XChanged Life strengthened by UGA’s 2024 Class Gift

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn about Senior Signature

Lost class ring reunited with owner 50 years later

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fred Baker reunited with hist lost class ring in 2024.

Fred Baker reunited with his lost class ring in 2024.

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

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

Be Part of the Tradition

Daniel Brown honored as 2025 Seawell Faculty Award recipient  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025 Alumni Awards celebrates UGA alumni, friends and faculty

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The University of Georgia’s 2025 Alumni Awards honorees were recognized during a celebratory luncheon on April 4 in Athens. These awards are a long-standing tradition intended to celebrate individuals and organizations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to UGA. The 2025 honorees are:  

  • Allison Ausband | Alumni Merit Award  
  • Terry Brown | Alumni Merit Award 
  • Jennifer Frum | Faculty Service Award 
  • Cathie and John Crawford III | Family of the Year Award 
  • John Huland Carmical Foundation | Friend of UGA Award 
  • Lucy Pinto | Young Alumni Award 

“We are honored to celebrate these outstanding recipients and their tireless support of the University of Georgia,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “Their generosity and devotion to our university continue to empower our students to lead, discover and serve.” 

2025 Alumni Awards honorees pose with UGA President Jere W. Morehead at the ceremony.

Pictured from left to right: Blain Allen, Jimmy Alston, John O. Knox, Lucy Pinto, Allison Ausband, Terry Brown, Jennifer Frum, Cathie Crawford, John Crawford III, and UGA President Jere W. Morehead. Photo Credit: Justin Evans Photography.

2025 Alumni Merit Awards  

Allison Ausband is a 1983 graduate of the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Currently serving as chair of the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees since 2023, Ausband began her tenure on the board in 2016. Before being elected chair, she previously served as vice chair, chair of the foundation’s nominating and trusteeship committee, and strategic vice chair. Ausband was also a member of the UGA Board of Visitors and has played a role in some of UGA’s most forward-thinking initiatives, including as one of the founding donors of Georgia Women Give, a dedicated mentor with the UGA Mentor Program and an enthusiastic supporter of the UGA in Washington program. Ausband serves as executive vice president and chief people officer for Delta Air Lines. She has been instrumental in spearheading the invaluable partnership between Delta and UGA, which has led to the creation of Delta Hall in Washington, D.C. and the Delta Innovation Hub on UGA’s Athens campus. In addition to her service at UGA, Allison serves on the Board of Directors for the Delta Air Lines Foundation. She was honored with UGA’s Blue Key Service Award in 2023, which is presented to individuals who have made a major contribution to the university, state, and nation. For her role as Delta’s executive sponsor for the company’s efforts to fight human trafficking, Ausband was awarded Reuters’ Stop Slavery Award in 2020 and Humanitarian of the Year by the United Nations Association in 2019. Ausband has also been named one of Atlanta’s most powerful business leaders by Atlanta Magazine for two consecutive years.   

Terry Brown graduated summa cum laude from the Terry College of Business in 1984, but his commitment to the University of Georgia goes back to his childhood days of cheering on the Dawgs between the hedges. As a member of the Terry College of Business Pinnacle Society and an avid supporter of the Morehead Honors College, study abroad scholarships, and UGA’s School of Medicine, Brown has played an integral role in the expansion and continued growth of UGA’s campus and student resources. Brown also supports the university’s athletics program as a member of the Silver Circle in the Magill Society, in addition to his significant impact within UGA’s 1785 Society. With more than 30 years of real estate experience in retail strategy, investments, capital markets, operations, and business and organizational development, Brown has been a frequent and highly respected guest speaker and mentor within Terry College. Brown has also given his time and expertise through many high-impact volunteer roles across the University of Georgia’s campus, including serving as a member of the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees for nine years, with two terms on the executive committee as treasurer. He was also a member of the foundation’s inaugural Emeritus Trustees Leadership Committee. During his time as a trustee, Brown visited UGA study away campuses in Oxford, England; Cortona, Italy; and Washington, D.C. He was named a 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Regional Award winner and national finalist and was honored with a Terry College of Business Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013. Brown has passed down his commitment to service and philanthropy to his three children, two of whom are UGA graduates and now involved across the campus. 

2025 Family of the Year Award  

John Crawford III began his family’s legacy at UGA when he graduated in 1962 from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. John III and his wife, Cathie, established the Crawford Family Scholarship Fund in 2014 to support UGA students in need. Their scholarship program now supports 20 students — five per class — each year at UGA. John and Cathie routinely meet and hold gatherings for the beneficiaries of their generosity in order to build meaningful relationships with each scholarship recipient, known as “Crawford Scholars.” John III, a Mississippi native, attended UGA on a track and field scholarship and was the 1962 SEC pole vault champion his senior year of college. A well-rounded and involved student, John made the most of his time in Athens with membership in Blue Key Society, the Sphinx society and Kappa Alpha fraternity. His commitment to faith and theology is long-documented, as he was the co-founder and president of the UGA chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Members of UGA’s 1785 Society, John III and Cathie impressed upon their children — John IV, David and Andrew — the importance of philanthropy. John IV (BBA ’88), also a 1785 Society member, has been widely engaged at the university, notably as an emeritus trustee and former chairman of the UGA Foundation. His giving supports experiential learning for students as well as President Morehead’s highest priorities. He followed his father’s footsteps as a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity, as did his own son, Jack (BBA ’22). He is managing director of equity investments at Crawford Investment Counsel, Inc. David has served as president of Crawford Investment Counsel since 1992. He serves on the boards of St. Joseph’s Mercy Foundation and the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Andrew is an accomplished artist whose sculpture of a split screw near the Georgia Museum of Art has become a directional landmark. He has several other iron structures around the Performing and Visual Arts Complex and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, where he is also a member of the Board of Advisors. 

2025 Faculty Service Award  

Jennifer Frum earned her doctorate degree from UGA in 2009 and became the university’s fourth vice president for public service and outreach in 2012, the first woman to serve in the role. She retired in December 2024 with the title of vice president emeritus. She provided institutional leadership for the outreach, engagement and economic development efforts across Georgia led by UGA. The eight diverse units of PSO thrived during her tenure: the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Archway Partnership, State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Small Business Development Center and the Office of Service-Learning (co-managed with the Vice President for Instruction). She solidified UGA’s reputation as a national leader in public service, including recognition as a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ Innovation and Economic Prosperity University designation. She also expanded opportunities for UGA students to gain valuable workforce experience and develop their own civic engagement through service-learning and public service and outreach. She was named one of Georgia Trend’s “Power Women” in 2012 and one of its 100 most influential Georgians in 2016. The publication also named her to its list of 500 most influential leaders in 2022 and 2023. She participated in the 2014 American Council on Education National Women’s Leadership Forum and the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation Higher Education Policy Fellows program in 2017-2018. She also received the UGA Blue Key Service Award in 2022 and the Jeannette Rankin Foundation “Smart Women” Award in 2018, and she was the fall commencement speaker for the UGA Graduate School in 2022. In 2016, she cofounded the National Forum, a group of university-based senior engagement officers from around the country focused on networking and sharing best practices in the field. 

2025 Friend of UGA Award  

The John Huland Carmical Foundation was endowed by the estate of John Huland Carmical, a 1917 graduate of UGA and Pandora yearbook editor-in-chief. After his graduation, John became a financial analyst for J.P. Morgan & Company, today known as JPMorgan Chase. In 1922, he was recruited by the New York Times and would become a financial reporter and later an associate editor in the financial area. He retired from the Times in 1968 after 46 years and returned to Georgia. He had grown up in a farming environment before attending UGA and became involved in farming again after his retirement. Over the past 23 years, the John Huland Carmical Foundation has supported organizations that strengthen the community he called home in addition to pursuing its primary mission: perpetuating the Carmical name at UGA through philanthropy. The foundation’s giving to UGA includes a spot in UGA’s 1785 Society and the 2014 establishment of the John Huland Carmical Chair in Sports Journalism and Society at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The lobby in Moore College, which houses the UGA Morehead Honors College, is also named after John Huland Carmical. The foundation’s focus on sports media derives from a belief that sports have a unique ability to bring people together, inspire storytelling and create meaningful connections across diverse audiences. The foundation reinforced its commitment with a significant pledge in December 2020 that elevated the program to become the Carmical Sports Media Institute. The institute offers a sports media certificate and provides students with hands-on experience that builds skills in broadcasting and creating social and digital sports content. 

2025 Young Alumni Award  

Lucy Pinto graduated from the Terry College of Business just over a decade ago in 2012. Born in Lima, Peru, Pinto grew up in Athens. While a UGA student, she served as treasurer of the Lambda Theta Alpha sorority and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Pi National Society of Leadership and Success. After an internship with Google during her time as a student and following her graduation, Pinto began her career journey with the company and has impacted Google operations around the world. In 2015, Pinto became Google’s business inclusion manager, a role in which she grew partnerships with a range of community partners to encourage web and Google adoption. In this capacity, Pinto was able to empower small businesses that were underrepresented online to grow their digital presence through Google tools. Throughout it all, UGA has remained a focal point for Pinto. In 2021, she established the Latino Alumni Scholarship Endowment, which provides annual need-based scholarships to first-generation college students at UGA. She has also offered multi-faceted support to the Terry College of Business’ Terry Women’s Initiative. Pinto has served as a mentor for the initiative’s Sea Island Scholars program, and last December, she made a significant commitment to enhance the program. But her UGA involvement isn’t limited to giving. Pinto has served as a panelist at a Women of UGA meeting, participated in a Terry Talk, hosted two masterclasses aimed at empowering women leaders and mentored Terry College students. 

“This year’s recipients have dedicated so much to this university and it is an honor to be able to recognize them,” said Jill S. Walton, vice president for development and alumni relations. “We are so appreciative of their continued service to UGA and we hope to continue our partnerships for many years to come.” 

More about these distinguished members of the UGA community, including video spotlights, is available at alumni.uga.edu/alumniawards. 

Bulldogs contribute 13,026 gifts in 24 hours

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UGA Class of 2024 achieves 95% career outcomes rate

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New data released by the University of Georgia Career Center shows that 95% of UGA’s Class of 2024 were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.

The Class of 2024 is the 8th class of the last 10 to post a career outcomes rate of 95% or higher.

“Year after year, the success of our students demonstrates the remarkable value of a UGA education,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our faculty and staff, our hardworking graduates are well prepared to launch their careers and embrace their role as the next generation of leaders.”

Among the graduates in the Class of 2024, 61% were employed full-time, 25% were continuing their education and 9% were engaged in post-graduate internships, fellowships, residencies, postdoctoral research, part-time jobs or said they were not currently seeking employment.

Many of the employed graduates are applying their talents to the benefit of the Peach State: 70% took on positions based in Georgia.

In addition, Class of 2024 graduates accepted employment with companies representing a variety of industry sectors, from health care to business, finance to transportation, and all points in between.

“The University of Georgia continues to prepare outstanding graduates who leave this institution ready to lead and serve across industry sectors,” said Scott Williams, executive director of the UGA Career Center. “My thanks to all the campus partners who facilitate the career readiness of our students as well as our corporate partners who continue to look to UGA for top talent.”

The UGA Career Center calculates the career outcomes rate each January by collecting information from surveys, phone calls, employer reporting, UGA departments, the National Student Clearinghouse and social media websites such as LinkedIn. The current data is based on the known career outcomes of 8,498 graduates from the Class of 2024.

For more information about the Class of 2024 career outcomes, visit career.uga.edu/outcomes.

To learn about hiring UGA graduates, visit hireuga.com.

KBH Industrial named fastest-growing UGA business

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The University of Georgia Alumni Association recognized the fastest-growing companies owned or led by UGA alumni during the Bulldog 100 Celebration on Feb. 21 in the West End Zone of Sanford Stadium. 

The 2025 fastest-growing business, KBH Industrial, is led by Tarun Ganeriwal, president and chief executive officer. Ganeriwal received his Master of Business Administration from the Terry College of Business in 2009.  

KBH Industrial is based in Smyrna, Georgia, and is an energy solutions firm offering professional, architectural, engineering, design and construction services to partners in the energy industry. This is the company’s second time on the Bulldog 100 list. 

Tarun Ganeriwal of KBH Industrial accepts the Bulldog 100 award for 2025’s fastest-growing UGA business.

Rounding out the Bulldog 100 top ten are: 

  1. Ryals Brothers, LLC, Lula, Georgia
  2. Marlin Construction Partners, Lake City, Florida
  3. Southeastern Consulting Services, Inc., Monticello, Georgia
  4. FleetForce Truck Driving Training, Bradenton, Florida
  5. Barnsley Construction Group, Atlanta, Georgia
  6. Ellsworth Cleaning and Facility Services, Atlanta, Georgia
  7. SlicedHealth, Woodstock, Georgia
  8. Awesome, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia
  9. FranBridge Consulting, Atlanta, Georgia

“We are so excited to celebrate this exceptional class of honorees, who represent the Bulldog spirit throughout a variety of industries and across multiple states,” said Lee Zell, president of the UGA Alumni Association. “Over the years, we have been proud to welcome these Bulldogs back to campus and celebrate the impact they continue to have on campus and in their communities.” 

The Bulldog 100 companies were ranked solely based 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 ranked list. In total, revenues for companies in the 2025 Bulldog 100 grew by 136 percent from 2021-2023, showcasing tremendous economic impact and steady growth. 

In this year’s class, businesses are headquartered in a total of 8 states, with 88 of the businesses located in the state of Georgia. In total, 145 alumni representing over a dozen industries, including legal, advertising, transportation, and farming, were recognized. 

Ben Ross accepts the Michael J. Bryan Bulldog 100 award from Bryan’s family and UGA Alumni president Lee Zell at the 2025 Bulldog 100 Celebration.

The annual Michael J. Bryan Award was presented during the Feb. 21 event. The award, named for the co-founder and managing partner of Vino Venue and Atlanta Wine School who passed away in 2017 from cancer, recognizes a returning Bulldog 100 honoree who demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to UGA that was Bryan’s hallmark. This year’s recipient was Ben Ross, the lead pharmacist and majority partner in Ross Drug, Coastal Drug Company, and Clark Drug Company, all independent pharmacies based throughout southeastern Georgia. 

To view the complete list of 2025 Bulldog 100 businesses, visit alumni.uga.edu/b100.   

Nominations for the 2026 Bulldog 100 will open in April. 

Alumna mentor guides students to shared success

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Nominations open for UGA’s Footsteps Award

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The Footsteps Award honors trailblazers Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Hamilton Holmes and Mary Frances Early. 

The University of Georgia is accepting nominations for its Footsteps Award. This annual award recognizes a UGA graduate who embodies the same pioneering spirit of three UGA trailblazers that helped to integrate the university – Charlayne Hunter-Gault (ABJ ’63), Hamilton Holmes (BS ’63) and Mary Frances Early (MMED ’62, EDS ’67). 

Members of the UGA community are invited to submit nominations for the Footsteps Award by completing a brief form available online at alumni.uga.edu/footsteps-award. The nomination period ends February 9, and the recipient will be announced in late spring.  

The honoree must be a UGA graduate who has made a meaningful impact across multiple areas of their community. Selected by a committee of UGA faculty, staff, alumni and students, the recipient will be presented with the award during the 1961 Club Celebration this summer.  

This is the fourth year that the award will be presented. Last year, the Footsteps Award was awarded to former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Benham, following Richard Dunn and Xernona Thomas in 2023 and Eugenia Harvey in 2022. 

“It fills us with pride to see our alumni not only thriving in their personal and professional lives, but also making a positive impact in their communities,” said Adam Roell, UGA’s executive director of alumni relations. “These individuals truly embody the spirit of the University of Georgia beyond the campus, and the Footsteps Award is just one way to recognize their achievements.” 

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

 

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

An interview with Intel CTO Greg Lavender (BS ’83)

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This story was originally published on the Franklin College website on Nov. 20, 2024.

While on campus in November, UGA School of Computing students had the opportunity to network with distinguished alumnus Greg Lavender (BS ’83). Lavender’s Dr. Jeffrey W. Smith Undergraduate Scholarship recipient Hannah Le conducted a one-on-one interview with Lavender.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time at the University of Georgia?
A: Oh, that’s a good question! I actually never went to a single football game while I was at UGA. I was always in the computer labs — very geeky, you know? My favorite memory would be a pretty funny one. I had this huge final exam in a computer science class, and it was during the winter semester. It was freezing cold, and I was studying late, wrapped up in my electric blanket, just sleeping away.

Then my phone rang — this buzzing sound that annoyed me, so I ignored it at first. Finally, I woke up and answered it. It was one of my friends calling to ask if I was going to make it to the exam. I looked at my watch, and it was already 8:15 a.m.! The exam had started at 8:00, and I had overslept by three hours! I panicked, threw some water on my face, got dressed, and rushed to campus. I couldn’t find a parking spot, so I parked in the faculty lot and ran into the exam room. I told the proctor I had a flat tire — he believed me — and then I took the exam. I finished in 35 minutes, scored a perfect 100, and passed the course. It was a moment of pure panic followed by relief. I still look back at it as one of my favorite memories because it was such an intense experience, and I never overslept for an exam again!

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
A: I think I’m most proud of my time as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. I supervised a lot of students over the years, and many of them have gone on to do amazing things in the tech industry. Some of them are now making more money than I ever will! But the real pride comes from seeing them succeed. I always say that while I’m proud of my own accomplishments, I’m even prouder of the accomplishments of my students.

Q: What advice would you give to current students?
A: My advice is simple: Don’t be afraid to take risks, but make sure they are calculated risks. A lot of people play it safe, but if you’re passionate about something, you have to commit to it fully — even if that means sacrificing other things for a while. Focus on becoming an expert in one area that truly excites you. In computer science, you get the chance to dive deep into certain technologies or fields. Who knows, maybe that focus will put you at the forefront of the next big thing. Just don’t waste time on easy problems — take on the hard ones. Those are the ones that push you to grow.

Q: You mentioned taking a big risk in your career. Can you elaborate?
A: Sure! One of the biggest risks I took was leaving a well-paying job to go back to school for my Ph.D. I had a great career going, and I was well-established, but I felt like I needed more advanced knowledge. I wanted to be the person who didn’t have to say much, but when I did speak, it was something important. People with Ph.D.s were the ones being respected in academic and professional circles, so I decided to go back to school. It wasn’t easy — I had three years of work experience under my belt, but I finished my master’s in just a year and then my Ph.D. after that. And I haven’t looked back since.

Q: You’ve been in the tech industry for a long time. How did you end up in Silicon Valley?
A: I never really planned it, but it happened. After I finished my Ph.D., I ended up in Silicon Valley because I sold the company I had started. That move felt like going to the “new Rome” — the center of innovation at the time, just like ancient Rome was for culture and knowledge. Silicon Valley was (and still is) a place where you have a front-row seat to the cutting edge of technology, and I wanted to be part of that. It was a wealth of opportunity, and being there opened doors I never imagined.

Q: You’re clearly passionate about technology and innovation. How do you keep yourself grounded and manage stress?
A: I’ve always been someone who needs an outlet to clear my head. Back when I was at UGA, I’d go hiking or just walk by the river. I wasn’t into football or the typical college stuff — I was always in the labs. But getting out in nature helped me reset and focus. Now, I travel a lot for work, and I still try to do the same thing. Whether I’m in Tokyo or Singapore, I take time to explore the local culture and clear my mind. It’s important to step away from work and recharge.

I get to meet interesting people from around the world. Plus, it helps me think creatively by experiencing new perspectives.

Q: You’ve lived in many places around the world. What’s your favorite travel destination?
A: Athens, Greece, holds a special place in my heart. I’m on the board of the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, and for the past 30 years, I’ve been combining my love for technology and archaeology. I bring tech tools like drones and 3D mapping to archaeological sites to help preserve them. Greece is an amazing place to visit — great food, history, and culture. I’ve traveled to many Greek islands and explored places like Santorini, Mykonos, and Delos. I’m actually planning a trip next year to Turkey and Greece for an ancient history tour that includes stops in Troy and Ephesus.

Q: You mentioned that you were born in Panama and lived in Germany as a child. How has this international upbringing influenced your career?
A: I grew up in a military family, which meant I had the chance to live in different parts of the world. I was born in Panama, and we lived in West Germany for five years, so I was exposed to different cultures from a young age. That international experience has shaped how I view the world. It’s one of the reasons I love meeting new people from different countries and cultures. It gives you a broader perspective on life and work. Plus, I speak Spanish and German, which has helped me build connections globally.

Q: What’s the next big project you’re working on?
A: Right now, I’m managing a lot of the AI and generative AI work at Intel. We’re developing new chips and systems, and we’re also working on factory automation. I oversee a large team — around 15,000 people — so my time is spent managing research labs, where we have 700 people working on everything from semiconductor physics to software, AI, and graphics. I’m excited about the potential of generative AI, so I’m closely involved in shaping how we apply that technology to new areas.

Q: You’ve had a successful career in both academia and industry. What advice do you have for students aspiring to enter the tech field?
A: My advice is simple: stay curious and never stop learning. The tech industry evolves so quickly, and you need to be willing to take on new challenges and learn new things all the time. And remember, no matter how far you go in your career, always give back. Whether it’s mentoring students or helping others in the industry, the value of sharing knowledge and giving back to the community is immeasurable.

Q: You’ve stayed connected to the University of Georgia. Why did you create the Dr. Jeffrey W. Smith Undergraduate Scholarship?
A: Dr. Smith was my favorite professor at UGA. He inspired me a lot during my time there. He’s now retired, but I wanted to honor him by creating a scholarship in his name. It was a way to give back and show appreciation for the impact he had on my life. The funny thing is, I didn’t even realize how much of an impact I had on his life until I reconnected with his daughter years later. It was a full-circle moment, and I’m proud that I could do something to honor his legacy.

Q: What keeps you excited about your work today?
A: I’m still excited by the opportunity to solve difficult problems and push the boundaries of technology. Whether it’s working on AI, leading large teams, or creating new systems, I love being at the forefront of innovation. I’m also passionate about applying technology in areas like archaeology, which is one of my hobbies. I’ve been programming for fun — whether it’s automating my home or working on cool tech projects — and I’ll keep doing it as long as I can.