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.

Interested in finding Bulldog connections in your area?

Find Your Alumni Chapter

Bulldogs Abroad: Building Community Across the Pond

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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.

Find Your Alumni Chapter

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

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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

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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

 

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