Bulldogs Abroad: Building Community Across the Pond

Bulldog Nation knows no borders. From the heart of campus in the Classic City all the way across the pond to London, our alumni chapters bring the red and black spirit to Bulldog around the world.  

The UGA London Alumni Chapter brings hundreds of alumni and friends an ocean away from campus for one common purpose: to cheer on the Dawgs. No matter how far away you are from Athens, there’s always a way to connect with other Bulldog alumni. 

Together, the London Chapter collaborates with staff in Athens to host game-watching parties for alumni, friends and fans to cheer on the Dawgs and make it feel like home.  

“There’s an unmistakable energy in the room when everyone is cheering on the Dawgs together, halfway across the world from Sanford Stadium.” Drew Bacon (AB ’08), president of the London Chapter, said. 

London Chapter president Drew Bacon and his wife, Christine Bacon.

The first step is trying to find a venue that is willing to cater to American football fans, particularly since it’s not the most popular sporting event to watch in England.  

Most importantly, the biggest factor to consider in all of this planning: time. London is five hours ahead of Athens, meaning the 7:30 p.m. night game experience that many Bulldogs love, is past midnight in London. 

However, this doesn’t discourage London Dawgs from getting together to watch other games. In fact, for the Oct. 18 game against Ole Miss, UGA’s London Chapter and Ole Miss’ London Chapter came together for a joint watch party that over 150 number of people attended. 

The 2025 UGA vs. Ole Miss game-watchimng party in Westminster, UK.

“There’s nothing quite like hearing a full crowd in central London call the Dawgs!” Bacon said. “It’s a little piece of Athens right here in the UK.” 

Not only does this chapter bring together alumni, it also supports current students that are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience. The London Chapter Experiential Learning Scholarship, created by the London Chapter, is housed within UGA’s Office of Global Engagement and was designed to provide financial support for students studying abroad in the UK. The London Chapter also works with the office and the Oxford Study Abroad program to support students going across the pond for study away experiences.

The London Chapter is only continuing to grow, thanks to the Bulldog network that stretches far beyond Athens. They are hoping to continue to engage alumni in the area, grow the partnership and find different ways to connect with current UGA students that are studying abroad in the area or just visiting. 

“Whether they’re a transplant, a study abroad student, or an alumni visiting Europe, I hope that’s how everyone feels after they mix and mingle with the London Dawgs community,” Macy Sirman Holmes (ABJ ’13), vice president of the London Chapter said. “Full, happy, and like they’ve found a piece of home on this side of the pond.”  

Interested in connecting with fellow Bulldogs in your area? 

The London Alumni Chapter gathers regularly for connection and game-watching parties.

Tasty Tailgate: Tamara Branch’s Award-Winning Breakfast Tacos

The ultimate game day experience begins long before the Dawgs take the field. Gathering with friends and family, smelling the smoke off the grill and feeling the crisp freshness of a fall Saturday in South — all that begins with the perfect recipe to make your tailgate Bulldog-worthy.  

Top Dawgs from around the country have come together to share with you their favorite recipes. Today’s dish comes from Tamara Branch (BBA ’09, JD ’12), vice president of legal in the Tift Regional Health System and a 2024 40 Under 40 honoree. Her breakfast tacos from her family’s barbecue competition team, Butcher and Banker, have brought home the top prize at the Rhythm and Ribs Festival in Tifton, Georgia, for two years in a row! 

These tacos have taken home the top prize at Tifton, Georgia's Rhythm and Ribs Festival two years in a row.

These tacos have taken home the top prize at Tifton, Georgia’s Rhythm and Ribs Festival two years in a row.

Ingredients

For the breakfast tacos: 

Fresh 6” or 8” corn or flour tortillas 

Breakfast potatoes  

Yellow onions 

Red bell peppers 

1 lb. pan sausage 

Scrambled eggs 

Cooked bacon, crumbled 

Cilantro (for garnish) 

Pico de Gallo (homemade or store bought)

Limes 

For the Avocado Lime Crema: 

1 avocado  

Juice from 1-2 limes (to taste)  

Pinch of salt (to taste)  

1 bunch of cilantro 

1 cup sour cream 

For the pickled red onion: 

½ red onion  

½ cup white vinegar 

1 cup water  

1 tablespoon cane sugar  

1 teaspoon salt  

Pregame

For a quick assembly on game day, prepare the following ingredients ahead of time! 

Pickled Red Onions

Boil white vinegar, water, cane sugar and salt. Pour into mason jar or other airtight canister. 

Thinly slice red onion and add to pickling liquid for at least one hour and up to overnight. Drain.  

Avocado Lime Crema 

In a blender or food processor, add avocado, lime juice, salt, cilantro, and sour cream. Puree until smooth.  

Sausage 

Smoke pan sausage (shaped into a loaf) on low heat for approximately three hours at 250F. After it cools, dice smoked sausage approximately same size as potatoes.   

Bacon 

Fry bacon and crumble. 

Gameday

Heat the Blackstone, cast iron or griddle on medium heat and prepare the following ingredients. 

Sausage 

Brown the diced sausage.  

Breakfast Potatoes 

Dice potatoes, yellow onion and red bell pepper. Combine. Cook until soft.  

Eggs 

Add salt, pepper to taste and scramble eggs until just done. 

Assembly

Assemble the tacos and get ready to cheer on the Dawgs! 

  1. Lightly toast tortillas on Blackstone, cast iron or griddle. 
  2. Spread avocado lime crema on tortilla.  
  3. Layer breakfast potatoes, sausage and scrambled eggs.  
  4.  Top with crumbled bacon, pico de gallo, pickled red onion and cilantro.  
  5. Squeeze lime juice over tortilla and enjoy!
Tamara Branch's family's barbecue competition team has competed in the Rhythm and Ribs Festival for five years.

Tamara Branch’s family’s barbecue competition team has competed in the Rhythm and Ribs Festival for five years.

When she’s not winning awards at BBQ festivals and preparing delicious recipes for her fellow Dawgs, Tamara supports students at the UGA Law School and immersive student research experiences with Coastal Georgia Marine Ecology. Give now, and you, too, can support the Bulldog experience for UGA students. 

Support UGA Students

From uncertainty to empowerment: a mentorship journey

A new beginning

When Lily Valdes (BS ’25) transferred to the University of Georgia and its School of Computing within the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, she was navigating more than just a new campus. She had already moved from a private institution to a community college before arriving at UGA, and with each transition came new academic, social and professional challenges.

I didn’t know how to meet people or get involved in clubs,” Lily recalled. “I was overwhelmed and shy. I just went to class and went home.

UGA campus

That changed when she joined the UGA Mentor Program. Inspired by a class presentation and encouraged by a friend who had benefited from the program, Lily began searching for someone who could guide her, not just academically, but through the real-world challenges of entering the tech industry. She wasn’t just looking for a connection; she was looking for direction, confidence, and clarity.

UGA campus

 

A Bulldog guide

Aries Aviles (BS ’21), a UGA School of Computing alum and former transfer student, understood the complexities of starting fresh. He had once faced the same uncertainties and wanted to help students like Lily find their footing. “I was proud of what I’d accomplished,” Aries said. “And I knew how helpful it would’ve been to have someone to talk to who could answer questions or just listen.”

Their mentorship began in August 2024 and quickly evolved far beyond either’s expectations. Over the course of 16 weeks, Aries offered practical advice and emotional support; he even shared his first resume to show Lily that everyone starts somewhere.

I didn’t even know how to write a tech resume, but Aries showed me his and said, ‘You’re not far off.’ That gave me so much confidence.

A shift in mindset

That confidence translated into action. Lily became vice president of a student club, WeCan Code, which pairs business majors with computer science students to foster mutual learning and mentorship. I never thought I’d be here,” Lily said. “But Aries helped me realize I had the skills, I just needed the confidence to show them.That confidence led to nearly 50 job interviews, multiple final-round offers, and a clear understanding of what she wanted from her career.

I learned not to settle, I got an offer outside of tech, but I knew it wasn’t what I loved. Aries taught me that passion matters and that the right opportunity will come.

One of the most memorable moments came during a hackathon, where Lily and her team — most of them first-timers in the competition — earned runner-up honors. When judges were about to leave without reviewing their project, Lily chased them down in heels and a suit, determined to make her case. “I remembered Aries saying, ‘Don’t sell yourself short,’” she said. “So, I ran after them and asked for a chance. We ended up presenting in a back room and that’s how we got recognized. ”Aries, who had participated in many hackathons himself, was stunned. “I’ve never seen someone chase down a judge before lunch,” he laughed. “But it showed me how much Lily had grown. She had that grit all along; she just needed someone to help unlock it.”

Lessons for both mentor and mentee

Their relationship wasn’t just about career advice. The pair bonded over shared experiences, mutual respect, and personal growth. Both were transfer students. Both had faced uncertainty. And both learned from each other. “I think Lily’s journey reminded me how much can happen in a year,” Aries said. “It’s easy to forget that when you’re caught in the day-to-day grind. But watching her grow was a refreshing reminder that transformation is always possible.” Lily echoed that sentiment. “I think I’ll always remember how Aries taught me to read people at career fairs,” she said. “How to present myself, how to make an impression. That’s something I’ll carry with me forever.” And for Aries?

I’ll remember the hackathon,” he said. “But more than that, I’ll remember the growth. Watching Lily go from unsure to unstoppable is something I’ll never forget.”

UGA campus

UGA Mentor Program evolves

The mentorship ripple effect is real as shown by Lily’s Hackathon teammates seeking Aries’s advice through her. Just like Lily and Aries, the UGA Mentor Program has organically grown — what began as a one-on-one connection platform has expanded to include “circles of success,” which pair an alumni mentor with several students, and “quick chats,” one-time conversations lasting 15 to 30 minutes that offer a format potentially less intimidating for students and more time-efficient for mentors.

The UGA Mentor Program gave me the tools to build something bigger,” Lily said. “It helped me start a club, connect students, and even mentor others myself.”

As Lily and Aries concluded their 16-week commitment with the program, the two reflected on how far they’d come — not just as mentor and mentee, but as collaborators, peers, and friends. Their story is a testament to the power of mentorship, not just in shaping careers, but in building confidence, resilience and community. And it’s a shining example of what the UGA Mentor Program was designed to do:
Connect students with alumni who understand their journey, empower them to take bold steps, and remind them that transformation is always within reach. 

Ready to Inspire the Next Generation of Bulldogs?

Become a Mentor Today →

 

Photography by Logan Lewis

 

UGA to host monthlong Spotlight on the Arts festival

The Heartbeat of Dawg Nation: The UGA Spirit Team Through the Ages

Few moments rival the electric atmosphere of Sanford Stadium as 93,000 voices cheer for the Dawgs in unison. In that sea of red and black, there is an indelible spirit that has endured through generations of Bulldogs. It’s not just about the game on the field — it’s legacy, tradition and a homecoming for all those Bulldogs who return to Athens for the unforgettable experience that only UGA can deliver.   

In honor of UGA’s 103rd Homecoming, let’s take a look at the origins of UGA’s Spirit Team, the force behind that Bulldog energy and how it has evolved over the years. 

Woman holding Mike the Bulldog. Mike was one of the pre-Uga mascots. He served as mascot from 1951-1955 and lived in the Athletics field house.

The Beginning 

UGA spirit runs deep; tracing back to the 1890s and the beginnings of athletics at the university. 

One of the first spirit groups on campus called themselves the Lung Brigade, made up of students who would go to games and other athletic events with a singular mission: to yell their lungs out for the Dawgs. With that signature Bulldog pride and homemade cheers, these committed students would forever shape what would eventually become the cheerleading team. 

Group posing with what is believed to be the goat who attended the first two football games.

Red and Black article published calling UGA’s team the “Georgia Wildcats.”

Uga I on the sidelines of Sanford Stadium sometime in the late 1950s or early 1960s.

Georgia songs and yells from the 1903 Georgia-Auburn game day program.

Cheerleaders in the 1970s. This was in the time before ‘Dawgs’ became the colloquial spelling for Dogs.

Rallying the Crowd 

By the 1930s, the cheerleaders became an official staple of the game day experience.  

For them, there’s always been a classic, timeless look that has become the inspiration for many young Bulldogs’ game day outfits. The uniform, the pom-poms, the pearls and most importantly, the signature red lip, do more than create an iconic look — they are a visual representation of the care and dedication these students have to supporting other student-athletes and maintaining good vibes, no matter the situation. 

Whether it’s a Sunday afternoon volleyball game or a sold-out crowd under the Sanford Stadium lights, the cheerleaders bring the same unwavering energy and excitement. Rain or shine. Big stage or small. They are always there to rally the crowd and keep the Bulldog spirit alive.  

Cheerleaders cheer from the sidelines during the 2023 Ball State football game.

Fighting Like Bulldogs 

Believe it or not, the first real nickname for the football team was the Wildcats. But, for reasons obvious to us in hindsight, “Georgia Wildcats” just didn’t seem to encapsulate the tenacious, determined spirit of the university. 

That all changed when UGA played a tough game against the University of Virginia that ended in a 0-0 tie, after which the Atlanta Journal-Constitution described UGA as fighting “like bulldogs.” The football team voted to change the mascot to a bulldog, the name stuck, and the Bulldog legacy was born. 

The Dawg Behind the Legacy 

The university’s longest standing and most beloved mascot is, of course, Uga, the English bulldog who has been a game day fixture in Sanford Stadium since 1955. It all started with Uga I, who watched UGA win an SEC championship. Since then, each generation of Uga has carried a unique name and legacy of loyalty. 

Today, we cheer for Uga XI, affectionately known as “Boom,” who was officially collared during the 2023 G-Day game. 

The best part about Uga? It’s not just Bulldog Nation that loves him! In 1997, Sports Illustrated highlighted his appearance on the cover and declared him as the best college mascot. And that legacy is still going strong. Just this year, Uga was ranked #1 in the Live Animal Division by ESPN 

Uga’s pull extends far beyond Athens and even into Hollywood. Uga V, also known as UGA IV’s Magillicuddy II (yes, really) and the same Uga featured on the cover of SI, made a cameo in Clint Eastwood’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Not bad for a “Junkyard Dawg.” 

Uga V appears along costar John Cusack in 1997’s ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.’

When UGA Meets Hairy  

Hairy Dawg’s iconic debut came in an equally iconic year for UGA, 1980, and has brought a new level of Bulldog spirit and intensity to the mascot game ever since.  

But he wasn’t always UGA’s most-recognized mascot. Before Hairy, there was Fluffie Dog, a gray Bulldog that didn’t quite capture the signature grit of the university.  

To reflect the 1980 football team’s ferocity, Hairy Dawg was designed to represent a tougher, grittier embodiment of those “Junkyard Dawgs.” 

And today, Hairy is everywhere: hyping up crowds at sporting events, starring in commercials and representing UGA across the country.  

From left to right: Fluffie Dog, Hairy Dawg, Frankie Dog, and Uga (bottom center) as pictured in the 1986 edition of Pandora.

Serving a Spike 

That giant inflatable bulldog bouncing around the crowd in Stegeman Coliseum? Well, that can only be Spike.  

Introduced in 1998 to serve (wink, wink) as the volleyball team’s mascot, hence the name, Spike quickly became a fan favorite. Now, you can find this iconic mascot bringing a whimsical sort of Bulldog spirit to basketball games, gymnastics meets, and yes, volleyball matches, too! 

Spike with students during Stegmania.

From Gits to Golden 

Before the Dance Dawgs, there were the Gits — the first dance line in the SEC, founded in 1959. They evolved through the decades: performing at basketball games in 1966 as the Go Girls, then the Hot Shots, before officially becoming the Dance Dawgs in 1999 under UGA’s Athletics Department. Today, the Dance Dawgs continue and not only for those in the collegiate dance team, but with a spirited alumni group for dancers 55 years old and above: the Golden Dawgs.   

Made up of former Go Girls, Hot Shots or Dance Dawgs, you may be lucky enough to spot the group during UGA’s Homecoming parade and game.

Another group of spirit alumni as seen in a 1986 edition of Pandora.

A group of spirit alumni as seen in a 1986 edition of Pandora.

Alumni cheerleaders show their spirit during the 2018 UGA vs. Vanderbilt Homecoming game. (Photo: Dorothy Kozlowski)

Dance Dawgs during the women’s basketball home opener against Coastal Carolina at Stegeman Coliseum.

Alumni cheerleaders cheer during the 2018 UGA vs. Vanderbilt Homecoming game. (Photo: Dorothy Kozlowski)

“A way for people to come home.” 

These groups have become a mainstay of the UGA experience, and Homecoming provides an opportunity for everyone to gather and bask in the Bulldog spirit. 

Alumni cheerleaders appear in the 2003 Homecoming parade.

“It’s a way for people to come home,” says Jason Hasty, historian and archivist for UGA Athletics. “So many folks go to school here and then they go away, but Athens is always part of their life.” 

“People spend their formative years on campus, and they develop a deep love for UGA and for Athens.” 

That deep love for UGA and for the time spent on campus, comes from looking forward to the day when passing through the Arch is no longer a superstition about the future, but a symbol of the years of hard work and growth that happens on this campus. That is the heartbeat of Bulldog Nation. As UGA grows and continues to look forward into the future, the Spirit Team — in all its iterations — remains a timeless thread, connecting generations of Bulldogs and keeping the red-and-black spirit alive. 

Historical photos generously provided by the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library at the University of Georgia.

Tasty Tailgate: Luke Christian’s Tomatillo Salsa

The most memorable tailgating experience starts with a delicious recipe! This football season, our Tasty Tailgate series features UGA alumni sharing their favorite recipes to enjoy throughout the football season. 

Today’s recipe is from Luke Christian (AB ’01), founder and CEO of Surcheros. We all know that dip is a tailgate essential, and Luke Christian’s salsa is guaranteed to score big.  

An easy, delicious tailgate dip best paired with tortilla chips! (Photo: Submitted)

Ingredients

Recipe for 2 quarts

1/2 can drained tomatillos 

1/2 cup chopped yellow onions 

1 cup uncut, pushed down cilantro 

1/2 cup minced jalapeno 

2 teaspoons sea salt 

2 cups ice 

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend for 90 seconds or until smooth. There should be no whole pieces of tomatillo or onion. Cilantro should be blended well and no visible “big” pieces. Blend more if needed.
  2. Spoon out into your festive dip dish or into a travel container to take to your tailgate. This salsa is best the day it is made! 

    This dip can be paired with burritos too! (Photo: Submitted)

Wondering what to pair this with? Check out Luke’s guacamole! 

When Luke isn’t serving up delicious fresh-Mex, he also supports UGA student scholarships and cheers on the Dawgs at home games. You can make an impact on campus, too!

Give Now

Tasty Tailgate: Ivy Odom’s Pimiento Queso Fundido

Creating the ultimate game day experience starts with an incredible recipe! This football season, our Tasty Tailgate series features top Dawgs sharing their favorite recipes to enjoy while cheering on the Dawgs. 

Today’s recipe is from Ivy Odom (BSFCS ’15, AB ’15), senior editor at Southern Living. Her Pimiento Queso Fundido is known for its long, melty cheese pulls and unlike typical queso dips, is perfect to pair with charred tortillas or chips. 

The perfect dip for your next tailgating experience!
(Photo: Victor Protasio)

Pimiento Fundido Queso

Active: 20 minutes 

Total: 20 minutes 

Serves: 6 people 

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil 

1 cup (110 g) thinly sliced sweet onion (from 1 medium onion) 

¼ teaspoon Kosher salt 

¼ teaspoon smoked paprika 

3 (4-ounce/115 g) jars sliced pimientos, well drained and patted dry, divided 

2 cups (8 ounces/225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese 

2 cups (8 ounces/225 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese 

1 cup (4 ounces/115 g) shredded Gouda cheese 

1 ¼ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 

Charred flour tortillas or chips for serving 

Instructions

  1. In a 10-inch (25-cm) cast-iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add sliced onion. Cook, stirring often, until softened and beginning to caramelize, 8 to 9 minutes. Add salt, smoked paprika, and all but ¼ cup (96 g) of the sliced pimientos. Cook, stirring constantly, until paprika is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gouda, and Worcestershire, stirring until cheese begin to melt, Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheeses are melted and bubbly, 5 to 7 minutes. 
  2. Remove skillet from heat; top mixture with remaining ¼ cup (96 g) sliced pimientos. Served with charred tortillas and garnish with desired toppings.

Ivy Odom standing at a UGA tailgate. (Photo: Submitted)

Some of Ivy’s Favorite Toppings Include: 

Extra Spicy: Sliced jalapeño chilies or red Fresno chilies, crumbled cooked chorizo and spicy corn chips (such as Fritos Flamin’ Hot) 

Veggie: Pickled red onions, charred corn kernels, diced fresh tomatoes, diced fresh bell peppers, chopped green onions and cilantro 

Fully Loaded: Crumbled cooked bacon, crumbled queso fresco (fresh Mexican cheese), crispy fried onions, sliced pickled jalapeños and chopped green onions 

Love this recipe? Check out her Bacon Jam and Bulldog Candy! 

You can enjoy more of Ivy’s recipes by checking out her new cookbook, My Southern Kitchen, coming out on October 7! 

Ivy Odom’s new cookbook, My Southern Kitchen, features several of her recipes! (Photo: Submitted)

When she’s not serving up delicious tailgate recipes for her fellow Dawgs, Ivy also supports students in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Give now and you, too, can support FACS students to develop valuable leadership skills. 

Phaedra Parks’ legacy as a UGA School of Law alum

Parks’ willingness to work hard, push the envelope and be uncomfortable propelled her to where she is today. 

Phaedra Parks (JD ’98) comes from a proud, four-generation Bulldog family — her grandmother, both of her parents, herself, and her family’s fourth generation, who graduated just a few years ago. Growing up in Athens, her parents were deeply connected to the University of Georgia community, exposing her to everything from National Pan-Hellenic Council step shows to football games. This connection to UGA played a significant role in shaping her decision to attend the UGA School of Law.  

“The relationship between my family and Georgia is one of lifelong learners. Being four generations deep has made us love the university and gave us a connection to academic excellence,” said Parks. “It’s part of our heritage at this point, and we want to keep the tradition going, because we love Georgia and it’s in our blood.” 

Phaedra Parks and her sons at Stanford Stadium.

Phaedra Parks and her sons at Stanford Stadium.

In 1995, Phaedra began her studies at the School of Law. As a first-generation law student, Parks worked hard to navigate her new environment and built strong, lasting relationships during her time in law school. 

“It was an experience that groomed me for greatness,” said Parks. “Sometimes, being groomed for greatness comes with difficulties and moments of discomfort. However, if you can play the long game, success will follow.” 

She recalls the support of Gregory Roseboro (AB ’84, JD ’87), former assistant dean and current adjunct professor at the UGA School of Law. His guidance made her journey possible and provided valuable insight she might not have received as a first-generation attorney. Most recently, Phaedra has provided support for law students and initiatives in honor of Roseboro’s impact. 

Photo of Phaedra parks and Gregory Roseboro, former assistant dean and current adjunct professor at the UGA School of Law.

Photo of Phaedra Parks and Gregory Roseboro, former assistant dean and current adjunct professor at the UGA School of Law.

She also remembers having direct access to Justice Robert Benham (JD ’70), former chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, whose mentorship was a unique opportunity that may not have been available at another law school. 

“As an alum, if anyone calls me and makes it known to me that they are a UGA graduate, I will take the call,” said Parks. “That’s the beauty of coming out of Georgia — the relationships you build. Being able to say you are a graduate opens door and create undeniable bonds.” 

Phaedra is passionate about giving back and staying connected to UGA. As the immediate past president of UGA’s Law School Alumni Association, she has dedicated nearly 18 years of service and is currently the longest serving member on the Law School Alumni Council. 

During her presidency, Phaedra worked to address challenges that resonated with her personally. She established the Safe Place Scholarship to address student homelessness and housing disparities. Additionally, she created the Phaedra C. Parks Scholarship to provide financial support to law students in need. The inaugural Phaedra C. Parks Scholarship recipient, Amber Greenaway (JD ’20), is now an adjunct professor of law at UGA. 

“When you are trying to learn, the last thing you need to be concerned about is affording your education,” said Parks. “You can be a brilliant student, but if you have the added pressure of not being able to afford to be there then you can’t be laser-focused on learning, which may lead you to not being as successful as your colleagues who don’t have that distraction.” 

Photo of Phaedra Parks and Justice Robert Benham, former chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Photo of Phaedra Parks and Justice Robert Benham, former chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Phaedra has built an impressive career and is known as a multifaceted personality. In 2000, she founded The Parks Group, an Atlanta-based law firm specializing in intellectual property and entertainment law, where she currently serves as the managing partner. Over the years, she has represented high-profile clients and gained widespread recognition through her appearances on major platforms, including Fox News, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and most recently, season 33 of Dancing with the Stars. Parks is also the author of the bestselling Secrets of the Southern Belle: How to Be Nice, Work Hard, Look Pretty, Have Fun, and Never Have an Off Moment. 

Despite her success, Phaedra remains deeply committed to paying it forward and supporting the next generation. She continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of current students by giving to scholarship funds, providing mentorship and hosting annual events. Her journey shows that success is about more than personal achievement — it’s about making a difference and giving back.

Start your legacy

John and Suzanne Lastinger give UGA students their daily bread

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

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.