KBH Industrial repeats as fastest-growing UGA business

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The University of Georgia recognized the fastest-growing companies owned or led by UGA alumni during the Bulldog 100 Celebration on Feb. 7 in the West End Zone of Sanford Stadium. 

KBH Industrial earned the No. 1 spot for 2026. The company is led by Tarun Ganeriwal, president and chief executive officer, who received his Master of Business Administration from the Terry College of Business in 2009. 

Left to right: Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Jill Walton; president and CEO of KBH Industrial, Tarun Ganeriwal; Hairy Dawg; president of UGA Alumni Association, Corey Dortch.

Headquartered in Smyrna, Georgia, KBH Industrial delivers energy solutions through professional, architectural, engineering, design and construction services for partners across the energy industry. This year marks the company’s third time on the Bulldog 100 list, and the second year in a row in the top spot. 

The rest of the Bulldog 100 top ten includes: 

  1. Marlin Construction Partners, Lake City, Florida
  2. SlicedHealth, Woodstock, Georgia
  3. The King Firm, LLC, Tifton, Georgia
  4. I Buy All Shoes, Alpharetta, Georgia
  5. Rugged Road, Norcross, Georgia
  6. Merit Partners, Atlanta, Georgia
  7. Hess Media Inc., Gallatin, Tennessee
  8. Ellsworth Cleaning and Facility Services, Atlanta, Georgia
  9. Rise Property Group, Marietta, Georgia

“This remarkable class of honorees represents all that is possible when talent, determination and the Bulldog spirit come together,” said Corey Dortch, president of the University of Georgia Alumni Association Board of Directors. “Their success strengthens our university, fuels economic growth and inspires the next generation of Bulldogs to dream even bigger.” 

“Each year, this program reminds us how far a UGA education can take you and how powerfully our alumni continue to shape their industries and communities,” Dortch said. 

The Bulldog 100 rankings are based solely on their three-year compounded annual growth rates. The Atlanta office of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors — a Bulldog 100 partner since the program began in 2009 — verifies the information submitted by each company and determines the final rankings. In total, revenues for companies in the 2026 Bulldog 100 increased by 121% percent from 2022-2024, representing strong economic momentum and entrepreneurial leadership. 

This year’s class includes businesses headquartered in a total of 10 states, with 85 of the businesses located in the state of Georgia. In total, 140 alumni representing over industries from health care and engineering to construction and marketing were recognized. 

Left to right: Lelia Bryan, Stephanie and Chad Powell, Corey Dortch.

The annual Michael J. Bryan Award was presented during the Feb. 7 event. Named for co-founder and managing partner of Vino Venue and Atlanta Wine School who passed away in 2017 from cancer, the award recognizes a returning Bulldog 100 honoree who exemplifies Bryan’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to UGA. This year’s recipients were Stephanie and Chad Powell, second-generation leaders of 50-year-old Georgia-built business, Joe Powell & Associates, in addition to Joe Powell Services Incorporated.  

To view the complete list of 2026 Bulldog 100 businesses, visit alumni.uga.edu/b100.

Nominations for the 2027 Bulldog 100 will open in April. 

UGA announces 2026 Alumni Awards 

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The University of Georgia announced the 2026 Alumni Awards honorees. These annual awards recognize individuals that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to UGA. The 2026 honorees are:  

  • Larry R. Benson | Alumni Merit Award
  • Nancy C. Juneau | Alumni Merit Award
  • Robert E. Hoyt | Faculty Service Award
  • Jim and Rene Nalley | Family of the Year Award
  • Brian E. Harman | Young Alumni Award

The 2026 Alumni Awards honorees will be welcomed to Athens on Thursday, April 2 for a luncheon to celebrate their dedication to the University of Georgia. More about these distinguished members of the UGA community will be available following the luncheon in April at alumni.uga.edu/alumniawards.  

“The Alumni Awards honor some of the University of Georgia’s most dedicated supporters,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “Our accomplishments in research, teaching and service would not be possible without the continued generosity of our loyal alumni and friends, and I am truly grateful for all they do to advance our vital land-grant and sea-grant mission.”

Mentorship that builds futures

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When Mong Vo ’26 first stepped onto the University of Georgia campus as a freshman, she was filled with curiosity and just a little uncertainty. With no immediate family members working in the corporate world, she wondered how to navigate the journey toward her dream career. Should she pursue research opportunities? Should she join a student organization? What were the steps she could take to get her where she wanted to go?

That’s when she discovered the UGA Mentor Program, which is designed to connect students with alumni and professionals who can provide guidance, encouragement and real-world perspective. Mong hoped it would help her understand the corporate world and give her direction. What she didn’t know then was that it would also lead her to a mentor who would change the trajectory of her career.

A mentor’s motivation to give back

Hayden Scarbrough (BSEE ’18), a proud UGA alumnus and lifelong Georgia Bulldogs fan, had already been involved with the UGA Mentor Program for several years when he met Mong. For him, mentoring was about more than just giving advice — it was about giving back to the university community that shaped him.

“I saw how mentoring was such an instrumental part of corporate culture,” Hayden explained. “I wanted to make sure I had my Dawgs’ backs as they transitioned into their careers.”

Hayden has been able to provide guidance and mentorship to Bulldog students through the UGA Mentor Program.

Opportunity awaits

Hayden helped Mong sort through the choices ahead — research versus corporate work and the many paths within computer science — offering perspective and encouragement.

With his guidance, Mong landed an internship at AT&T, one of UGA’s top 25 employers for 2024, which was a major milestone in her professional journey. During her internship, Hayden continued to mentor her, offering advice as she delivered presentations to executives, collaborated with teams, and navigated the corporate environment.

By the end of the program, Mong had earned a coveted full-time job offer with AT&T, giving her the security of knowing she would graduate with a career already in place.

“I’m so grateful,” Mong said. “The job market, especially for computer science degrees, has been really competitive. Having that offer gave me peace of mind for my last year of school.”

Mong, Hayden and team present their project with AT&T during Mong’s internship.

Lessons in networking

Beyond the internship and job offer, Mong says the most important lesson she learned from Hayden was the value of networking.

“Networking is the job,” Hayden told her. At first, Mong thought of networking as something useful but secondary. Through Hayden’s guidance, she came to understand that building relationships was central to success — not just for landing a job, but for finding opportunities within a company and connecting with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

During her internship, Mong put that advice into practice, meeting colleagues across teams and even helping connect fellow interns to opportunities. “I love that feeling of being able to help other people through my network,” she said.

Hayden echoed the importance of networking, noting that it has been the most impactful advice he has received in his own career.

“Networking is what allows you to climb the ladder others have built for you,” he explained.

“Mong went from not knowing what she wanted to do to owning it,” Hayden said proudly of his mentee. “She took charge, excelled in her internship, and earned a full-time position. That’s not easy to do.”

“Once you find that one mentor you really click with, it can change the trajectory of your academic and career journey,” Mong said of her mentor.

Their story is a testament to how the UGA Mentor Program provides guidance, confidence and connections to students. For alumni, it offers the chance to give back and witness firsthand the impact of investing time in future Bulldogs.

Hayden encourages other alumni to get involved, reminding them that mentorship doesn’t require an executive title or hours of weekly commitment. “There’s always time to give back,” he said. “Any stage of your career can be beneficial for students. All perspectives are welcome.”

As Mong prepares to graduate with a full-time job secured, and Hayden continues to mentor future Bulldogs, their journey shows that mentorship is more than advice — it’s a bridge to opportunity, growth and lasting success.

Join the UGA Mentor Program today to make an impact on the next generation of Bulldog leaders and attend the Spring Career & Internship Fair to find the next step in your professional journey.

 

Join the UGA Mentor Program 

 

Attend the Spring Career & Internship Fair

 

UGA opens nominations for prestigious Footsteps Award

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The University of Georgia is accepting nominations for its Footsteps Award, an annual honor celebrating UGA graduates carrying forward the pioneering spirit of three trailblazers who helped to integrate UGA — Charlayne Hunter-Gault (ABJ ’63), Hamilton Holmes (BS ’63) and Mary Frances Early (MMED ’62, EDS ’67). 

UGA alumni, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to nominate deserving graduates by completing the online form at alumni.uga.edu/footsteps-award. Nominations close February 13, and the recipient will be announced in late spring.  

The award recognizes a graduate whose influence extends across multiple areas of their community. A committee of UGA faculty, staff, alumni, and students will select the honoree, who will be formally recognized during the 1961 Club Celebration this summer. 

Now in its fourth year, the Footsteps Award has honored leaders including Eugenia Harvey in 2022, Richard Dunn and Xernona Thomas in 2023, Justice Robert Benham in 2024, and most recently, Marti Health founder and CEO Dr. Michael V. Smith.  

“Our alumni continue to inspire us with the ways they lead, serve, and uplift their communities,” said Adam Roell, UGA’s executive director of alumni relations. “The Footsteps Award shines a light on those who extend the legacy of Hunter-Gault, Holmes, and Early, proving that the Bulldog spirit reaches far beyond campus.” 

Questions about the award can be emailed to alumni@uga.edu. 

Nominate Today

Georgia’s Capital and the Bulldogs’ Backyard

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Right in the Bulldogs’ backyard and at the heart of the Peach State, the UGA Atlanta Alumni Chapter stands as the largest alumni chapter, representing nearly one-third of all UGA alumni. 

“This chapter represents around 30% of all living UGA alumni, so our board has the opportunity to connect a huge Bulldog family and rally them to support both the university and our Atlanta community,” Will Ferrand (BBA ’15), the Atlanta chapter president said. 

“Working for this UGA family is a big responsibility, but a massive privilege as well.” 

With multiple game-watching parties across the city, the Atlanta game day experience is always a classic. The chapter’s most well-known watch party location is Monday Night Brewing, located in West Midtown; this year, they also incorporated Red Pepper Taqueria and the new greenspace in the city of Tucker, Georgia. 

Members of the Tucker municipal government reached out to the university and the Atlanta chapter to inquire into being an official game-watching party venue in their newly created outdoor space. By working with the Mayor of Tucker and city council staff, they were able to create the first UGA Alumni chapter/local municipality partnership of its kind.  

“We held three watch parties in Tucker this season, and each was a great success,” Ferrand said. “We’re excited to continue working with them and hope this kind of partnership can become a model for other chapters as well.”

The Atlanta Chapter hosts game-watching parties across the city.

The Atlanta Chapter hosts game-watching parties across the city.

Per game, there is an average of 75-100 people ready to cheer on the Dawgs and for the bigger matchups of the season, up to 200 fans will gather together. With UGA making post-season appearances the past few years, they have also seen huge crowds of over 300 people for events like the SEC Championship.

Aside from cheering on the Dawgs, this chapter loves to host events to support Atlanta sports teams, including the Hawks and the Braves. In previous years, they helped host the UGA Night at the Hawks and the UGA Day at the Braves events, where a portion of ticket proceeds supported the Atlanta Chapter Scholarship Fund.  

This fund supports a student in the greater Atlanta area attending the University of Georgia.  

Fun UGA merch that the UGA Atlanta Alumni Chapter has at their game-watching parties.

Fun UGA merch that the UGA Atlanta Alumni Chapter has at their game-watching parties.

Alumni chapter leaders work with business leaders and large corporations from all over the metro Atlanta area to help connect the community back to UGA. From the Georgia Economic Outlook series hosted by the Terry College of Business each year at the Georgia Aquarium, to UGA Emeritus Board of Trustees events around the city, Atlanta is a home away from home for UGA outside of Athens. 

“The partnership between Atlanta and Athens is such an important one for our state and our university, and our chapter is excited to be a part of it,” Ferrand said. 

“The Atlanta Chapter is going to have more opportunities for alumni engagement. Since we Never Bark Alone, the chapter wants to be a conduit for our alumni to find the UGA causes they are most passionate about and help them contribute their time, talent, or treasure back to the university.” 

Interested in connecting with alumni through your local chapter?

Find Your Alumni Chapter

 

Meet UGA’s 2026 Bulldog 100

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The University of Georgia announced the 2026 Bulldog 100, a list of the fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UGA graduates. This class joins a list of over 900 business leaders who have been honored since the program’s first celebration in 2010.

Among this year’s class, businesses are headquartered in 10 states, with 85 of the businesses located in Georgia. In total, 140 alumni, representing industries from health care and engineering to construction and marketing, are being recognized as a part of this year’s list. 

The 2026 fastest-growing businesses, in alphabetical order, include: 

Alexander & Alexander Attorneys at Law, Barnwell, SC 

AmeriPro Health, LLC, Atlanta, GA 

Arch Legacy Firm, LLC, Watkinsville, GA 

Baddies Burger House, Athens, GA 

Beach Building Products Inc., Jacksonville, FL 

Beck’s Contracting, LLC, Bogart, GA 

Big Apple Services Inc., Conyers, GA 

Biscuit Belly, Louisville, KY 

BlueBear Solutions, Atlanta, GA 

Branch Partners, Athens, GA 

Burke Stelling Group, LLC, Atlanta, GA

C. Terry Hunt Industries Inc., Valdosta, GA

Catherine Denham Travel, Athens, GA 

Coastal Drug Company, Midway, GA 

Coastal Greenery, Brunswick, GA 

Conger & Smith, LLC, Bainbridge, GA 

Cruise Planners, Madison, AL 

Daniel Long Agency Inc., Statesboro, GA 

Data Science Connect, Atlanta, GA  

Dearth Law, LLC, Alpharetta, GA 

Dental Claim Support, Savannah, GA 

DF International Group, Weston, FL 

Ellsworth Cleaning & Facility Services, Atlanta, GA 

enewton, Atlanta, GA 

Event Management Technologies, LLC, Atlanta, GA 

FirstPage Marketing, Savannah, GA 

FranBridge Consulting, Atlanta, GA 

Georgia Boy Properties, LLC, Monroe, GA 

Good Dog Veterinary Care, Marietta, GA 

Helping Mamas Inc., Norcross, GA 

Hess Media Inc., Gallatin, TN 

Historic Athens, Athens, GA 

I Buy All Shoes, Alpharetta, GA  

ImagineX, Sandy Springs, GA 

Intown Golf Club, Atlanta, GA

J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC, Newnan, GA

Jacobs Land Management, LLC, Augusta, GA 

Joe Powell & Associates, Alpharetta, GA 

Joe Powell Services Inc., Alpharetta, GA 

Kairos Government Affairs, Raleigh, NC 

KBH Industrial, Smyrna, GA 

Keystone Land Surveying, Lawrenceville, GA 

King’s Pharmacy, Blairsville, GA 

Lakeside Tree Experts, LLC, Hartwell, GA 

Latitude Seafood Co., Midlothian, VA 

Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers, Augusta, GA 

Manly Shipley LLP, Savannah, GA 

Marion Body Works Inc., Marion, WI 

Marlin Construction Partners Inc., Lake City, FL 

Marlow Landscape Services, Cumming, GA  

Martin CPA, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 

Mary Sells Atlanta, Marietta, GA 

Matthews Motors, Augusta, GA 

Merit Partners, Atlanta, GA 

Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward – The Thumbs Up Guys, North Charleston, SC 

Murray Osorio, Fairfax, VA 

NXG Studio, North Palm Beach, FL 

Pathwise CPA Group, Watkinsville, GA 

PinDot Media, Roswell, GA 

Pittman and Greer Engineering, Watkinsville, GA  

Porter Steel Inc., Lilburn, GA 

Rebel Raw, Atlanta, GA 

ResiBuilt, Atlanta, GA 

Richardson Law, LLC, Atlanta, GA 

RichLife Advisors, Gainesville, GA 

Rise Property Group, Marietta, GA 

Robin Burnett Design, Athens, GA 

Rugged Road, Norcross, GA 

Ryals Brothers, LLC, Lula, GA 

Scarbor Land Planning, LLC, Tifton, GA 

Scena, Marietta, GA 

Scotland Wright Associates, Atlanta, GA  

ServeScape, Chamblee, GA 

Shore Coaching, Athens, GA 

Shuma Sports, Lawrenceville, GA 

SlicedHealth, Woodstock, GA 

Southern Commercial Roof Tech, LLC, Norcross, GA 

Southern Luxury Homes, Greensboro, GA 

Southern Reins Logistics, LLC, Alpharetta, GA 

Stable Kernel, Atlanta, GA  

Stable Waters Financial, Athens, GA 

Starface, New York, NY 

Stratus Property Group, Atlanta, GA 

Tailfin Marketing, Atlanta, GA  

Technology Pathfinders Consulting, LLC, Alpharetta, GA 

teXga Farms, Clarkesville, GA 

The Abundant Life Institute Inc., Winder, GA 

The Georgia Smile Group, St. Simons Island, GA  

The King Firm, LLC, Tifton, GA  

The Live Oak Insurance Agency, St. Simons Island, GA 

The Whole Tooth, Dunwoody, GA 

Tioga Capital, Atlanta, GA 

Toler Law, LLC, Savannah, GA  

Translation Station, Atlanta, GA 

Vertical Earth Inc., Cumming, GA 

Weezie Inc., Austell, GA  

Whitmire Animal Hospital, Dawsonville, GA 

Williams Teusink, Decatur, GA 

WinGen By Swordpoint Services, Atlanta, GA 

Yonder Yoga, Atlanta, GA 

Each year, Bulldog 100 applicants are measured by their business’s compounded annual growth rate during a three-year period. The Atlanta office of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, a Bulldog 100 partner since the program began, verified the information submitted by each company. 

“The Bulldog 100 showcases the remarkable vision and resilience of our alumni,” said Corey Dortch (BSA ’03, MED ’05, PHD ’11), president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. “Each honoree embodies the values of innovation, leadership and excellence that define the University of Georgia. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the impact they are making across their communities and industries.” 

The university will host the annual Bulldog 100 Celebration in Athens on Feb. 7, 2026, to celebrate these alumni business leaders and count down the ranked list to reveal the No. 1 fastest-growing business.  

To view the alumni business leaders for each company and learn more about this program, see alumni.uga.edu/b100. 

The (holiday) magic of mentorship

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Regan Holroyd (BBA ’99) has carved a career path for herself. As chief operating officer of The Lumistella Company, she has helped grow a beloved global brand while staying deeply involved with the University of Georgia community that helped shape her journey.  

What started out as a simple online job application in 2012, turned into a career-defining opportunity whose mission hit close to home — literally.  

Regan’s daughter had an Elf on the Shelf, and that personal connection sparked her interest in the company behind the magic. That spark turned into a dream job and more than a decade later, Regan is helping lead the very company that created this well-known brand that brings joy to millions of families around the world.  

The Lumistella Company is a family-owned business committed to elevating holiday celebrations and enriching family moments. Their portfolio of brands, collectively known as the Santaverse, includes the iconic Elf on the Shelf. Their reach spans 25 different countries across five continents. 

As COO, Regan oversees the company’s administrative operations. As a member of the Executive Board, she has oversight for people operations, finance and accounting, philanthropy, facilities (the physical office footprint infrastructure) and administrative services — essentially, all of the internal operations that help run the business beyond the creative, sales and supply chain functions. 

Although she credits many people for helping her to grow during her career, her current manager, who hired her back in 2012 and is now the company’s president and chief legal officer, has been the biggest mentor and champion for her throughout the years. 

“Over the years, I’ve had numerous mentors, and they come in different forms,” Regan said. “Having that resource makes a huge difference, so I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to explore this.” 

That desire to give back led her to joining the UGA Mentor Program, where she wanted to invest in someone, just as others had done for her. 

Regan matched with Kay Kergosien ’27, a Leonard Leadership Scholar studying finance and business management, during Kay’s first semester at UGA. Their bond has only continued to grow since then. 

Regan Holroyd and Kay Kergosien pose together at The Lumistella Company office.

“I value her authenticity, honestly, and especially her positivity,” Kay said. “I think that it was cool to see just how excited someone was to pour into me.” 

But the mentorship isn’t just a one-way street. Regan finds herself just as inspired by Kay. 

“She’s very inquisitive,” Regan said. “And we’ll talk about what’s going on in my world, which is super interesting because it actually has the opposite effect, where, in many ways, she’s also developing me as a human.”  

“I think that’s why we continue to talk,” she continues. “Because we just left it like, ‘Hey, I’m here for you. Anytime you reach out, I will hop on with you, whatever you need.’” 

Kay recently visited Regan at The Lumistella Company and had the opportunity to dive headfirst into the corporate world as she looks ahead to a long-term career in corporate philanthropy and social responsibility.  

“The culture that I experienced at The Lumistella Company is something that, once you’re exposed to and you know that it exists in the corporate world, it’s definitely something that I’m not going to be able to let go of as I look for a job in the future,” Kay said. 

Not only was it the company culture that interested Kay, but it was the way that Regan carried herself and led her team. 

“I would hope to be the type of leader she is,” Kay said. “I mean, you can tell how she empowers the people around her. You can tell how much respect people have for her, her personal relationship skills, but also her ability to get the job done.” 

For Regan, part of that strong leadership comes from her love for her team. 

“I feel so fortunate to work with this amazing group of people,” Regan said. “I feel like the team is just so incredibly smart and entrepreneurial that they elevate me and inspire me to continue on my own journey of growth.” 

Her advice to current Bulldog students and future alumni entering the workforce: “Enjoy the journey and let the path take you where it takes you.” 

Regan’s story is proof that a UGA degree is just the beginning. Her commitment to mentorship and leadership ensures that the next generation of Bulldogs is in good hands.  

One connection can spark a lifelong impact. Whether you’re looking to guide a student or grow with a mentor by your side, the UGA Mentor Program is where meaningful mentorships begin. 

Become a Mentor Today

Regan Holroyd and Kay Kergosien pose with Elf on the Shelf toy at The Lumistella Company office.

Dawgs in Wyoming: Recreating Saturdays in Athens in the West

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UGA Alumni Chapters across the country prove that no matter where you are, you never have to bark alone. 

The vast support of the UGA community manifested itself for Brad Flynt (BBA ’05, MBA ’12, JD ’12) during his move from Atlanta to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 2017. While house-hunting, Flynt was surprised to see a UGA pillow featured in the pictures on the listing of his future home. Little did he know that small UGA connection would spark a years-long, community-wide tradition in a small ski town 1,600 miles away from Athens. 

That UGA pillow (and home) belonged to Mark “Fish” Fishman (AB ’89). The two alumni quickly connected over a shared love for Georgia and, in 2017, decided to start an alumni chapter of their own. 

With upwards of 60+ people in attendance at their game-watching parties, the Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter has made a significant impact by bringing more red and black spirit out West. 

“Part of the panache of this particular chapter is that we’re like an oasis,” said Fish Fishman, co-founder of the chapter.

Jackson Hole Wyoming Alumni Chapter game-watching party celebration.

Game-watching party attendees celebrate the Dawgs.

Flynt and Fishman work hard to curate a game-watching atmosphere that makes Dawg fans feel like they are back at home Between the Hedges.

In fact, every year the pair drives two hours to the nearest Chick-Fil-A in Idaho Falls, Idaho to bring a true taste of Georgia to their first party of the season.

However, the Bulldog magic doesn’t just stop after the season opener. The founders make sure to keep tradition alive all the way in Wyoming. Fishman’s daughter, Mia Fishman ’26, created homemade turnover spikes to amp up the chapter’s game celebrations.

co-founder of UGA Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter and his daughter show off their homemade, golden UGA turnover spikes.

Fishman and his daughter show off their homemade turnover spikes.

The Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter also honors some of UGA’s most fierce rivalries in unique ways. This year for the Georgia vs. Florida game, Fishman imported 30 pounds of alligator meat to make gator balls for attendees to snack on while watching the iconic matchup. 

“We joke that it’s the closest thing you could be to Sanford Stadium in Wyoming,” said Brad Flynt, president of the chapter. 

The abundance of Bulldog spirit brings local alumni closer to home, especially if they are new to town. The Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter’s game-watching parties have become a go-to event for UGA alumni to connect with new people after making the move from Athens to Wyoming. The founders even say they introduce all new faces to the usual crowd, ensuring that everyone supporting the Dawgs is welcomed by those around them. 

The Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter’s game-watching parties also attract a crowd far beyond UGA alumni and fans. Fans from across the Southeast attend these events to be surrounded by SEC spirit. Flynt and Fishman have even transformed Wyoming natives into full-fledged Georgia fans, as the watch parties have become a popular Saturday activity for local families. 

“Kids our sons’ age that are not Georgia fans, end up becoming Georgia fans because they like the whole experience of being there and seeing a bunch of grown people barking,” said Flynt. 

Children decked out in red and black smile while attending a Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter game-watching party.

Children of attendees enjoy the fun of a game-watching party.

Connecting people and building a community around the beloved Bulldogs is Flynt and Fishman’s ultimate goal for their chapter. They live by the saying “Dawgs helping Dawgs,” which they make sure spans past the Georgia Bulldogs on their email list. 

To help support different kinds of dogs (and cats), the Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter makes and sells custom merchandise at their game-watching parties and sends the proceeds to local initiatives, many of which support animals in need.

An array of custom t-shirts made by the Jackson Hole Alumni Chapter hangs on a wall.

The chapter’s custom t-shirts for sale at a game-watching party.

Through celebrating the growing UGA family in Jackson Hole, the chapter’s game-watching parties have become a true celebration of Bulldog spirit. 

Interested in finding Bulldog connections in your area?

Find Your Alumni Chapter

UGA Career Caravan takes students to Norfolk Southern and Microsoft

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The University of Georgia Career Center provides students with invaluable opportunities to explore diverse career paths. On November 7, the Career Center organized a “Career Caravan” to the Atlanta headquarters of two industry-leading companies: Norfolk Southern and Microsoft. This immersive experience aimed to give UGA students firsthand connectivity to recruiters and UGA alumni.

At Norfolk Southern, participants were provided with a closer look at the significant role railroad operations play in the state and national supply chain, as well as the logistical undertakings and technological innovations necessary to maintain and operate such a vast network. The day featured a tour of the Atlanta headquarters, showcasing the Network Operations Center which manages rail activity around the country. A panel of UGA alumni from various parts of the company shared their personal journeys and offered insights into their career paths, expectations and advancement opportunities.
UGA Career Caravan students at Norfolk Southern
At Microsoft, students engaged in a networking lunch that facilitated connections with Microsoft representatives, many of whom were UGA alumni, and provided high-level industry insights including Microsoft’s position in the artificial intelligence space. These alumni addressed student questions, offering firsthand perspectives on their professional journeys and industry expectations. The visit concluded with a tour of Microsoft’s Atlantic Station campus, highlighting its various maker spaces and host sites of university hackathons and coding competitions.

The Career Caravan exemplifies the UGA Career Center’s commitment to equipping students with the tools and experiences necessary for successful career journeys.

“While we regularly welcome employers to Athens, it’s just as important for our students to step into these workplaces themselves, to get a feel for the environment and connect with our alumni and their colleagues on their own turf,” said Will Lewis, Associate Director of Employer Relations & Communications of the UGA Career Center. “Getting our students in front of companies like Norfolk Southern and Microsoft gives them a real feel for company culture, hiring practices, and possible career paths. It’s the kind of hands-on exposure that really bridges the gap between what they learn in class and what it’s like to work in the real world.”

The Career Caravan exemplifies the UGA Career Center’s commitment to equipping students with the tools and experiences necessary for successful career journeys. Other recent Career Caravan corporate site visits have included Delta Air Lines, IHG Hotels & Resorts, the Atlanta Braves, Google-Midtown, Boston Scientific and Insight Global.

“Building and maintaining partnerships is mutually beneficial, enabling us to support students while giving companies a direct connection to UGA’s exceptional talent,” said Holly Getchell, Director of Employer Relations at the UGA Career Center. “We’re grateful to have partners like Norfolk Southern and Microsoft who help us elevate the student experience and foster professional growth.”

Host a UGA Career Caravan

Career Caravans take place every semester. Companies interested in hosting UGA students for a future Career Caravan should contact Will Lewis at wal24@uga.edu.

Dawgs on the Coast: Bringing Athens to the Sunshine State

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The red and black spirit of Bulldog Nation stretches far beyond the hedges in Sanford Stadium, reaching the coastal waters of the Florida panhandle. 

No matter where you are located in the Sunshine State, the UGA Emerald Coast Alumni Chapter welcomes all alumni — current and future — to cheer on the Dawgs.

The UGA Emerald Coast Chapter established its presence well over a decade ago and has since continued to serve as a central hub for those living in Bay and Walton counties, as well as their surrounding communities. From across the panhandle, alumni gather at the Old Florida Fish House under a palm tree canopy near a sparkling coastal dune lake.

A table at the Old Florida Fish House featuring game day accessories.

With a venue that is able to host over 300 people, the game day experience is always elevated. In fact, the chapter held the most well-attended game-watching parties among all participating UGA alumni groups during the 2024 football season, drawing a total of 2,582 Dawgs fans across 14 events.

Outside of game-watching parties, the Emerald Coast Chapter enjoys highlighting alumni work in the surrounding community. In 2024, in collaboration with the Lamar Dodd School of Art, the chapter hosted a gallery night at Jonah Allen Gallery, named after a UGA alum and artist. The evening mixer was just one of the ways the chapter continues to engage with the community and connect alumni in the area.

Family and friends gathered at a game-watching party at the Old Florida Fish House.

The chapter is only continuing to grow, thanks in part to a growing Bulldog Nation. They are hoping to continue engaging with more younger alumni in the area. Chapter leaders DJ Burnham (BBA ’21), Steve Hicks (BBA ’85) and Pete Foley (ABJ ’79) utilize their photo and social media skills to encapsulate the game-watching party experience.


“The Emerald Coast Chapter truly excels at creating a warm, family-like atmosphere that makes alumni, fans, and friends feel right at home,” DJ Burnham said. “From calling the Dawgs to sponsor giveaways and the classic ‘victory cannon’, they do an incredible job of bringing everyone together and making each game day unforgettable.”

 

The Emerald Coast Chapter game-watching party during UGA vs. Texas in 2024.

In the future, the chapter hopes to expand its game-watching parties to 3-5 venues by the start of the 2026 season. Austin Bentley (AB ’17, MS ’22), the chapter president, and other leaders are exploring more options to reach more Dawgs through the watch parties and other events.

With their community engagement, expanding social media presence and the inviting atmosphere at the Old Fish House, the Emerald Coast feels a little more like a home away from home when Saturday rolls around.

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