Archive for category: Featured

UGA welcomes new Board of Visitors members to champion university’s statewide impact

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The University of Georgia has appointed 12 new members to its Board of Visitors, expanding a distinguished network of business, civic and community leaders dedicated to advancing the university’s mission. As ambassadors for Georgia’s flagship university, Board of Visitors members help strengthen connections between UGA and communities across the state while building awareness of the university’s impact through teaching, research and service. 

The UGA Board of Visitors brings together business, government and community leaders who serve as ambassadors for the university, helping strengthen relationships and build awareness of UGA’s impact across the state and beyond. 

The UGA Board of Visitors welcomed a new class including:  

  • Mark Bennett (BSA ’91), Savannah, Georgia, Government Relations and Corporate Giving, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. 
  • Olivia Blanchard (ABJ ’97), Columbus, Georgia, philanthropist.  
  • Troy Bland (M ’10), St. Simons Island, Georgia, CEO, Bland Farms.  
  • Dr. Tunisia Cornelius (BS ’04), Atlanta, dermatologist, Divine Dermatology & Aesthetics.  
  • Elliott Marsh (BSA ’02, MAL ’11), Statesboro, Georgia, financial advisor, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. 
  • Amy Moore (BBA ’98), Charlotte, North Carolina, founder, Queens Management, LLC. 
  • Brian Nixon (BBA ’99), Peachtree City, Georgia, senior vice president for customer leadership, Coca-Cola Company. 
  • Bryan Ponder (BSBE ’98), Suwanee, Georgia, director of land development, JTG Holdings. 
  • Spence Pryor (AB ’96, JD ’99), Atlanta, chief legal and corporate strategy officer, Arkadios Capital. 
  • Brittany Raway (AB ’10), Atlanta, partner, Alston & Bird. 
  • Arthur Tripp (AB ’09), Hoschton, Georgia, vice president of economic development, Georgia Power. 
  • Harley Yancey (BBA ’11, JD ’15), Rome, Georgia, president, State Mutual Insurance Company. 

The complete list of UGA Board of Visitors is available at give.uga.edu/uga-foundation/board-of-visitors. 

UGA’s 40 Under 40 spotlights the next generation of leaders

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The University of Georgia has selected 40 outstanding alumni under the age of 40 for its 2026 recognition. 

Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia has named its 2026 class of 40 Under 40, honoring young alumni who are making significant contributions in their professions, communities and beyond. Representing industries that range from health care and technology to athletics and the arts, this year’s honorees reflect the breadth and impact of the Bulldog network. 

“Our 40 Under 40 honorees remind us how powerful the alumni network can be,” said Lee Zell, executive director of alumni relations. “They are building careers, strengthening communities and opening doors for others, all while staying connected to the university that helped shape them.” 

Honorees will return to campus in September to be recognized at the annual 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon. The 40 Under 40 Class of 2026, including graduation year(s) from UGA, city, title and employer, are: 

Cameron Banks (BSHP ’10), Snellville, Georgia; chiropractor and clinical director, AICA Orthopedics 

Walker Beard (JD ’13), Atlanta; CEO and partner, Super Canoe 

Drake Bernstein (BSED ’11), Athens, Georgia; women’s tennis head coach, University of Georgia Athletic Department 

Ward Black (BSA ’09, MS ’11), Commerce, Georgia; owner and CEO, Solid Ground Services & Supply 

Dylan Brown (BSME ’19), Atlanta; executive officer, Georgia Air National Guard 

Lucas Brown (PHARMD ’14), Tifton, Georgia; co-owner and pharmacist, Friendly City Pharmacy 

Nettie E. Brown, (BSBCHE ’18), Lithonia, Georgia; co-founder and CEO, Renalsignal, Inc. 

Ellen Clarke (JD ’14), Arlington, Virginia; security counsel, Google 

Lizzie Digiovanni (BMUS ’20), Huntsville, Alabama; music therapist and founder, Music Therapy Augmented 

Kristen Dunning (BSA ’21, MBA ’24), Dallas, Georgia; founder and CEO, Gently Soap 

Jason P. Edwards (BSED ’15, MS ’18. EDD ’23), Athens, Georgia; public service faculty, University of Georgia J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development 

Justin Ernest (BBA ’13), Dunwoody, Georgia; founder and managing partner, Sabertooth Capital 

Skye Estroff (BSFCS ’15), Atlanta; food journalist, host and culinary contributor, Skye Estroff LLC 

Renee Regina Fuller (ABJ ’10), Oakland, California; vice president of marketing, Unilever, OLLY 

Alex Griffin (BBA ’13), Martinez, Georgia; assistant vice president, Medical College of Georgia Foundation

J. Hillyer Jennings (BBA ’09), Atlanta; partner, King & Spalding LLP

Patrick Klibanoff (BBA ’14, ABJ ’14), New York; senior product manager II, The Walt Disney Company

E. Darren Liddell (BSFCS ’10), Brooklyn, New York; co-founder and CEO, Vesta Prosperity

Braden T. Meadows (BLA ’20, MLA ’21, MBA ’24, JD ’24), Knoxville, Tennessee; COO and general counsel, Stephen W. Hackney Landscape Architecture 

Clark Milner (BBA ’09), Alexandria, Virginia; special assistant to the president and senior advisor for policy, The White House 

Megan Moroney (BBA ’20), Nashville, Tennessee; singer-songwriter and recording artist, Sony Music Nashville, Columbia Records Nashville 

Georgia Evert O’Donoghue (BBA ’11), Atlanta; vice president of operations, AMB Sports and Entertainment, and COO, Atlanta World Cup Host Committee  

Katie Penland (AB ’13), Washington, D.C.; principal and owner, KEP Strategies, LLC 

Cole Phillips (BS ’12, AB ’12), Athens, Georgia; CEO and medical director, Mercy Health Center  

Sara Powell (BSA ’12, DVM ’17), Newnan, Georgia; owner and veterinarian, SweetWater Veterinary Hospital 

Blake Raulerson (AB ’15), Athens, Georgia; vice president for government relations, University of Georgia 

Brittany Cassell Raway (AB ’10), Atlanta; partner, Alston & Bird LLP 

Colin Rocker (BBA ’18), New York; founder, CareerColin 

Kenneth Sanchez (BSENVE ’22), Commerce, Georgia; civil engineering analyst, Kimley-Horn 

Jackie Sherry (BSFR ’11, MNR ’14), Athens, Georgia; water conservation coordinator, Athens-Clarke County Unified Government 

Jamey Shirah (BBA ’10), Atlanta; CEO, Revival Restaurant Group  

Harina Somasundaram (BSCSE ’20), Long Island City, New York; senior data and AI architect and customer success manager, SAP 

Claire Stephens (BSA ’10), Watkinsville, Georgia; senior advisor and development project leader, Elanco Animal Health 

Miranda Williams Thomas (BSED ’17), Washington, D.C.; southeast regional advocacy director, southeast legislative director, ExcelinEd, ExcelinEd in Action 

Austin Tull (BSA ’09), Smyrna, Georgia; CEO and owner, Cherokee Custom Script Pharmacy 

Travis A. Voyles (BSES ’11), Alexandria, Virginia; associate deputy administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency 

Laura Warren (ABJ ’11), North Augusta, South Carolina; community development regional manager, Meta 

Masato Webb (BBA ’21), Dallas; sustainable aviation fuel manager, Chooose 

Samantha H. Weldon (BS ’11, MAT ’16), Buckhead, Georgia; owner and board-certified behavior analyst, Pure Heart Behavioral Therapy, LLC 

Tiffany N. Wooten (AB ’11, MPA ’15), Atlanta; director of corporate partnerships, The Ron Clark Academy 

This year’s selection process drew hundreds of nominations from across the country. Nominees must be UGA alumni under the age of 40 who exemplify the university’s guiding principles of wisdom, justice and moderation — core values represented by the Arch. 

Full eligibility criteria and additional details about the program and its honorees are available on the UGA Alumni website. 

“It’s a privilege to celebrate this group and the meaningful ways they are making a difference,” said Zell. “Their achievements are a testament to the lasting impact of a UGA education and the communities they continue to serve.” 

Bulldogs in Boston: Celebration of Science and Connection

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Boston called and Bulldog Nation answered. Since the University of Georgia was established, Bulldogs have dedicated themselves to upholding its traditions and celebrating its people.  

Whether you are across the world or right around the hedges, they have shown time and time again that Bulldogs never bark alone. 

In the historic and charming city of Boston, one alumni group exemplifies Bulldog pride through their commitment to stay in touch and connected to Athens.  

Engaging Members

The Boston Alumni Chapter recently hosted a life science and networking event that engaged alumni through a shared love of science and UGA. Panelist Seychelle Vos (BS ’08) a geneticist and associate professor at MIT, and panelist Adam Barb, head of biochemistry and molecular biology at UGA, led the conversation. 

A group photo at the panel event featuring Adam Barb, Seychelle Vos, and Dustin Henderson

From left to right, two guests pose next to Adam Barb, Seychelle Vos and Dustin Henderson.

The event was a success and provided alumni the opportunity to engage with UGA beyond campus. Even as athletics offer a valuable bonding experience for Bulldogs everywhere, collaborating with UGA through its academic and research offerings provides limitless opportunities for alumni. 

Boston also takes pride in a strong scientific industry, which made the event extremely relevant to alumni in the area. 

Attendees were able to learn how the guest speakers’ ambition led them to success in their careers and how they might do the same. They also shared professional insights and meaningful advice to encourage the audience in their endeavors. 

“Life sciences are making tremendous strides. We are able to improve the quality of people’s lives in ways that were unimaginable a few years ago,” Vos said. 

Both panelists further stressed the importance of teamwork to create real change in today’s complex environment. Participants were thoroughly involved and displayed their interest with high-level questions and the desire to connect. 

The event culminated to a discussion on how Franklin College of Arts and Sciences extends a widespread reach and gives alumni the ability to make an impact by giving back. 

“Alumni enthusiasm helps fuel the next generation of scientists,” Barb said. 

Photo features the layout of the panel event with some guests seated and others standing. Bulldog decor is spread out around the room

Picture taken at the panel event featuring guests and Bulldog decorations.

Further Opportunities 

The Boston chapter maintains a diverse portfolio of activities such as happy hour networking events, game-watching parties and even a visit from the President of UGA, Jere W. Morehead, in the fall. They make a conscious effort to organize at least one event per month to keep alumni engaged. 

The game-watching parties, specifically, have long been held at the Irish pub, Clerys, with anywhere from 20 people for smaller games to 250 people for bigger championships. 

Spectators can expect to be welcomed into an inviting Athens-like atmosphere in which their favorite gameday traditions take place. 

The chapter strives to retain a dedicated alumni group year-round. To accomplish this, they have adapted their communication to include various social media and email messaging with the help of Dustin Henderson (AB ’10), chapter president. 

Whether football or science is your forte, the Boston chapter has something to offer you. 

“If you valued your time as a student at UGA, this is a way to continue that, in perpetuity,” Henderson said. 

Interested in finding Bulldog connections in your area? 

Find Your Alumni Chapter

Nancy and Les Juneau make historic commitment to UGA Engineering

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DeRetta Rhodes named 2026 UGA Footsteps Award recipient

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DeRetta Rhodes (BSFCS ’92, PhD ’10) was selected as the 2026 Footsteps Award recipient, in honor of her impact on the community. The award is named to recognize the three students who helped to integrate the university in the 1960s: Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Hamilton Holmes and Mary Frances Early, and honors alumni who follow in the footsteps of these trailblazers. Rhodes was chosen by a committee of University of Georgia faculty, staff and students. 

Rhodes serves as executive vice president and chief people, culture and strategy officer for the Atlanta Braves, where she leads human resources, culture and engagement strategy efforts across the organization. A nationally recognized leader in organizational development, she has built a career focused on strengthening workplace culture, advancing leadership development and driving meaningful community impact. 

A two-time UGA graduate, Rhodes has remained closely connected to her alma mater and is dedicated to mentoring students and supporting initiatives that prepare future leaders for success. Her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering individuals, fostering welcoming environments and creating pathways for both personal and professional growth. 

Her leadership has been widely recognized. Rhodes is a recipient of the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award and has been named one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “100 Women of Influence” multiple times. She has also earned national recognition as a top HR leader and has been honored among leading women in sports and business. 

Rhodes also serves on several high-impact boards and civic organizations, including the executive board of the Atlanta Braves Foundation, where she helps guide philanthropic efforts across Braves Country. Her service to UGA includes her current role on the UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors and her past presidency of the Family and Consumer Sciences Alumni Board.  

Most recently, Rhodes deepened her impact on the university by endowing a scholarship for a FACS student, ensuring future generations will benefit from expanded educational opportunities. 

“The University of Georgia is fortunate to have alumni like Dr. Rhodes, whose leadership and dedication to people-centered work is transforming organizations and communities alike,” said Jill Walton, vice president for development and alumni relations. “Her commitment to uplifting others and cultivating strong workplace cultures exemplifies the spirit of the Footsteps Award.” 

Last year, Dr. Michael V. Smith (BSA ’79) was honored with the Footsteps Award, following retired Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Benham in 2024, Richard Dunn and Xernona Thomas in 2023, and Eugenia Harvey in 2022. 

Rhodes was honored during the annual 1961 Club Celebration on June 5 in Atlanta—an event recognizing donors committed to undergraduate student success through the 1961 Club, whose members support the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund with gifts of $19.61, $196.10, or $1,961. 

UGA graduating class continues record-breaking tradition

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As the post-Commencement calm settles over the Classic City, the University of Georgia Class of 2026 is leaving a lasting mark on campus through the annual Senior Signature campaign, a student-driven tradition that invites graduating seniors to support the university and invest in the future of UGA. 

This year’s campaign proved especially impactful, with the Class of 2026 breaking records for the second consecutive year by securing 3,581 gifts from graduating students. In total, the class contributed approximately $127,000 to the Senior Signature campaign, a program that has engaged students in philanthropy since 1991. Undergraduate, graduate and professional students are all encouraged to participate. 

“Giving back to UGA allows students to pay it forward and ensure future generations are just as positively impacted by this school as we were,” said Benjamin Parks ’27, vice president of philanthropy with the Student Alumni Council (SAC), the organization responsible for leading the campaign. “Attending UGA is such a transformative experience, both personally and professionally, and these donations support scholarships and on-campus initiatives that expand the opportunities students have to learn and grow.” 

He added that Senior Signature gives students a unique opportunity to give back while they are still experiencing the impact firsthand as current members of the UGA community. 

Throughout the year, SAC members engage their peers through fundraising events, tabling and peer-to-peer outreach, helping connect students to alumni, campus traditions and opportunities to make a meaningful impact. 

“Seeing these students support their peers speaks volumes about the philanthropic culture the Student Alumni Council has helped foster at UGA,” said Jill Walton (BSA ’99, MPA ’03), vice president for development and alumni relations at the University of Georgia. “The Class of 2026 is already demonstrating what it means to lead with generosity, and I know they will be an impactful addition to our alumni family.” 

For Parks, that culture of philanthropy is deeply personal, as students witness the impact of donor generosity in nearly every aspect of campus life. 

“Everyone can pinpoint an area of campus that helped them grow, whether that’s a professor who went above and beyond, a student organization that became a second family, or a resource that made all the difference during a tough semester,” Parks said. “Senior Signature gives every graduating student the chance to say, ‘This mattered to me, and I want it to be here for the next class, too.’” 

The minimum Senior Signature gift is $30 and allows students to see how donor support can be directed to specific areas of campus. Each student donor designates $20 of their gift to a fund or program that shaped their UGA experience. This year, students supported more than 500 funds across campus, including popular choices such as the Georgia Fund, which supports UGA’s greatest needs, and the State Botanical Garden Excellence Fund. 

The remaining $10 from each gift is pooled to provide grant funding to a student organization selected by the graduating class. This year’s Class Gift supports the Student Government Association Professional Clothing Closet, which provides UGA students with one free professional outfit per academic year. The program equips students with the attire necessary to pursue career opportunities without being held back by the often-prohibitive cost of professional clothing. 

The success of the Senior Signature campaign year over year illustrates a culture of philanthropy and giving back amongst UGA students. 

“I’m proud to be part of a community that is not only grateful for the opportunities UGA provides, but also excited to give back and plant the seeds for future generations,” Parks said. 

“Surpassing 3,500 gifts says a lot about this class — it shows they don’t just love UGA for what it gave them, but that they genuinely care about what it will be for the students who come after.” 

Learn More about Senior Signature

The Red and Black Network: Mexico City Edition

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Bulldog Nation spans far and wide, beyond the hedges and across the globe – keeping the alumni network connected year after year. 

In Mexico City, a small, but passionate group of University of Georgia alumni maintains the Bulldog spirit, stretching UGA’s influence far beyond the Classic City.  

The UGA Mexico City Alumni Chapter connects both current students and alumni, through mentorship opportunities, professional development events and game-watching parties.  

Connecting with Current Students 

In 2025, Andrew Guenthner (BBA ’89, MBA ’91), president of the UGA Mexico City Alumni chapter, learned that Terry College of Business students would be spending spring break in Mexico City for an international business course. Seeing an opportunity to connect with current Bulldogs, Guenthner — along with John Hyatt, CEO of Southward Advisors — helped coordinate a meaningful engagement during the trip.  

   

The alumni chapter hosted the group at Guenthner’s apartment, where alumni shared their experiences living and working abroad. Later in the week, he hosted them at Aeroméxico as part of their visits with multiple corporations in Mexico City. During the visit, students gained firsthand exposure to Aeroméxico’s global business operations through interactive Q&A sessions with multiple Aeroméxico leaders. The group was presented with a case study, which they took back to Athens as part of their coursework. 

This program allows Terry students to learn more about the global economy and the Mexico City chapter was happy to take part. 

“They were able to speak with local businesspeople and understand the business environment for airlines, in this particular case, here in Mexico,” he said.  

“It was clear that the group appreciated the interaction, as many reached out after the visit,” he said. 

Experiential learning trips like this help students learn how to solve real-life problems outside the classroom. 

And the different opportunities that these students are exposed to allows them to explore possible career options in a supportive environment. 

“I like working with students,” he said. “I’ve always done that at work, sometimes continuing to mentor people that used to work with me 15+ years ago.” 

Other Engagement 

The Terry International Business trip isn’t the only event that the Mexico City Alumni Chapter is engaged with. They also host game-watching parties and high school recruiting events. 

With the high school recruiting events, the chapter, led by Bart Rich (BA ’13, BS ’13), VP of recruitment, arranges to be a part of the week of college fairs for the seven major private high schools in Mexico City, providing the students more information about UGA. The college fairs are open not only to students from these high schools, but to others from the surrounding community as well. 

“We provide them with ways to find out about what UGA has to offer and encourage them to reach out,” he said. 

Even while being thousands of miles away from Athens, this chapter finds a way to cheer on the Dawgs during football season. 

They partner with a local restaurant, Pinche Gringo, BBQ and typically have a reserved spot where alumni can spend time together. 

On average, about 10-15 people will attend the game-watching parties. But sometimes, more alumni that just happen to be visiting Mexico City. 

Not only is this chapter interested in cultivating Bulldog pride, but SEC spirit as well. During the 2024 and 2025 football seasons, they hosted a joint watch party with the University of Texas at Austin alumni chapter, the Texas Exes. The goal is to combine efforts and have more SEC alumni come together to share their love for college football. 

Through mentorship, outreach and shared traditions, the UGA Mexico City Alumni Chapter continues to prove that no matter the distance, Bulldog Nation remains strong. 

Interested in connecting with fellow UGA alumni in your area? 

Find Your Alumni Chapter

Scott Cuppari honored as 2026 Seawell Faculty Award recipient 

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The award recognizes a UGA faculty and staff member for excellence in career mentorship. 

Scott Cuppari, lecturer in the department of marketing at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, is the 2026 recipient of UGA’s Lee Anne Seawell Faculty Recognition Award.  

Faculty and staff 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 2025 the opportunity to identify a faculty or staff member who had a positive influence on their career development.  

Cuppari earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing from West Virginia University. He then moved to Atlanta to start his career in advertising and shifted into broader marketing roles at Earthlink and Coca-Cola Co. After more than a decade of work in the industry, he went back to West Virginia University and earned his Master of Science in integrated marketing communications.  

Cuppari is focused on sharing his industry experience and supporting his students, regardless of whether they are pursuing a degree in marketing.  

“My goal every single day is to bring the real world into the classroom,” Cuppari said. “My courses aren’t about memorization and theory. It’s more geared toward application and building those real-world skills.”  

During his time at Coca-Cola, he was the client for the Terry College’s Digital Marketing Competition in 2016. Through that experience he was introduced to Terry College’s Jennifer Osbon and was inspired to pursue a career in academia. Five years later, he had the opportunity to start teaching part-time.   

He now he teaches two courses on social media strategy and marketing principles as well a master-level course in the Terry College’s Master of Marketing Research program. He will also teach a new course in fall 2026 within the Terry Executive MBA program at the college’s Buckhead campus. 

Cuppari credits his time as a youth soccer coach to helping him find success in academia.  

“Coaching taught me how to be a leader to young adults, how I could be a mentor, how I could be that figure in the lives of a lot of players and how that coaching mentality translates directly into the teaching and mentorship in the classroom,” he said.   

He finds satisfaction in helping students accomplish something they originally thought would not be possible.   

“I’m a firm believer it’s never ‘I can’t,’” he said. “It’s just I have not done it yet.”  

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.  

“I’m humbled and very grateful that the students in the Class of 2025 thought of me and the relationships that I built in and out of the classroom,” Cuppari said. “Certainly, my primary job is to build their capability and teach, but I found more joy in the mentorship, the career coaching, the career advice, the resume skills workshops — some of the other things that I do outside of my normal teaching responsibility.”  

For more information on career outcomes for the Class of 2025, visit https://career.uga.edu/outcomes. 

More Than a Ring: Legacy and Connection

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From ringing the Chapel Bell to cheering in Sanford Stadium, University of Georgia alumni around the world are united by an unbreakable bond.  

That shared loved for UGA is rooted in cherished memories, enduring traditions and milestones that forever shape every Bulldog’s journey. Every Dawg has a story. For many, that story is captured in a single, meaningful symbol: the UGA class ring. 

The UGA class ring is a permanent and personal expression of the classic UGA experience — one that connects past, present and future Dawgs. Worn to honor accomplishments, celebrate memories and showcase pride in the red and black, the ring serves as a lasting tribute to a time that helped define many Bulldogs — who they were becoming and who they are today.

History of the Class Ring 

In 1923, juniors and seniors adopted the official “Senior-Alumni Ring” to be worn exclusively by alumni and graduating students in good standing.  From the beginning, the ring represented achievement and a lifelong connection to the University of Georgia. 

Almost a century later in 2005, UGA partnered with Balfour to redesign the ring, resulting in the collection available today. While modernized, the current designs proudly retain timeless elements from the original ring design, including the iconic Arch. 

Today, the class ring also carries a powerful legacy of giving back. With every ring purchased, $85 supports the Young Alumni Leadership Council Finish the Drill Scholarship, which assists undergraduate students who have taken 60 or more credit hours to help them finish out their college journey without financial uncertainty.

Through the partnership between UGA and Balfour, support for this scholarship has continued to grow.  

Over the past decade alone, over 2,000 rings have been sold — each one helping another Dawg remain on track toward graduation and joining the alumni family. 

Custom(ization)s and Traditions 

Each class ring can be customized with a variety of metals and optional design elements, making it uniquely personal and reflective of every Bulldog’s individual journey. 

For those unsure of their ring size, the Student Alumni Council and Balfour host sizing opportunities at campus locations throughout the spring semester. Rings may also be viewed year‑round at the UGA Bookstore or ordered online, offering a convenient option for alumni who wish to claim this tradition after graduation. 

Class rings are officially presented during the annual UGA Ring Ceremony in April, when students are joined by family and friends to celebrate this milestone and don their rings for the first time. 

There is even meaning behind how the ring is worn. As a student, the Arch on the ring faces inward. After graduation, the ring is then turned outward, symbolizing completion of the degree and readiness to pass through the (actual) Arch into the next chapter of their Bulldog journey.  

The meaning of a class ring extends far beyond the materials used to craft it. Countless memories, lifelong friendships and moments such as passing under the Arch for the first time cannot be measured — but the ring serves as a tangible reminder of those defining experiences and special moments.  

Years later, the ring can evoke memories of the most transformative seasons at UGA: stepping onto the field for the first time to help create the Power “G” and for the last time to receive your degree. It honors the past, celebrates the present and reflects on the future still unfolding.  

A signature symbol of Bulldog pride, perseverance and lifelong connection, the UGA class ring is a piece meant to be worn for a lifetime. No matter where life leads, it stands as a reminder that the UGA family endures — and that Bulldogs never bark alone. 

Be Part of the Tradition

Teed up for impact: when philanthropy meets the fairway

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Each fall, as the Golden Isles fill with familiar faces and the Seaside Golf Course readies for its annual tournament week, Sea Island becomes more than a PGA Tour destination. It becomes a place where Bulldogs reconnect. 

For University of Georgia alumni who call the coast home, The RSM Classic has evolved since its inception in 2010 into a unique way for alumni and friends to gather and work toward building the future for UGA students through philanthropy. 

At first blush, the partnership between UGA and The RSM Classic might seem unlikely. Dig a little deeper, however, and the two institutions begin to look like a natural fit. 

Former UGA Alumni Association president and current UGA Foundation Trustee Bonney Shuman (BBA ’80) saw that alignment early on among her fellow Saint Simons Island residents. With a strong Bulldog presence in the Golden Isles and an increasing number of UGA alumni competing on the PGA Tour, she said the partnership felt inevitable. 

“To me, it was a perfect storm. We had this event, a strong Bulldog community here, and so many UGA alumni on the PGA Tour,” Shuman said. “It just made sense.” 

Several former Bulldogs and PGA players (not pictured) came together to support an endowed scholarship at UGA.

Along with Shuman, Todd Thompson (BSED ’94), the tournament director, is a former Bulldog. John McKenzie (BSA ’89), who works for the Davis Love Foundation, the nonprofit that runs the event in conjunction with the PGA Tour, is as well. 

Not to mention, the tournament is often headlined by several former UGA golfers turned professionals. In 2020, nearly a dozen of those golfers collectively endowed a need-based Georgia Commitment Scholarship for UGA students. 

For Shuman, inviting those golfers to give back was all about storytelling. 

“Like most of us alumni, they were talking about what a great foundation UGA gave them and how meaningful Athens was,” she said. “I just thought it would be powerful to bring them together and ask if we could do something that demonstrated their impact on UGA.” 

The response, she said, was immediate, and perhaps reflective of a broader culture within professional golf.  

“Many people may not realize that philanthropy is really at the heart of what the PGA Tour does and certainly what we’ve focused on with The RSM Classic,” Thompson said. 

The Davis Love Foundation’s mission is to serve children and families in need, McKenzie, director of sales for The RSM Classic, explained. It is an intentionally broad scope designed to support a wide range of community partners and respond to evolving needs. Enter John and Todd’s alma mater. 

For UGA, that drive to make a difference in communities made the Davis Love Foundation and The RSM Classic natural partners and created a meaningful experience for Bulldogs to make an impact. 

In the Dawghouse 

Uga frequently makes an appearance in the Dawghouse at the RSM Classic.

Overlooking the 17th green, the Dawghouse provides an unbeatable view of the tournament.

At the center of the UGA presence at The RSM Classic is a venue with a name that feels right at home for Bulldogs, the Dawghouse. 

A tented hospitality venue located behind the 17th green on the Seaside Golf Course, the Dawghouse is an ideal spot for viewing, conversation and community. 

But there’s a deeper reason the setting works. It meets alumni where they are. Shuman describes the Dawghouse as more than a hospitality tent, but an extension of Bulldog culture in an unexpected setting. 

“It’s as vibrant as you can get at a golf tournament,” she said. “Supportive, enthusiastic, full of Bulldog pride and still very intentional — even when the rest of the crowd switches to a golf clap.” 

That environment, she added, creates space not just for celebration, but for meaningful conversation about impact. “We’re reaching alumni who might not make it back to Athens very often, but UGA is coming to their community. That resonates.” 

Coastal Georgia, and even neighboring Florida, remains one of UGA’s largest alumni bases, with approximately 15,000 alumni across the region. 

“There are so many alumni down here in this area, and it’s great for the university to have a place to connect with them in a meaningful way,” Thompson said. 

The venue isn’t just for handshakes and shared Bulldog pride but also serves as a central meeting place for alumni, golfers and friends to gather with likeminded, philanthropically focused Bulldogs. 

Beyond the scorecard 

Thompson’s own UGA story is woven into the tournament’s current chapter. He has helped guide the evolving relationship with UGA and has seen the Dawghouse become a place where alumni can interact with players they already cheer for, including a number of former Bulldogs now on tour. 

In fact, Thompson’s own son, Davis (BSED ’21), followed in his footsteps as a UGA golfer. Today, both are connected to the PGA Tour, Todd as a tournament director and Davis as a player. 

He described the unique energy of watching UGA golfers come through the Dawghouse and connect with alumni. “It is just a great connection knowing that we’re supplying an avenue for the university to come down here and, at the same time, for us to build opportunities for students there.”  

For both McKenzie and Thompson, the opportunity to support students through scholarships felt like a natural extension of the Davis Love Foundation’s mission and the RSM Classic’s purpose. 

The focus on philanthropy was already there. Hearing from fellow alumni and university partners about the impact that partnership and collective giving could have on students made UGA an especially compelling partner. 

The Dawghouse provides a place for Bulldogs to gather at the RSM Classic in the Golden Isles of Georgia.

As part of that partnership, the Davis Love Foundation has established two endowed scholarships: one through the Let All the Big Dawgs Eat scholarship program and another through the Georgia Commitment Scholarship program. The Davis Love Foundation remains committed to building on that momentum, as both Thompson and McKenzie see the relationship with UGA not as a finished chapter, but as something to continue growing. 

“We don’t see what we’ve done as an end point, just a continuation,” McKenzie said. 

Thompson echoed that sentiment, emphasizing momentum and visibility. “So many people don’t even know what The RSM Classic is. They don’t know we have a PGA Tour event down here,” he said. His hope is that more UGA alumni will learn the story, experience the event and see the giving firsthand, not for recognition’s sake, but to invite more people into a community that’s already giving back. 

For Shuman, the partnership’s success lies in its ability to keep expanding its reach. 

“Every year, we’re telling the story to someone who hasn’t heard it before,” she said. “And every time we do that, there’s an opportunity to inspire someone new.” 

The RSM Classic isn’t simply a place where Bulldogs gather. It’s a place where they gather with purpose — where alumni connection becomes student support and Bulldog pride turns into meaningful investment. What may have once seemed unexpected now feels par for the course: a community showing up for one another and living out what it truly means to be a Bulldog year-round, worldwide and lifelong.

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