John and Suzanne Lastinger give UGA students their daily bread

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By: Charles McNair

Each trip they make from their home in Valdosta to the University of Georgia campus, John Lastinger (BA ’84) and his wife, Suzanne, see hundreds of students. Some of those promising young people have hot meals thanks to the Lastingers. In 2024, the couple worked with UGA to establish the John and Suzanne Lastinger Family Scholarship Fund to subsidize meal plans for students. 

“The idea was to fund a scholarship that gives three square meals a day to Bulldogs in need,” John said. “Suzanne and I are simple folks from south Georgia, and that plan really resonated with us. We felt like we could make a difference.”   

Showing their love

The Lastingers’ scholarship is a material expression of their abiding love for UGA, a bond long in the making. 

John Lastinger makes a play against Texas in 1980.

John led the Dawgs to a major upset against the Texas Longhorns in the 1980 Cotton Bowl game.

In the early 1980s, John started at quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs under Coach Vince Dooley. He led the team to a Southeastern Conference championship in 1982 and an appearance in the 1983 Sugar Bowl against Penn State. Famously, John also scored the winning touchdown against a heavily favored Texas Longhorns team in the 1984 Cotton Bowl, one of the biggest upsets in Bulldog history.  

John and Suzanne’s daughter, Lindsay Sterry, carried on the family tradition, earning her BA in 2015 in Exercise & Sports Science. All that Bulldog love was in the room when the Lastingers met in 2024 with representatives from UGA. 

“We sat down and reviewed an impressive list of ways we could give back to Georgia,” John said. “It was almost like a menu – academic scholarships and post-graduate scholarships and so much more.” 

The Lastingers had been donors to the Terry College of Business, UGA sports programs, and the Redcoat Marching Band. Now, though, they saw a long-term opportunity to help that deeply spoke to them. John has supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Valdosta for three decades. A goal of that organization is outreach to feed Valdostans in need. John’s sensitivity to hunger issues, along with his and Suzanne’s whole-hearted love for UGA, led to the new scholarship in their names. 

 “It’s just hard for me to imagine life without Athens and UGA,” John said. “It’s way more than just the football – it’s the university, the people I’ve met, the continuing relationships from college. 

“Suzanne and I consider that our giving helps students who will someday love UGA just as much as we do. That feels like the right thing to do.” 

A UGA career path

John and Suzanne grew up in Valdosta, where both their families go back generations. They met at a friend’s wedding party in 1986 and married in 1989. Soon, they were parents to Lindsay and Jake, their son. Suzanne majored in interior design at Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C., graduating in 1989 … “but I feel like I went to UGA, I’ve spent so much time there with John,” she laughed. 

John, Suzanne and their family cheer for the Dawgs.

John, Suzanne and their family cheer for the Dawgs.

John left football behind after graduation. (“Too many knee surgeries,” he explained.) In December 1984, he started at WGXA TV as a sportscaster in Macon. 

“I got a 2 p.m.-to-midnight reporting shift,” he said. “My Macon friends worked 8 to 5, so I never saw them. I knew pretty quickly I did not want to do this with my life.” 

 After a few unsettled years, John met a man on the golf course – he loves golf, and boasts a handicap of 6 – who worked with Robinson-Humphrey, a southeast regional brokerage firm. That round turned into a job in 1992 … and a career.  

Start giving back early

John has now worked 34 years as a financial advisor. Today, he is with Stifel, a St. Louis-based financial services giant with 135 years of service and 400-plus offices in the United States. The stability and UGA network connections have given John and Suzanne the means, and the perspective, to support the school they love. 

“My advice for anyone who loves UGA,” John said, “is to start giving early. Even when you think you can’t, you can start the process.” 

 He continues, “I know so many people like me who have the deepest love for UGA – and it’s for the people and what the school stands for, not just the buildings or the football stadium.  

 “If you feel that same way, you don’t have to wait. There’s a way to contribute, even if you feel you aren’t yet in perfect financial position. You’ll look back one day and say, Gosh, I could have given more along the way.” 

Support UGA Students

UGA names next alumni president and board members

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The University of Georgia Alumni Association Board of Directors has elected its 79th president, Corey Dortch (BSA ’03, MED ’05, PHD ’11), and approved seven new board members. Their terms began July 1.

Corey and Amelia Dortch, both UGA alumni, celebrated Corey’s appointment as Alumni Board president.

Dortch has been on the board since 2016 and succeeds Lee Zell (AB ’96), whose two-year term concluded June 30. He resides in Marietta, Georgia, with his wife, Amelia (AJB ’06, MPA ’12), and son. Professionally, he is an executive search consultant specializing in higher education and global nonprofits at CarterBaldwin Executive Search and, along with his wife, is proprietor of Hines Dortch Consulting. He previously served as the associate dean of the evening MBA program at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. Dortch was named to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2012 by the UGA Alumni Association and this year, was recipient of the university’s GAAME Impact Award for his commitment to mentorship and inclusive excellence. 

“For the past nine years, Corey has been an invaluable part of the Alumni Association, and it’s been a true pleasure working alongside him,” said Adam Roell (BSED ’10), executive director of alumni relations. “He’s a lifelong learner who is deeply committed to student success and consistently gives his all to every endeavor.” 

During his time at UGA, Dortch was involved in numerous organizations and societies including Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and New Student Orientation. He was awarded the Fred Brown Memorial Award for his time as chair of Arch Society and was the recipient of the Tucker Dorsey Memorial Award as a member of Blue Key Honor Society. In addition, he was a member of the Sphinx Club — UGA’s oldest and highest student honorary. He previously served on the advisory board for 21st Century Leaders, and he and his wife are program chairs of Leadership Georgia. 

Alumni who joined the board on July 1 include: 

  • Jalena Bradley (ABJ ’96), Greensboro, Georgia. 
  • Santhia Curtis (AB ’88, JD ’91), Smyrna, Georgia. 
  • Hamilton Holmes Jr. (BBA ’90), Atlanta, Georgia. 
  • Wayne Hoover (ABJ ’83), Athens, Georgia. 
  • Kim Kingsfield (BBA ’90), Greensboro, Georgia. 
  • Garrett Mack (BSFR ’09, MFR ’11), Athens, Georgia. 
  • Lucy Pinto (BBA ’12), Montclair, New Jersey. 

The executive board members who will serve alongside Dortch include: 

  • Paton Faletti (BBA ’99), vice president – Atlanta, Georgia. 
  • Charlita Stevens-Walker (ABJ ’89), secretary – Decatur, Georgia. 
  • Lee Zell (AB ’96), immediate past president – Atlanta, Georgia. 
  • Adam Johnson (MBA ’16), development committee chair – Atlanta, Georgia. 
  • Selby Hill (ABJ ’14), engagement committee chair – Atlanta, Georgia. 
  • Don Grimsley (BBA ’96, MBA ’99), mentorship committee chair – Gainesville, Georgia. 

The UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors works closely with the university’s alumni relations staff to promote, support and advance the programs and services that are offered to more than 364,000 living alumni around the world. 

Board members who concluded their terms on the board on June 30 included: 

  • Yvette Daniels, Stone Mountain, Georgia 
  • Camille Kesler, Atlanta, Georgia 
  • Anne Beckwith, Atlanta, Georgia 
  • Kevin Gooch, Decatur, Georgia 
  • Travis Bryant, Thomasville, Georgia 
  • Todd Phinney, Bishop, Georgia 
  • Christy Gilmore, Griffin, Georgia 
  • Rodney Brooks, Leesburg, Georgia 
  • Ameet Shetty, Knoxville, Tennessee 

To view the full list of UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors, visit alumni.uga.edu/board-of-directors. 

Good days ahead — alumni couple supports UGA’s future

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By: Halleigh Woods 

While many view college as the best time of their lives, the Beachams believe the good days are far from over. For Matt (BBA ’09, MACC ’11) and Adrianne (BBA ’10, MACC ’11) Beacham, the University of Georgia and the Terry College of Business have always been more than just a school. The college has served as a launchpad for their careers, a strong network of support, a lasting community and the place where they began building their life together.  

The couple credits Terry with not only laying the foundation for their relationship and careers but also inspiring them to stay engaged and give back. Today, they regularly speak to classes, mentor students and seek out opportunities to hire fellow Bulldogs. Matt has served as chair of the Terry Young Alumni Board, and Adrianne makes an annual visit to Professor Tina Carpenter’s Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination class, where she presents a “Top Ten” list of career lessons alongside her company’s president. 

“It is understandable to think you need to be further along in your career before you start giving back, but there are so many ways to stay engaged,” Matt says. “There are so many meaningful opportunities for young alumni to stay connected and make an impact. Whether that’s through giving financially, mentoring, speaking to students or getting involved with a local alumni chapter.”  

Matt and Adrianne attend the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta.

Matt and Adrianne attend the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta.

The couple agrees that one of the simplest ways young alumni can start contributing is through recurring giving, like the Ten for Terry campaign “It is such an easy way to make a meaningful impact,” Adrianne says. “Ten dollars a month might not seem like much, but when we all participate, it adds up to real support for students and programs.” 

That spirit of collective impact reflects the Beachams’ broader passion for creating pathways for future students. “Donor dollars help build buildings, fund scholarships and provide access to programs that Terry otherwise could not offer,” Matt shares. “We want students to have even better opportunities than we had.” 

Adrianne experienced the power of those opportunities and the UGA alumni network firsthand when she landed an internship at Coca-Cola Enterprises following her undergraduate graduation. There, she met the CFO, Bill Douglas, who encouraged her to pursue a career in public accounting, going so far as to connect her with EY, where she spent the next five years.  

Matt also shared that every career opportunity he has pursued has included a UGA connection in some way. He began his career in public accounting as well, working at Frazier and Deeter in Atlanta, subsequently exploring entrepreneurial ventures in retail, accounting and the beverage industry. 

Eventually, both Matt and Adrianne were ready for a change, and the Classic City called them home again. 

Matt and Adrianne Beacham attend the UMass vs. UGA game in November 2024.

Matt and Adrianne Beacham attend the UMass vs. UGA game in November 2024.

“We were at the G-Day game when we ran into some of our former professors,” Adrianne recalls. “Margaret Christ and Tina Carpenter told me about a job opening at Stadion Money Management, where I’ve had the opportunity to work in various roles over the last nine years. Once again, that opportunity came directly through our alumni network.” 

Today, Matt is focused on growing his new beverage venture as co-founder of GoodDays Classic Cocktails, a ready-to-drink canned cocktail brand made with real spirits and fruit juice.  

Since getting the business started in early 2023, he’s been hands-on in every part of the business, from formula creation to distribution, and continues to lean on mentors like Bill Douglas, a connection they trace back to Adrianne’s Coca-Cola Enterprises internship. 

After benefiting from UGA’s strong network throughout every stage of their careers, giving back to the university that helped launch it all felt like a natural next step. Today, the Beachams are focused on paying it forward, giving back with their time, talent and treasure, helping current students tap into the same support and connections that shaped their own journeys. 

Matt’s advice to fellow alumni, whether just starting out or well established in your career: “Get involved, build relationships and grow your network, because you never know what resources or connections might be helpful as you progress in life.” 

The Beachams are proof that the UGA experience does not end at graduation. From Athens to Atlanta and back again, they are making good days happen for themselves and others, one Bulldog connection at a time. 

Begin your giving journey with UGA

Meet UGA’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

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The University of Georgia has named its 40 Under 40 Class of 2025, recognizing a group of young alumni based on their personal, professional and philanthropic achievements. This year’s group includes UGA graduates across various industries, including professional sports, oncological medicine, space exploration and more.  

The honorees will be recognized during the annual 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon on campus in September.  

“Every year, the 40 Under 40 honorees are some of the most talented and compelling Bulldogs who are doing truly amazing things for their communities,” said Adam Roell, executive director of alumni relations. “Meeting them and learning their stories just shows how this university prepares our alumni to accomplish great things.” 

The 40 Under 40 Class of 2025, including graduation year(s) from UGA, city, title and employer, are: 

Caleb Ashmore Adams (BS ’18, MS ’20), San Francisco; project manager, NASA Ames Research Center  

Darren Anglin (ABJ ’16), Atlanta; global human resources director, Johnson Controls 

Mike Barry (AB ’10, AB ’10), Nashville, Tennessee; senior counsel, Nissan North America, Inc.  

Shelby Bice (BSAE ’15), Peachtree City, Georgia; chief of staff to the president and CEO, Georgia Power 

Dave Bliss (AB ’07, BBA ’08), Oklahoma City, assistant coach; Oklahoma City Thunder 

Alex T. Bradford (AB ’10), Macon, Georgia; director of public policy, Georgia Farm Bureau 

Jemelleh Coes (PHD ’18), Athens, Georgia; director of Teacher Leadership Programs, Mount Holyoke College 

Matt Donato (PHARMD ’14), Brunswick, Georgia; CEO, Golden Isles Pharmacy 

Nic Fink (BSAE ’16), Dallas; project manager, Quanta Utilities Engineering Services 

Shane P. Foye (BBA ’15), Peachtree Corners, Georgia; president, DW1 

Kate Haslam (BBA ’10), Savannah, Georgia; principal, Baker Tilly 

Sam Hatcher (JD ’20), Atlanta; executive counsel, Office of the Governor of Georgia 

Nick Hendricks (BBA ’09), Atlanta; senior vice president, IMA Financial Group  

Dorris Hyer (PHARMD ’12), Windermere, Florida; co-owner and pharmacist, King’s Pharmacy 

Curt A. Jackson (BLA ’09), Atlanta; director of landscape architecture, W&A Engineering 

Jordan Layson (AB ’09), Washington, D.C.; senior director of U.S. Government Affairs, Amgen 

Caroline Lewallen (BSA ’11), Clarkesville, Georgia; owner and lead steakholder, teXga Farms 

Mackenzie Long (DVM ’18), Athens, Georgia; assistant professor of veterinary clinical pathology, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine 

Mike Macdonald (BBA ’10, MS ’13), Redmond, Washington; head coach, Seattle Seahawks 

Alia C. Martinez (BBA ’10, MBA ’17), Smyrna, Georgia; senior platform manager, Chick-fil-A 

Sarah K. Merkel (BS ’15), Tampa, Florida; breast surgical oncologist, Yale School of Medicine 

Shannon Milan (BSCHEM ’10), Lithonia, Georgia; pharmacologist, U.S. Food and Drug Administration 

Avery Monthero (BSFCS ’17), Atlanta; sales account executive, Delta Air Lines 

Philip C. Mote (AB ’11, BS ’11), Estero, Florida; primary care pediatrics physician, Lee Health 

Roya Naghepour (AB ’19, JD ’22), Atlanta; attorney, Alston & Bird LLP 

Charles Orgbon III (BSES ’18), Oakland, California; climate change and sustainability services manager, EY 

Ines Owens (AB ’10, AB ’10), Woodstock, Georgia; policy and communications director, Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia  

Mike Rafi (JD ’11), Atlanta; attorney, Rafi Law Firm 

Jesslyn Rollins (AB ’15, AB ’15), Marietta, Georgia; CEO, BIOLYTE 

Colby Ruiz (BSA ’15), Hahira, Georgia; vascular surgeon, South Georgia Medical Center 

Harry Sanders III (BSFR ’14), Danville, Georgia; owner, Sanders Logging Inc.  

Ryan Scates (AB ’10, JD ’13), Saint Simons Island, Georgia; attorney, Hall Booth Smith, PC 

Macy Sirmans Holmes (ABJ ’13), London; travel and home marketing director, Condé Nast 

Caroline Stelling (BSES ’11), Marietta, Georgia; managing director, Montrose Environmental Group 

Tyson Strickland (BSA ’11, DVM ’16), Comer, Georgia; founder and CEO, Custom Livestock Solutions, LLC 

Spencer Tolley (BSED ’11), Athens, Georgia; attorney, Cook & Tolley, LLP

Kelly Vaughn (BS ’12, MPH ’14, MSW ’14), Smyrna, Georgia; engineering senior manager, Zapier 

Joe Vaughn (BSFR ’16), Jefferson, Georgia; professional services manager, F&W Forestry 

Brian W. Watts (BS ’11), Washington, D.C.; data and research officer, The Pew Charitable Trusts

Harley Yancey IV (BBA ’11, JD ’15), Rome, Georgia; president, State Mutual Insurance Company

From February through March, hundreds of nominations poured in for this year’s 40 Under 40. To be considered, nominees must be UGA alumni who embody the three guiding principles of the Arch: wisdom, justice, and moderation. Full eligibility details and more information on this year’s class can be found on the UGA Alumni website. 

“It’s an honor to recognize these honorees and all the work they have done,” said Roell. “Every one of them deserves to be celebrated and we are pleased to welcome them back to campus to do so.” 

Young alumni support students on verge of graduation

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The Young Alumni Leadership Council scholarship will provide need-based aid to students with 60 or more credit hours. 

A significant obstacle to graduating and becoming a University of Georgia alum is the financial challenge that often arises in the final years of school. The UGA Young Alumni Leadership Council is seeking to help students overcome that challenge. 

The YALC’s Finish the Drill Scholarship will support students with 60 or more credit hours, helping them overcome financial barriers and successfully cross the finish line to graduation. With the support of donors, the YALC has grown the fund to $50,000 in its first six months. This includes corporate support and partnership with BMW in Atlanta through an event that brought together 250 young alumni on June 12.  

The Young Alumni Leadership Council is a group of recent graduates that organize events and initiatives to strengthen the bond between Bulldogs, their alma mater, and their fellow alumni. The purpose of the YALC is to foster lifelong engagement, cultivate meaningful connections, and inspire continued investment in the University of Georgia through experiential opportunities, philanthropic initiatives, and outreach activities.  

Young alumni event on June 12.

Young UGA alumni played pickleball and raised funds for the Finish the Drill Scholarship Fund.

The YALC Finish the Drill Scholarship offers a commitment to helping students finish strong and become proud alumni of UGA. This idea started in a small meeting with members of the Young Alumni Leadership Council. One member, Kanler Cumbass (MED ’21), has a particular excitement for this initiative because of his career in higher education. 

“What the scholarship, and our work in co-creating it as a council, has shown me is that many of my peers share the same core values,” said Cumbass. “At our core, we all want to support the students at the University of Georgia in a meaningful way — one that extends beyond just a connection back to the university, but truly offers a tangible benefit to the individual.” 

This idea was inspired by similar successful programs within the state of Georgia, such as Georgia State University’s Panther Retention Grant Program and the Technical College System of Georgia’s Last Mile Fund.  

A study from Ithaka on Georgia State University’s Panther Retention Grant Program reveals that nearly 40% of students who enroll in postsecondary institutions do not graduate, leaving around 36 million individuals in the United States with some college experience but no degree. Research also indicates that even modest financial support can significantly enhance student retention and increase the likelihood of degree completion. 

In addition to financial support, the YALC hopes to pair scholarship recipients with a mentor through the UGA Mentor Program to foster social capital development, career exploration, and community engagement. This initiative strengthens ties between students and the university, while building lasting relationships with well-established young alumni who are eager to give back and share their expertise. 

“We want recipients to build their own personal board of directors — true mentors from within their industry who can help them find that next right step that is life beyond the arch,” said Kanler. “This fits into our mission to maintain meaningful connections with the university by fostering stronger relationships.” 

Help Students Finish the Drill

Health founder, CEO receives 2025 Footsteps Award at annual celebration

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By: Rachael Andrews and Gabby Adekogbe  

Dr. Michael V. Smith (BSA ’79) was selected as the 2025 Footsteps Award recipient, in honor of his impact on the community. The award is named to recognize the three students who helped to integrate the university in the 1960s: Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Hamilton Holmes and Mary Frances Early, and honors alumni who follow in the footsteps of these trailblazers. Smith was chosen by a committee of University of Georgia faculty, staff and students. 

Smith is the CEO and founder of Marti Health, an innovative health care platform dedicated to improving the quality and consistency of health care for at-risk populations, including those with sickle cell disease and their caregivers.  Previously, as chief of cardiothoracic surgery at the former Atlanta Medical Center, Smith launched the first early-detection lung cancer program in Georgia.  

Smith — in addition to being a member of the UGA Board of Visitors — has also committed to improving the student experience through supporting scholarships. Smith himself was the recipient of a scholarship during his time as a Bulldog, which eventually led him to give back to UGA. He has established several need-based scholarships to support at-risk students to continue their academic journey at the university.  

“I know there are students who leave every year not because they’re not academically competitive, but because they are just not financially able to support themselves,” Smith said in a recent UGA Alumni spotlight. “The idea is that there will be, in perpetuity, academically capable kids who won’t be hampered by financial obstacles because those who benefitted before them paid it forward.” 

Michael Smith, Footsteps Award recipient, is pictured at the event.

In addition to honoring Dr. Smith, the event also celebrated reaching $1 million in the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund endowment.

“The University of Georgia is lucky to call someone like Dr. Smith an alum of our institution,” said Jill Walton, vice president for development and alumni relations. “His work bridging gaps not only in health care, but also in student support at the university has been so inspiring to witness. His compassion, care and commitment to his patients, community and our students is something we hope for all of our alumni to embody.” 

Last year, retired Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Benham was honored with the Footsteps Award, following Richard Dunn and Xernona Thomas in 2023 and Eugenia Harvey in 2022. 

Smith was honored during the annual 1961 Club Celebration on June 13 in Athens, which held particular significance this year as the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund — supported by members of the 1961 Club — surpassed $1 million. The fund was launched in 1981 with a gift from James Simmons, Jr. and Horatio Lanier (ABJ ’77) and has grown thanks to generous support from a dedicated group of alumni, faculty and thousands of donors. 

Members of the 1961 Club contribute gifts of $19.61, $196.10, or $1,961, making giving accessible to all UGA alumni, friends and students.  

To date, the BASF has supported numerous students who exhibit promising leadership qualities. Among them is Jordan Howard ’26, a computer systems engineering major.   

“When I first received the scholarship, it meant a lot to me because it brought me closer to my goal of graduating debt-free,” said Howard. “It also had a big impact on my experience at UGA, allowing me to pursue opportunities I might have had to pass up if I had been working to cover expenses.”  

Ericka Bayonne (AB ’93), who played a pivotal role in the creation of the 1961 Club, envisioned a giving program that honored UGA’s trailblazers and made a lasting impact.  

“Legacy, pride, and the future. We stand on the shoulders of those who came in 1961 — Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Hamilton Holmes and Mary Frances Early,” said Bayonne. “We want alumni to walk away with a deep sense of pride in that legacy, understanding that the work is far from over. It’s about passing the baton to the students who will follow in our footsteps.”  

UGA Class of 2025 leaves their legacy ahead of graduation

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The annual Senior Signature campaign brings together the graduating class to contribute a gift to the university and leave a legacy on campus for years to come. This year, the Class of 2025 broke records for the giving campaign, securing over 3,400 gifts from members of the graduating class for the first time.  

In total, the Class of 2025 contributed over $115,000 through the Senior Signature campaign, UGA’s class gift program that has been in place since 1991. Undergraduate, graduate and professional students are all invited to participate in the campaign.  

“Giving back to the university is extremely important for students because it encourages us to invest in the future of our campus and understand the true purpose of what it means to donate to the university,” said Danielle Jones, vice president of philanthropy for the Student Alumni Council, the on-campus student group responsible for organizing the campaign. “Choosing to give back as current students at UGA helps to create an atmosphere where students are eager to remain connected after graduation and help to make our second home a better place.” 

Jones and her fellow members of the UGA Student Alumni Council engage their peers throughout the year through fundraising events, peer-to-peer education and tabling on campus, all in an effort to connect current students with alumni and to participate in campus traditions that enhance the student experience. They also strive to impress upon other students the importance of giving back philanthropically to UGA.  

“Senior Signature is important because it educates students on the true meaning of philanthropy and allows SAC members to have a platform where we can encourage other students to be involved in the university and its traditions,” said Jones. “We can all help to create a brighter future for students by being involved. Whether it’s through education or donations, both SAC members and other students on campus are all making a difference at UGA.” 

The minimum Senior Signature donation is $30 and serves as an opportunity for students to learn how financial support can be designated to a variety of funds across campus. Each student donor is invited to direct $20 of their gift to an area of campus that made a positive impact on their time here. This year, students contributed to 544 funds at UGA, with many gifts going toward academic or education funds like the State Botanical Garden Excellence Fund and the Honors Fund of Excellence. 

The remaining $10 of a student’s donation is combined with other class members’ gifts to provide grant funding to a student organization of the group’s choice. This year, student donors selected Spike Squad to receive the grant during the upcoming academic year. The organization, a staple at UGA sporting events and perhaps most notably football games, plans to utilize the funds to support UGA recruitment efforts across the Athens community by providing local families the opportunity to connect with Spike Squad members and current UGA students during gamedays. 

The 2025 Senior Signature campaign set out with a goal of inspiring 3,250 graduating students to make a gift and cement their legacy at the university. The goal was surpassed with more than a month left before graduation ceremonies across campus commence. For Jones and the SAC, the campaign results have been a resounding endorsement of their classmates’ commitment to the university, even as they prepare for their next steps.  

“It’s so encouraging to see how many students chose to make their mark and be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Jones concludes. “It goes to show that students care about leaving their mark on campus, but they also care about so many different areas on campus, and they want to give back to those areas before they graduate.” 

Learn More about Senior Signature

XChanged Life strengthened by UGA’s 2024 Class Gift

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On Friday, March 14, XChanged Life hosted a The Great Gatsby-themed formal at Memorial Hall, made possible by the support of the 2024 Class Gift and Senior Signature donors. The event was designed to create a memorable experience for international and exchange students at the University of Georgia. As the club’s primary mission is to strengthen connections between international and local communities, the formal served as a celebration of this goal.

“The event was inspired by the fascination many of our international members have with the tradition of American school dances,” said Alyssa Wood (AB ’24, AB ’24, MIP ’26), president of XChanged Life. “It provided an opportunity for our members to experience something they’ve previously only observed from afar.”

Group photo of XChanged Life students. (Photo: Submitted)

Group photo of XChanged Life students. (Photo: Submitted)

XChanged Life is a student organization dedicated to enriching the experience of exchange and international students. Through engaging activities, such as dinners, hiking trips and skate nights, XChanged Life can facilitate social interactions and foster strong connections among students.

“I was first introduced to XChanged Life at the involvement fair when I was a sophomore and was interested in the idea of meeting people from around the world,” said Wood. “Coming from a small town, I saw this as a unique opportunity, so I decided to join the organization.”

The Class Gift is a grant funding opportunity for student organizations, made possible through donations from UGA’s Senior Signature giving campaign. Coordinated by the Student Alumni Council, the Class Gift and Senior Signature campaign allow each graduating class to leave a lasting impact on UGA. The Class Gift is available each year for student organizations to apply for funding for the following academic year. Senior Signature donors vote on the final Class Gift recipient.

“When I think about the Class Gift and organizations like XChanged Life receiving it, I think about how this is the fruit of philanthropy,” said Willis Tripp (BBA ’24, MACC ’26), SAC president. “To be in a position where you can give back and help enable others to do things they might not have been able to without the generosity of others is truly amazing.

Willis Tripp (right), Student Alumni Council president, with students at the XChanged Life formal on Friday, March 14th, 2025.

Willis Tripp (right), Student Alumni Council president, with students at the XChanged Life formal on Friday, March 14th, 2025. (Photo: Submitted)

Senior Signature is an annual giving campaign for graduating students to give back to UGA by contributing to areas that were meaningful during their time at UGA. Each student is asked to contribute a minimum of $30, with $10 supporting the Class Gift initiative and $20 directed to a fund of their choice. This contribution is a tradition that has been ongoing since 1991, with students’ names engraved on a plaque displayed on campus.

Learn about Senior Signature

Lost class ring reunited with owner 50 years later

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In June 2024, Jack Swift ’26, an accounting major from Sugar Hill, GA, received an unexpected email during his first few days interning with the UGA Office of Alumni Relations. The message was from William Martinez, a resident of a small town near Valencia, Spain. Martinez had recently discovered an old ring in his grandparents’ home and became curious about its origins. After tracing the ring back to the University of Georgia, he contacted the alumni office in search of answers. 

Monitoring the alumni email was Swift’s responsibility, so he felt it was his duty to take on the task. As a member of several campus organizations, including the Student Alumni Council, whose focus includes promoting class rings and other time-honored UGA traditions, Swift’s curiosity and support from advisors fueled his enthusiasm for the project.  

“At first, I was surprised that someone would go to the effort of emailing the university from another country, another continent,” said Swift. “I thought that was interesting, and I wanted to look into it and learn more. I decided to devote some time, commit and see what could come from it.” 

On the ring was the owner’s name, the year they graduated from the University of Georgia, and the Greek letters of their fraternity. Using this information, Swift thought to look through a Pandora yearbook from the 1960s and was able to trace the ring back to its owner, Fred Baker III (BBA ’67).

Fred Baker’s fraternity photo from the 1967 Pandora Yearbook.

Fred Baker’s fraternity photo from the 1967 Pandora Yearbook.

“It was pretty emotional when Jack called,” said Baker. “My daughter and I were sitting together listening to the voicemail from Jack and were left in total disbelief.”  

Attending UGA was a spontaneous decision for Baker. He enrolled at UGA in 1964 and fell in love with Athens. After graduating, Baker pursued various careers, including serving in the military. He spent some time stationed in Germany, after which he decided to travel the world. In 1970, he found himself in Spain and it was during this time that the ring was lost.  

“I owe a lot to Jack and Mr. Martinez for doing this,” said Baker. “Neither of them had to take the time to research and find me, but they did, and that’s pretty admirable.” 

Fifty-four years later, Swift was able to return the ring to its original owner. This was a full circle moment for Swift; he began his internship with this task and was able to return the ring to its rightful owner just before it ended. 

Fred Baker reunited with hist lost class ring in 2024.

Fred Baker reunited with his lost class ring in 2024.

“I am lucky that it stumbled across my desk and that I was able to put a lot of time and effort into it,” said Swift. “I knew it was something that was important to Mr. Fred, so that made it important to me.” 

Class rings represent the bond between the University of Georgia and its graduates, serving as a reminder of the global connection within Bulldog nation. Whether you graduated 50 years ago or are a current student with 60 or more credit hours, you can be part of this tradition alongside other Bulldogs spanning generations across the world. 

Be Part of the Tradition

Daniel Brown honored as 2025 Seawell Faculty Award recipient  

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Daniel Brown (BBA ’02), senior lecturer in the Risk Management and Insurance program at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, is the 2025 recipient of UGA’s Lee Anne Seawell Faculty Recognition Award.   

Faculty who receive this honor, given annually by the UGA Career Center, are selected via feedback from the Career Center’s annual Career Outcomes Survey. The survey gave members of the Class of 2024 the opportunity to identify a faculty or staff member who had a positive influence on their career development.    

Brown earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Georgia and his master’s in business administration from Georgia College and State University. After spending 15 years in the insurance industry, he transitioned to education. Now, with seven years of experience as a professor at UGA, Brown teaches four courses each fall and spring semester. Brown is a career champion for students, consistently going the extra mile to support them in their career journeys.   

“I feel lucky to have a job that I love — a ‘get to’ job. I get to go to work every day, and I want to help students find their own ‘get to’ job,” said Brown. “To do that, I need to connect with students. I share a lot of personal stories in the classroom, both wins and failures, and my hope is that this helps them see me as a person they can relate to. From there, I hope it can help them find careers that will become their own ‘get to’ job.”   

Daniel Brown holding the Seawell Faculty Recognition Award plaque. (Submitted photo)

In recent years, Brown has supported the Risk Management and Insurance department in organizing their own career fair. The RMI Careers Day brings together over 80 employers and more than 400 RMI students, offering a platform for employers to connect with and interview students seeking both internship opportunities and full-time positions.    

Brown credits much of his teaching style to the professors who were role models during his time as a student at UGA. He remembers Kevin Ellis, whose personable approach and impactful advice have stayed with him over the years, as well as Mark Huber (PHD ’98), whose lessons continue to shape Brown’s approach to navigating careers today.   

“I looked up to them, and part of me aspired to be like them, which I think played a big role in leading me to this position,” said Brown. “I’ve tried to model my approach in the classroom after theirs because it resonated with me at the time. Based on feedback from students today, it seems to connect with them as well.”   

The late Lee Anne Seawell endowed this faculty recognition award, which has been presented annually since 2017. Seawell joined UGA in 1947 as one of the university’s first female administrators, and she worked in career services and student financial aid until her retirement in 1987.   

“Since becoming UGA faculty, one of my primary goals has been to engage with students,” said Brown. “This award recognizes connecting with students and helping them find careers. I am very honored to receive this award and appreciative to Lee Anne Seawell for endowing this award.”  

For more information on the career outcomes of UGA’s Class of 2024, visit https://career.uga.edu/outcomes.