as you enjoy the weekend. You can check out the “Selfie Spot” recommendations from the UGA Visitors Center or this Red and Black article on “Places around Athens to pose for the perfect photograph.”

Fueling Up: Student and Staff Recommendations for a Caffeine Fix

As most University of Georgia students, faculty or staff members know: caffeine is a vital ingredient to keep things moving around Athens. In a college town, though, there are endless options to achieve your java fix. Here are some recommendations from the experts: UGA staff and students.

Iron Works Coffee lobby

Iron Works Coffee lobby (source: Graduatehotels.com)

Ironworks at The Foundry
295 Dougherty Street

“Although I only get coffee there sometimes, Ironworks is my go-to study spot in Athens because of the unique interior décor (I need to be inspired by my atmosphere for my creative projects!) and I always run into people I know.” – Courtney Rutledge, Class of 2020, Graphic Design major

“Ironworks has comfy seating and a cozy atmosphere.” – Lindsey McSwigan, Class of 2020, Marketing and International Business major

SIPS Espresso Cafe with windows open

SIPS Espresso Cafe (source: SIPS Espresso Cafe Facebook page)

Sips Espresso Cafe
1390 Prince Avenue

“Sips is one of my favorite places to get coffee in Athens because it has huge windows that are usually open, so you feel like you’re outside. Plus, the lattes and baked goods are delicious.” – Hayley Cox, Development Coordinator, UGA Graduate School

Inside of Walker's Coffee and Pub

Walker’s Coffee and Pub (source: Walkerscoffee.com)

Walker’s Coffee & Pub
128 College Avenue

“Walker’s is the best because it’s so cozy and the chai tea lattes are the perfect motivation.” – Ashleigh Burroughs, Class of 2021, Public Relations major

UGA Orientation Leaders at the Starbucks in Tate Student Center

UGA Orientation Leaders at the Starbucks in Tate Student Center (source: UGA Orientation Twitter)

Starbucks in Tate Student Center
831 S. Lumpkin Street

“I usually go to the Starbucks at Tate on campus to get coffee and study because I have a lot of gift cards to Starbucks! I like that it’s in its own private area, but since it’s on campus, I still feel like I’m among lots of people.” – Meg Pruitt, Class of 2020, Graphic Design major

Jittery Joe's Downtown Athens location

Jittery Joe’s Downtown Athens location (source: Jitteryjoes.com)

Jittery Joe’s (Downtown Location)
297 E. Broad Street

“Jittery Joe’s is roasted by a grad just around the corner from my house, so I have a special affinity for it. The downtown location is convenient for students, but also for faculty and staff. Have a meeting there, grab it to go en route to campus, or grab a bag of their Attack the Day beans to make at home. You won’t regret it.” – Elizabeth Elmore, Communications Director, UGA Division of Development and Alumni Relations

 

1000 Faces coffee shop in Athens, GA.

1000 Faces
510 N. Thomas Street

“1000 Faces is a great place to grab coffee – the space is beautiful, they roast their own beans and it is conveniently located in downtown Athens!” – Megan Powell, Development Associate, UGA Office of Gift & Estate Planning

Jittery Joe's Roaster Tasting Room

Jittery Joe’s Roaster Tasting Room (source: Jitteryjoes.com)

Jittery Joe’s (Roaster)
425 Barber Street

“I’m a loyal Jittery Joe’s drinker, and the Roaster is the most convenient for purchasing a latte or beans. It’s not crowded like campus and shopping center locations, and they have treats for your pup!” – Melissa Lee, Donor Impact Coordinator, UGA Office of Donor Relations and Stewardship

Buvez brick building on Barber Street

Buvez on Barber Street (source: Buvez Facebook page)

Buvez
585 Barber Street

“Buvez is my new favorite coffee shop because of its unique feel and secret location. Located along the train tracks and filled with vintage furniture, the renovated roaster building feels cozy. I love grabbing a 1000 Faces cold brew and relaxing on their indoor bench swing or letting my kids color all over the toddler-height chalkboard in their family-friendly nook.” – Laura Bayne, Communications Associate, UGA Division of Development and Alumni Relations

Hendershots Coffee on Prince Avenue

Hendershots Coffee on Prince Avenue (source: Hendershots Coffee Facebook page)

Hendershot’s
237 Prince Avenue

“I love Hendershot’s because they have live music and empanadas are available next door [at Viva Argentina].” – Tarleton Woodson, Class of 2020, MIS major

 

Alumni Weekend is the perfect opportunity to return to campus and feel like a student again … and what makes you feel like a student more than a little coffee to kickstart your day? We hope you enjoyed these recommendations!

The G Book – Traditions for the Returning Alumnus

The University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America. Our history is rich and full of unique stories and traditions. But traditions aren’t meant to simply be revered – they are meant to be lived! And at UGA, the Student Alumni Association is ensuring that students are a part of the living history of UGA through the G Book, UGA’s official traditions handbook.

The G Book is disseminated to students in their first year at UGA and contains information about the university, lyrics to cheers and, of course, a slew of traditions that will take students all over campus during their four years as a UGA student. Students who complete all 20 traditions in the handbook before graduation are among the Bulldog elite and earn the title of “Tradition Keeper.”

Live the Traditions While on Campus
Alumni who return to campus (say, maybe, for Alumni Weekend?) should be sure to pick up a G Book at the Wray-Nicholson House (or view it online) and follow in students’ footsteps as they relive traditions old and new. It’s a great way to relive your glory days, but also experience what it means to be a Bulldog today.

Curious what traditions are included in the 2018-2019 G Book?