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

 

UGA to host monthlong Spotlight on the Arts festival

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

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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. 

 
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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.

 
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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

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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!

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