Events and Programs Archives

UGA Mentor Program – LeBria Casher

June 10, 2019/by Laura Bayne

Photo of student typing on computer with mentor.

Mentors and mentees communicate via email, text messages, phone calls and in-person meetings.

The UGA Mentor Program is the first comprehensive mentorship initiative at the University of Georgia. It will launch publicly on Wednesday, June 12. Alumni, including staff and faculty, are invited to create a profile at mentor.uga.edu if they are interested in mentoring a student. When students return to campus in August, they will begin pairing with alumni so that mentoring can begin this fall.

Become a Mentor

LeBria Casher

A successful pilot of the program was executed this spring with over 115 mentor pairs, including LeBria Casher, a rising senior majoring in English and comparative literature. LeBria’s mentor was Allison Ausband (ABJ ’83), who graduated with a journalism degree, serves on the UGA Board of Trustees and is the senior vice president of in-flight service at Delta Air Lines. LeBria shared a little about her experience piloting the new UGA Mentor Program…

What made you want to be a mentee?

When I heard about the UGA Mentor Program, I knew without a doubt what a wonderful opportunity it was and that I should apply immediately. Various organizations at UGA have shown me what it’s like to be a student mentor or mentee, but the UGA Mentor Program offered me a chance to connect with an alumnus on a personal level. I was able to choose a mentor that would share my major, interests, or experience at UGA. Also, I wanted to have a mentor who would support my goals and help me develop them.

What was your biggest fear?

I was scared that I would have a mentor who didn’t care, but I was quickly put at ease. My mentor, Allison, genuinely supported my ambitions and talked me through my goals. Also, I’ve seen and heard how the alumni who participate in the UGA Mentor Program want to see students succeed.

What has been the biggest surprise?

The biggest surprise was the flexibility of the UGA Mentor Program. It wasn’t time-consuming. It didn’t interfere with my class schedule, work, or any other obligations. I got to establish how frequently I wanted to communicate with my mentor, and we communicated monthly via email, telephone, and in-person.

Why has this been so meaningful for you?

I enjoyed having someone in my corner who wants the best for me. Despite the official mentoring relationship ending, I feel comfortable contacting my mentor and knowing she is still willing to offer me advice.

Describe the UGA Mentor Program in three words.

Investment. Significant. Worthwhile.

What would you tell someone considering UGA Mentor Program?

Don’t hesitate to apply! It really is a great program because there’s a mentor and commitment that’s right for everybody. Having a mentor is a great chance to look at someone else’s journey from UGA to where they are now — especially if it aligns with your interests. Mentors are a valuable source of information, and you get out of the mentoring relationship what you put into it. You never know what good will come from the relationship. Everyone should take the time to look at the website, the FAQs, and contact the UGA Mentor Program team if they are unsure of anything.

Interested in learning more about the UGA Mentor Program?

Become a UGA Mentor

2019 Alumni Weekend earned an A+

April 28, 2019/by Elizabeth Elmore

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):

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

Look at all those goodies packed inside that backpack!

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

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:

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

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

Yes, even yours truly:

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?

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:

Credit: Bruner/Cott Architects

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

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

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.”

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

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

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.

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

… 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:

And 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:

And the mixing and mingling was in full swing:

Look – even Professor Skobba joined in the fun!

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.

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.

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!

Look! Even Professor Navarro joined us:

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.

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

A special guest even joined us for this special occasion:

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:

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.

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:

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.

What is Georgia Giving Week? And Why Does It Matter?

April 23, 2019/by Katy Clements

Georgia Giving Week is a week to rally Bulldog Nation in the spirit of philanthropy. It’s just one week to help our beloved alma mater! You may be thinking that the birthplace of public higher education doesn’t need an extra $10 from you – what will that do for a huge, enduring institution like UGA? Well, it can do more than you’d think!

As alumni, we always love to see Georgia thrive. Remember the pride you felt when Sony Michel raced across the goal line in double overtime at the Rose Bowl in 2018? It’s easy to cheer on our team during a football game. But let’s celebrate our school on and off the field – making a gift is a tangible way of cheering Georgia on.

Hey Bulldogs, listen up – it's the first ever Georgia Giving Week and we need your help. Join me in giving back to our Alma Mater @universityofga https://t.co/y5BMgRk7NI pic.twitter.com/3eM90PaDbz

— Malcolm Mitchell (@MalcolmJarod) April 23, 2019

We can change lives by helping a worthy student earn a college education. Even with competitive tuition rates, the Zell Miller and HOPE scholarships, and federal Pell Grants, many students still face financial obstacles in attending UGA. With scholarship support, we can help students take advantage of everything UGA has to offer without worrying about significant debt weighing them down as they launch their careers. Today, 100 percent of gifts to the Georgia Fund support scholarships.

Did you know that the percentage of alumni participation is a factor in the U.S. News & World Report college rankings? We’ve already reached No. 13 in the list of best public universities, the highest ranking in UGA’s history. But how high can we climb with your help? Our reputation affects how employers, graduate schools and others perceive UGA. The further we reach, the greater the value your college degree.

If that’s not enough reason to make a gift, can I entice you with a discount at the Bookstore?! Stock up on a tailgate tent, new jersey, a Kirby visor and more. With a gift of any size this week, you will get 20% off valid in store and online through April 27*. AND you’ll get a Georgia pennant magnet exclusive to Georgia Giving Week donors.

Last but not least – I hear we have some notable alumni giving personal shoutouts on social media. Make your gift and it could be you …

You're a #DGD @Dorfer_Says. Thanks for showing your support. #GeorgiaGivingWeek #CallingAllDawgs

— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) April 22, 2019

Give now at givingweek.uga.edu

*Technology and textbooks excluded.

Get Ready for G-Day 2019

April 15, 2019/by Maya Jones

Mark your calendars! G-Day 2019 is less than a week away. As you prepare to come back to campus for another exciting spring game in Sanford Stadium, here are some fun-filled activities happening before the big game.

Friday, April 19

5 p.m. – 7 p.m: Jonathan Ledbetter and Isaac Nauta Bookstore Signings

Come to the UGA bookstore to meet and get autographs from some of your favorite UGA greats and NFL prospects! Call or stop by the bookstore to purchase your tickets today!

*Make a gift during the first ever Georgia Giving Week and get 20% off your bookstore purchase! Visit givingweek.uga.edu for more information.

Price: $15 per ticket/signature

Saturday, April 20

8:00 a.m. Athens Farmers Market

The Athens Farmers Market at Bishop Park hosts around 45 vendors a weekend, live music, children’s activities and cooking demos.

Location: 705 Sunset Dr., Athens, GA 30606

Price: FREE

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Elijah Holyfield and Mecole Hardman Bookstore Signings

Come to the UGA bookstore to meet and get autographs from some of your favorite UGA greats and NFL prospects! Call or stop by the bookstore to purchase your tickets today!

*Make a gift during the first ever Georgia Giving Week and get 20% off your bookstore purchase! Visit givingweek.uga.edu for more information.

Price: $25 per ticket/signature

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ARTini’s Paint Fundraiser for ESP

Come have some fun with paint with us & help raise some funds for one of our amazing local organizations, Extra Special People!

Location: 337 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30601

Price: $24, 50% donated to ESP

G-Day game information

11 a.m. Gates open

11:15 a.m. Alumni Football game

2 p.m. G-Day game

SEC Clear bag policy will be in effect. Parking is free and open to the public. G-Day game can be viewed on the SEC Network.

Chapter Game Watching Parties

Unable to make it to Athens for G-Day? Don’t worry, Bulldawgs never bark alone. Check out the Alumni Event Calendar to see if there is a game watching party near you!

Tailgates

MBA Alumni Tailgate: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Davis Courtyard of Correll Hall on Lumpkin Street

Price: $20 per person, children under 12 free

Register here

MPA GSPA Tailgate: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: front lawn Baldwin Hall

Price: FREE

Doc & Roc Henderson Barbeque Tailgate Party: 11 a.m.

Location: Myers Quad

Prices vary based on plate orders. Order plates here.

For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Giving Week Starts Now!

G-Day marks the beginning of the first ever Georgia Giving Week, and we’re calling all Dawgs to show their loyalty. Gifts from alumni and friends can help ensure that every deserving student has an opportunity to earn a UGA education regardless of their financial background. Every gift counts. All Giving Week donors will get 20% off at the UGA Bookstore and an exclusive Georgia pennant magnet. Give now at givingweek.uga.edu.

UGA at Oxford event celebrates unique study abroad experience

August 31, 2018/by Caitlyn Richtman

On Sept. 12, friends of the University of Georgia will convene in London to welcome the newest participants of the UGA at Oxford program and celebrate one of the most unique study abroad experiences UGA has to offer.

For 30 years, UGA students have made their home in the stunning environs of the University of Oxford, enjoying the connection between one of the oldest universities in the United States and one of the oldest universities on the planet.

UGA at Oxford offers a vast array of courses in a wide range of disciplines—humanities, sciences, international affairs, business, communications, law and more—with sessions held throughout the year.

Despite being immersed in the Oxford student experience, UGA study abroad students still pay regular in-state tuition, covered by any existing financial aid—as if they were in Athens taking classes. The courses offer UGA credit towards each student’s major pathway, but they are taught by Oxford faculty in the distinctive Oxford style of undergraduate education.

That distinctive style is characterized by two key features: the “collegiate system” and the “tutorial model.” The collegiate system sees each student taught within the colleges—Oxford has 38 constituent colleges—but completing their education with six, three-hour exams set by the university, encouraging competition among the colleges. The core of a student’s education is made up of weekly, one-on-one, hour-long meetings with one of the college’s fellows, who is often a full professor and world-leading academic.

The tutorial model eschews the type of education that points students to specific lessons and textbook chapters, opting instead for a comprehensive approach in which a student is introduced to all available literature on a subject and must chart their own course. Each week, they create work examining the subject, discuss it with their tutor and defend the work from their tutor’s critiques.

Students who take part in UGA at Oxford are granted access to truly one-of-a-kind facilities. Depending on the focus and/or semester of their program, students live, work and play in the centuries-old halls of Keble College or Trinity College or UGA’s own UGA at Oxford Centre, a renovated nineteenth-century Victorian mansion in north Oxford.

UGA at Oxford alumni leave the program having enjoyed an unparalleled learning experience and embraced a different culture, two things that can have a profound impact on the student experience and, ultimately, our students’ lives.

If you will be in London on Tuesday, Sept. 12, we invite you to join us in welcoming the newest UGA at Oxford students and celebrating the program and people who make this singular learning experience possible.

UGA celebrates a Peabody weekend in the City that Never Sleeps

June 7, 2018/by Asia Casey

This post was contributed by former DAR communications intern Asia Casey.

The University of Georgia hosted various events in New York City that led up to the 77th Annual Peabody Awards Ceremony on May 19. The event was hosted by Hasan Minhaj, comedian, writer and senior correspondent on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.”

Minaj, award recipient for his comedy special “Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King,” served up laughs as well as praise for the program’s mission. “When we talk about hearts and minds, we’re talking about the Peabodys. When we talk about accountability, we’re talking about the Peabodys,” he said in his opening monologue.

Since 1940, the University of Georgia has been home to the most prestigious honor in broadcast media, the Peabody Awards. Housed in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, Peabody is a cultural institution with international reach that each year identifies the most compelling stories across media platforms and genres.

The award program is the oldest major electronic media award in the United States. Winners were selected from approximately 1,200 entries from television, radio/podcasts and the web.

To kick off the weekend, Bonney Shuman, UGA Alumni Association board president, and her daughter visited Tibi, the successful fashion brand that was launched by Amy Smilovic (ABJ ’89).

New York City alumni and chapter leaders gathered at Mykonos Blue

The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, School of Public and International Affairs, and UGA Alumni Association hosted a reception and networking event for all New York City alumni on May 17. There are currently more than 6,100 alumni living in the New York area.

The day before the awards, President Morehead hosted a reception and dinner with alumni and donors to celebrate the award ceremony.

A couple of our alumni met “Gilmore Girls” star Alexis Bledel!

By the end of the weekend, 30 award winners from seven media categories took home their well-deserved Peabody Awards.

Carol Burnett, a beloved TV icon who won her first Peabody in 1962, was honored with the first-ever Peabody Career Achievement Award presented by Mercedes-Benz. Visit peabodyawards.com for the full list of winners.

Bulldogs gather in London

May 15, 2018/by Clarke Schwabe

On Tuesday, April 24, in an almost 300-year-old pub in Mayfair, passersby could find London calling the Dawgs.

The Audley, located in the city’s West End, was the site of a casual gathering of alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the University of Georgia. The 50+ attendees enjoyed food, drink and Bulldog fellowship in the historic setting.

Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Kelly Kerner delivered a few remarks to the room, made up of Bulldog faithful from New York, Georgia, Texas, England and beyond. He brought the news of UGA to London, highlighting research currently being done, the high-achieving incoming freshman class, and UGA’s rankings among US universities.

UGA’s reach extends across the globe, and we’re thrilled to create opportunities for friends near and far to meet and celebrate the university. We wonder what our most famous English Bulldog would have thought if he’d met these other fine English Bulldogs!

Events like these are happening all the time and around the world, thanks to the passionate alumni volunteers who help lead UGA’s 80+ alumni chapters. No matter where you travel, there is often an alumni chapter nearby or a way to connect online—find yours today!

Watch this space for photos from the London event, which will be coming soon!

Graduating seniors demonstrate record-breaking giving to the university

April 27, 2018/by Claudia Miller

This post was contributed by Asia Casey

2,342 signatures. 2,342 legacies forever engraved on the heart of campus.

Since 1991, graduating students have made their mark on campus by engraving their names on plaques in Tate Plaza. This year, the Class of 2018 broke the all-time record, raising $125,000 for scholarships. The previous record was held by the Class of 2017, which raised $110,000 with 2,164 signatures.

The Senior Signature campaign is a Bulldog tradition that was created to provide graduating seniors a voice to express their gratitude and support for the University of Georgia. It’s the gateway to becoming an active and charitable alumnus.

“I gave to Senior Signature as my way of thanking UGA and my department for all the opportunities, experiences and education they have provided me over the past four years,” said Daniel Seeler (BSA ’17).

Participating seniors give a minimum $50 donation and $30 of their gift supports student scholarships through the Georgia Fund. The rest is designated to a school, college or program of their choice that helped define their UGA experience. It’s an excellent way for seniors to give to what they truly believe in.

“I owe UGA so much; it’s provided me with ample involvement, academic rigor and opportunities that have developed me into the person I am today,” said Jasmine Somerset. “I want to make sure that Bulldogs who step into my shoes, years after I’ve graduated, have the ability to make use of everything that has been available to me.”

In honor of the seniors’ donations, their names – their legacies – are imprinted on their class plaque that will be permanently placed in Tate Plaza.

“I’ve decided that my UGA legacy is to make sure incoming students feel included, welcomed and wanted,” said Savannah Lockman, president of the Student Alumni Council. “My legacy may not be a building named after me, but at least it’s a feeling of family and acceptance.”

Young Alumni events offer fun and fellowship

April 16, 2018/by Kelundra Smith

This post was contributed by Elizabeth Cox

On Tuesday, April 3, in a location with reference to a different day of the week in its name, over 100 UGA young alumni filled Monday Night Garage for Young Alumni Trivia Night. Dawgs congregated with old friends and new at tables decked out in red and black decor for an evening full of Monday Night Brewing tastings, Jim ‘n Nick’s BBQ, some very clever team names and trivia by Dirty South Trivia. The Young Alumni Council’s own Courtney McCants even took over the Alumni Association Instagram to showcase the evening’s festivities.

The top three teams went home with gift bags full of various prizes, and congratulations to team “Humble Yourself” for winning the first place prize after a sudden death showdown requiring some expertise in Herschel Walker stats. Check out the event photos.

This event was the first trivia night organized specially for UGA young alumni, and was planned by the Young Alumni Leadership Council, whose members are in their first year serving on the council. Its members will be planning more events and opportunities for the nearly 40,000 Atlanta area young alumni to engage with and give back to UGA.

The next event will be our annual UGA Young Alumni Night at SweetWater on June 22. Nearly 600 were in attendance last year, so be sure to get your ticket early!

A Sweet Taste of Athens in Atlanta

July 7, 2017/by Josh Mixon

The following was written by Elizabeth Powell (BS ’06, ABJ ’06), a member of the Young Alumni Leadership Council.

Sounds of live music, laughter, and clinks of pints rang through Atlanta’s SweetWater Brewing Company as a packed house of UGA young alumni gathered for a fun evening on Friday, June 23.

The threat of a summer thunderstorm couldn’t dampen the excitement of what became the largest turnout of the annual Young Alumni Night at SweetWater, with nearly 600 attendees coming out for an evening of sipping SweetWater tastings, enjoying Jim ‘n Nick’s BBQ, grabbing some goodies from Onward Reserve (a Bulldog 100 business!), listening to tunes from the Atlanta Wedding Band, and reminiscing about their time in Athens.

The event marked the first led by the newly-created UGA Young Alumni Leadership Council, formed in February 2017. The evening was an excellent opportunity for the members to meet some of the nearly 40,000 Atlanta young alumni who they will represent while serving on the council.

The council will be working to plan events to bring this group together throughout the year and share ways for all young alumni to find their passion at UGA and give back to those areas.

“What a turnout…nearly 600 people, even in the pouring rain,” TJ Callaway (BBA ’07), the president of the UGA Young Alumni Leadership Council, said, “It was a great opportunity to bring together UGA alumni for a fun night with a purpose. Events like this are a great reminder of how strong our alumni base is, and how important it is for us to find ways to stay involved and connected with each other in the Atlanta community. Hats off to the UGA Alumni Association staff for all of the work that went into building what has become an annual UGA tradition in Atlanta.”

Check out photos from the event here and learn more about the UGA Young Alumni Leadership Council here.