We know that every minute of distraction can be a blessing to a parent trying to get work done – and that every minute of entertainment for those passing the time alone is a welcome escape. Here are five activity pages for Bulldog fans of all ages as we shelter in place.
Looking for more fun?
Coloring pages serve a multitude of purposes for all ages: a method of distraction and entertainment, a form of relaxation, an outlet for creativity, and/or a way to block out distractions and focus. We’re proud to share a UGA coloring page below that was designed by one of our interns, alongside a special message for her classmates as they transition from student to alumni during these uncertain times.
Designed by Courtney Rutledge ’21
To my fellow Dawgs:
As a graduating senior at UGA, I’ve been met with an end to my extraordinary college experience much sooner than ever expected. While mourning the losses of all the ‘lasts’ and ‘could-have-beens,’ I’ve been learning to be still and be hopeful during this unprecedented and surprisingly slow season. While I dreamed of extravagant post-grad plans that included trips across the country, narrowing down a full-time job, and moving to a new city, I’ve realized what a blessing it is to have time to slow down. To reflect. To reignite my passions and discover new ones. To be appreciative of the little things. To connect and love better than ever before–6 feet apart, of course. To take the pressure off of ourselves for once. And while we adjust to our “new normals,” I’m hopeful and fully expect that we will emerge from this chapter more ready than ever for the next. I hope you are too.
-Courtney Rutledge
Graphic Design Major, Class of 2020
*Read a Q&A in the Red & Black with Courtney
Other coloring pages you should try next:
For Dan Higgins (BFA ’93) and Alissa Eckert (BFA ’04), their days sheltering in place aren’t that different than those of their friends and neighbors in Atlanta or for their fellow Dawgs throughout the Bulldog Nation. They are balancing teleworking with homeschooling children and calming older relatives they can no longer visit. For Dan, that means creating a ballet studio where the sofa once sat. For Alissa, it means becoming a kindergarten and third grade teacher. What does set them apart is that they also make time for interviews with The New York Times. That’s because this dynamic duo created the ominous image of the COVID-19 virus that appears on nearly every news broadcast, in countless publications, internet outlets and splashed across social media feeds.
You see, in addition to being University of Georgia Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Lamar Dodd School of Art alumni, Dan and Alissa are medical illustrators with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. Alissa remembers receiving a phone call on a Tuesday in January. A new virus that originated in China was spreading rapidly and the public needed to understand the gravity of the situation. An arresting visual would give the virus a face, making tangible something people can’t see with the naked eye. Dan and Alissa worked together to research and pose questions to the subject matter experts in the lab at the CDC. Armed with that information, Dan jumped on the World Protein Data Bank and downloaded images of each of the three main proteins that make up the virus. Pulling those files into a data visualization tool, he was able to export them as three-dimensional (3D) images.
Process of turning the S protein from the World Protein Data Bank into a 3D image. (Alissa Eckert, Dan Higgins/CDC)
It was Alissa who combined those pieces together to begin to form the image that is so familiar today. With input from CDC scientists, they identified how many of each protein to show, how the spatial distancing should appear and where the lighting should come from in order to establish the proper depths. Dan and Alissa muted the colors to convey the seriousness of the situation. They were careful not to make the virus look playful.
As Alissa explains, “We didn’t want it to look like a toy.”
They created a high contrast image with strong details and textures, elements that bring the virus to life and make it seem real and touchable. After an intense seven straight days of work, the pair finalized the now-famous image for approvals on the following Monday morning.
“Beauty Shot” of the novel coronavirus, aka COVID-19 (Alissa Eckert, Dan Higgins/CDC)
Since then, they have animated the virus image, creating a version that rotates in hopes of giving it more life. They have also lent their talents to symptom illustrations and the creation of graphics for social media to further help the public understand the virus and its impact. [Two PDF fliers – Prevention & Symptoms] During an outbreak, it’s an all-hands-on-deck situation that finds Dan and Alissa alternating with others on their team to be on call for evening and weekends.
Speaking of their team, it’s a group of eight members (six medical illustrators and two non-medical illustrators), five of whom are UGA alumni. Alissa explains that the world of medical illustration is a small one. A master’s degree in medical illustration is only offered by three accredited medical universities in the United States, and one in Canada. The path for many begins with the University of Georgia, specifically in the Lamar Dodd School of Art.
The CDC Dawg Squad of scientific/medical visualization experts – Front row: Stephanie Pfeiffer Rossow (BSA ’13), Alissa Hogan Eckert (BFA ’04), Jennifer Hulsey Oosthuizen (BFA ’05); Back Row: Dan Higgins (BFA ’93), Meredith Boyter Newlove (BFA ’04) (photo provided by Dan Higgins)
When Dan and Alissa attended the University of Georgia, the art school was in the mid-century modern building that now houses the College of Environment + Design on North Campus. (The art school’s main building is now located on East Campus.) Although they graduated more than a decade apart, they both reminiscence about late nights in the studio and walking through North Campus to go downtown to the art store.
Dan always had a passion for art and science. He took many undergraduate sciences courses and majored in graphic design through the art school, which wasn’t named for Lamar Dodd until 1996. He said his graphic design coursework prepared him for his role at the CDC because of its emphasis on layout and design to tell a story. His advice for students who wish to pursue a career like his? Pair graphic design courses with medical illustration to better understand the importance of establishing a hierarchy to the flow of information and learn how to lead the eye to help convey a story. He mentions Alex Murawski as a UGA professor who had a positive impact on him. After UGA, Dan enrolled at the University of Illinois in Chicago to pursue a Master in Biomedical Visualization. There, he took art classes, of course, but also courses like Gross Anatomy and Physiology alongside medical students.
Dan with his parents at the UGA Art School’s Graphic Design Show his senior year in 1993. (photo provided by Dan Higgins)
Alissa majored in scientific illustration at UGA. She cites professor Gene Wright as a major influence in her time at Lamar Dodd. She credits the program with preparing her for graduate school and her eventual career at the CDC by emphasizing professionalism, presentation skills and directed studies that required hands-on work. She began at the CDC in 2006, right after completing her master’s degree in medical illustration from Medical College of Georgia. Her advice for anyone who wants to follow in her path? Get a background in both traditional and digital arts and become adept in two- and three-dimensional animation.
Alissa hanging with Hairy Dawg in Athens (photo provided by Alissa Eckert)
Dan and Alissa have worked together for 14 years. They sit across from one another at the CDC and collaborate on many projects, although it is rare that their images are turned around as fast as the COVID-19 one—or garner as much international attention.
In an email exchange, Lamar Dodd’s Kate Arnold conveyed to Alissa that the iconic image is now burned into her consciousness. She says she pictures it when deciding whether to touch something in the grocery store. Alissa loved hearing that. “That’s a perfect example of why we do this,” she says.
Asked if there was one message they would like to get out to the Bulldog Nation, Alissa said, “Hunker Down. Wait it out.” Dan adds, “Staying home is the most important thing.”
The Goal is Education
Helping people visualize the virus isn’t so much about accurately representing what it would look like under a microscope, but more about conveying why it is dangerous.
The virus can’t reproduce on its own. The virus hijacks healthy host cells, and it is these pirated cells that reproduce the virus. The image is intended to visually explain how that occurs.
Spike or S proteins – these are the spikey red protrusions in the image. These clumps of proteins attach the virus onto the host cell. It is these spikes that create the halo, or corona, around the virus. Alissa and Dan decided to highlight the S protein with the red color and plentiful number in the image because the barbs best communicate how the virus latches onto a healthy cell.
Envelope or E Proteins – these are the yellow specks in the image. They represent the smallest of the three main proteins that make up the virus. It is these proteins that channel through the membrane to gain access into the healthy cell.
Membrane or M Proteins – these are the orange crumbs in the image. They are the most abundant of the three proteins, they give form to the virus. This protein fuses with the membrane of the healthy cell.
Body – the gray surface in the image. This represents the envelope that surrounds the nucleus of the virus. Dan and Alissa decided to create a shadowy, highly textured surface that almost invites touch. Implying a tactile experience helps an abstract concept seem more concrete.
The most important thing to know about the virus is that it cannot spread on its own. People spread it.
Visit the CDC website to learn more. Discover more about UGA’s role in battling COVID-19, and visit UGA’s COVID-19 Information and Resources page to access a wealth of information gathered in one place.
During times of uncertainty, we know one thing for sure: Dawgs always come out on top. We’ve compiled a list of 10 binge-worthy TV and movie options that feature some of our very own UGA grads to help you adjust to this ‘new normal.’
Image: IMDb
Power is an American crime drama television series starring former UGA football defensive back, Omari Hardwick (AB ’96). Hardwick plays James St. Patrick, a wealthy New York night club owner who lives a double life as a ruthless drug-dealer under the street name “Ghost.”
Image: IMDb
Kim Basinger (M ’75) plays Vicki Vale, a photojournalist and Batman’s love interest, in this 1989 superhero film. This was a breakout role for the actress. Did you know? Basinger donated to the UGA men’s tennis team to help the Dan Magill Tennis Complex get its lights in 1991.
Image: IMDb
Don’t miss former UGA football player Hines Ward (BSFCS ’98) on The Walking Dead as a rotting zombie in the episode “The Suicide King.” After graduating from UGA, Ward went on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers and later became a “Dancing with the Stars” champ.
Image: Wikipedia
Squibillies is an adult animated television series on Cartoon Network’s late-night programming block, Adult Swim. Before completing the degree he started in the early 1970s, Bobby Ellerbee (AB ’16) became the voice of the sheriff on Squidbillies and led a successful 40+ year career on many radio and broadcast shows.
Image: IMDb
Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil tells the tale of Savannah’s eccentricities and the murder trial of a local millionaire. Frank “Sonny” Seiler (BBA ’56, JD ’57) was Jim Williams’ attorney in three of his final four trials (in real life). In the movie, based on a best-selling novel by John Berendt, Seiler was cast as the judge during the trial. But that’s not Seiler’s only claim to fame: he and his family have been raising UGA’s beloved bulldogs for decades.
Image: IMDb
Wayne Knight (AB ’72) plays Newman, the antagonist on the sitcom Seinfeld. Newman is a recurring character that never gets along with stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld. The show highlights the humor in life’s mundane situations. Also catch Knight in Jurassic Park, playing the fumbling Dennis Nedry.
Image: Hulu
Friday Night Lights is set in a small Texas town and follows the life of a high school football coach, his family and the players. The head football coach, Eric Taylor, is played by Kyle Chandler (M ’88). Chandler is also known for his role in the Netflix drama series Bloodline.
Image: IMDb
Friends is a classic top-rated television program in the U.S. that many know and love. The show follows the lives of six twenty-somethings living in Manhattan. James Michael Taylor (MFA ’89) plays the recurring role of Gunther, a coffee shop worker in love with lead character Rachel Green.
Image: IMDb
QB1: Beyond the Lights stars former UGA quarterback Jake Fromm (M ’21). The series follows the lives of three high school quarterbacks in their season before they begin playing in Division I college football.
Image: TV Guide
This show is hosted by Alton Brown (AB ’04) and showcases chefs from around the world in one-hour culinary battles against “Iron Chefs.” Brown also hosts Good Eats, in which he shares the new cooking techniques behind his latest creations.
This story was written by Greg Trevor and originally posted to UGA Today on April 3, 2020.
As individuals and communities continue to struggle in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Georgia community has rallied to commit thousands of dollars in new emergency funds for students experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties.
Since March 20, a total of $600,000 has been added to two private funds established by President Jere W. Morehead to aid students: the Undergraduate Student Emergency Fund and the Graduate Student Emergency Fund. Morehead authorized the transfer of $475,000 from the President’s Venture Fund for this purpose, while the trustees of the UGA Foundation directed another $125,000.
“We are grateful for the generosity of alumni and friends who have provided these discretionary dollars to be used for priorities identified by the institution,” said Morehead. “At this time, the leaders of our Foundation and I agree that we need to apply these resources to help ensure the welfare of our students in need.”
Applications for the funds are being coordinated through the Office of Student Financial Aid in partnership with Student Care and Outreach for the Undergraduate Student Emergency Fund and in partnership with the Graduate School for the Graduate Student Emergency Fund. Students may contact them through the links provided.
“We are prioritizing the awarding of these funds to students who demonstrate significant financial need and have exhausted available resources such as student loans,” said Anthony Jones, director of student financial aid. “As of today, our requests for assistance from undergraduates have exceeded 300 individuals.”
With regard to graduate students, the Graduate School has received nearly 40 applications for financial support. “These additional resources are critically needed right now and are being expeditiously deployed to help graduate students meet their financial obligations,” said Interim Dean Ron Walcott.
President Morehead and Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Kelly Kerner have launched a special giving campaign to support the effort. The campaign will continue as long as the need remains.
In addition—in response to a request from parents and students to do so—the University is offering a way for students themselves to contribute by donating a portion of the student fee refund they will soon be receiving to help their fellow students.
“By giving to student emergency funds, our donors can have a powerful, direct and immediate effect on these students’ lives—providing them the means to buy food, pay rent, receive medicine and medical care, secure the technology they need to continue their education and more,” Kerner said. “What we do today will last long after this moment has passed.”
To support UGA’s most vulnerable students during this global crisis, please visit UGA’s Coronavirus Emergency Support website.
What a crazy few weeks for our campus, our state, the country and the world. The COVID-19 outbreak has affected each of our daily lives – and our thanks go to those who are serving in roles that allow us to remain healthy, safe and well-fed.
During this time, our team is prioritizing communications to alumni and friends about updates to events and programs UGA had scheduled, as well as building a list of opportunities for alumni and friends to support our Bulldog Family during this challenging period.
At the same time, our team also is continuing projects that don’t require in-person contact and might even offer alumni a way to engage without leaving the safety of their sofas, desks or porches.
One such project is our alumni data verification and directory project that we launched in early March. We have partnered with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to publish a 2021 UGA alumni directory, and we need your data to be confirmed by September 4.
Therefore, while you are at home during the coming weeks, why not go ahead and call PCI if you haven’t yet? They’ll prompt you for the information they need and it will only take a few minutes of your time. We should add: their staff members are incredibly nice! This is a chance to exchange some positive greetings virtually during a trying time. That’s the Georgia way, right?
So before you return to watching that Netflix show, cooking dinner, or telling the kids to stop fighting for the 1000th time, please go ahead and call 866.277.2051. PCI is looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks – and GO DAWGS!
Have questions about this project? Our FAQ page might answer them.
The first crossword puzzle ran in New York World on December 21, 1913, and was created by Arthur Wynne. Other newspapers began to run crossword puzzles shortly after, and the rest is history. Crossword puzzles now test our minds in newspapers, books, and more.
The University of Georgia’s independent newspaper, The Red & Black, publishes daily crossword puzzles online and in print on Thursdays, much to the delight of students seeking a distraction from their homework.
For many alumni, the R&B crossword was a daily endeavor on the bus and in (-between) classes. In honor of this little piece of UGA nostalgia, we designed a special UGA-themed crossword puzzle for you, our alumni and friends, to enjoy–after your homework is done, of course. See if you and your friends can get the answers correctly without peeking at the answers! Pro tip: we hope you remember the names of bus routes, dorms and dining halls.
🎶 Glory, glory to old Georgia! Glory, glory to old Georgia! 🎶
With the start of football season, the rally song of the Bulldog Nation hums a continuous tune in the hearts and minds of every Georgia fan.
🎶 … G-E-O-R-G-I-A! 🎶
There’s nothing quite like an entire stadium joining together in perfect unison to sing “Glory, Glory,” the silence before the solo trumpeter belts the first 14 notes of the Battle Hymn of the Bulldog Nation, or the clang of the Chapel Bell after every victory.
But, have you ever considered what a UGA football game would be like without sound?
Luke Bundrum ’19, who was born deaf and got a cochlear implant at age 3, says that the in-stadium visuals and watching the Bulldogs play keep his attention during football games.
“When I go to the UGA football game, I don’t really pay much attention to the sound,” Luke said. “The game is very visual and there is a large video board, as well as closed captioning monitors. So, I spend most of my time getting in the spirit and watching the game.”
Luke is also the president of the ASL Dawgs, an interest- and academic-based organization that seeks to provide educational opportunities for all students interested in learning about American Sign Language and Deaf culture.
“Deaf Culture on UGA’s campus is small, but vibrant,” Luke said.
In celebration of Deaf Awareness Month and Bulldog football, we’ve teamed up with the ASL Dawgs to teach alumni, fans and friends how to sign one of the most iconic Bulldog songs, “Glory, Glory.”
So, are you ready to learn? Follow along as Luke and the rest of the ASL Dawgs show us how it’s done!
Have you mastered signing “Glory, Glory?” Show us! Share your videos with us by tagging @ugaalumni on social media.
These coloring pages are perfect for Bulldog fans of any age, whether you use them to distract a toddler, de-stress after a long day, or decorate your space with reminders of Athens. And yes, you can use more colors than just red and black … just no orange!
Show us your creativity by posting these on social media and tagging the UGA Alumni Association and be sure to include #AlwaysADawg.
Click on each of the following images to download them. Don’t worry; we’ve made them printer-friendly! [And we added a new option in Spring 2020].
We’re assuming you’re more than familiar with the four houses of Hogwarts, but have you ever wondered what UGA house you’d be sorted into?
Save yourself the soul-searching; we’ve got you covered! In celebration of Harry Potter’s 39th birthday, we invite you to take a short personality quiz (the Sorting Hat is on summer vacation until term starts) to find out if you belong in Ravenpaw, Russellpuff, Snellerin or Gryffindawg.
