Luther and Susie Harrison Foundation pledges $3M to Poultry Science Building

This story, written by Jordan Powers, was originally published on UGA Today on Dec. 15, 2022.

The Luther and Susie Harrison Foundation has pledged $3 million in support of the Poultry Science Building project at the University of Georgia. The pledge — the largest single gift to the building to date — will fund the lobby of the Poultry Science Building.

“We deeply appreciate the Luther and Susie Harrison Foundation’s remarkable generosity and the wonderful example they have set for other UGA partners in the agriculture industry,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “Their investment in the new Poultry Science Building will help ensure the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences remains a global leader in poultry science.”

The Luther and Susie Harrison Foundation was established by R. Harold Harrison in 1994 to honor his parents, Luther and Susie Harrison. Luther Harrison, a farmer, and Susie Tanner Harrison, an educator, instilled in their son the importance of education, perseverance and community giving.

“We intend for this gift to enhance the CAES Poultry Science Building and the college’s position as a leader in education and innovation in the field of poultry science,” said Kelley Tison, Luther and Susie Harrison Foundation board member and daughter of R. Harold and Patsy Harrison.

R. Harold Harrison, a 1941 CAES graduate, returned from World War II and began selling eggs and chicks in Barrow County. His business grew, and in 1958 he established Harrison Poultry Inc. in Bethlehem, Georgia. Harrison had a collaborative relationship with CAES, extending until his death in 2001. In his will, he made provisions for the Luther and Susie Harrison Foundation to continue supporting many organizations, including CAES. To this day, Harrison Poultry Inc. relies on the collaboration and research of the college.

In 2016, the Luther and Susie Harrison Foundation established the R. Harold Harrison Distinguished Professorship with a gift of $500,000. Poultry immunologist Rami Dalloul currently holds the position.

David Bleth, president and CEO of Harrison Poultry Inc., said he is proud to represent the company because of its community-focused vision. R. Harold Harrison, he said, was a proponent of education and a devoted UGA alumnus.

“Mr. Harrison would be thrilled to know that UGA is not only doing a fine job of training the next generation of leaders but also doing it at a high level — and to know that we are supporting it with state-of-the-art facilities,” Bleth said.

A facility to advance future opportunities

The new Poultry Science Building will better equip CAES faculty and students, the Georgia communities supported by the department of poultry science and the nation’s poultry industry for opportunities and challenges ahead. The poultry industry represents more than 50% of the agricultural income in Georgia, according to the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development.

The 70,000-plus-square-foot building is a $54.1 million public-private partnership and is expected to open in fall 2023. State-of-the-art classrooms, modern laboratories and collaborative meeting spaces will support research in genetics, bird well-being, nutrition, poultry product safety, agribusiness and more.

“We are grateful for the support of the Luther and Susie Harrison Foundation and look forward to continuing our partnership,” said CAES Dean and Director Nick T. Place. “We are excited to build a facility that enables us to better recruit and develop the next generation of great poultry leaders.”

To learn more about the Poultry Science Building project and watch a live cam of construction progress, visit poultrybuilding.caes.uga.edu.

Students develop sustainability solutions for Delta Air Lines

This story was originally published on UGA Today on Dec. 6, 2022.

Delta Air Lines has a strong commitment to sustainability and often partners with higher education institutions and other organizations to advance its goals. Through the Delta Design Challenge and efforts led by Delta’s innovation and sustainability teams, University of Georgia students were given the opportunity to answer the call to help create a more sustainable world.

Over the past several weeks, eight teams of five UGA students have been competing in the Delta Design Challenge. The challenge focused on helping the company to eliminate single-use plastic bottles on its flights. On Dec. 1, the teams, formed through UGA’s Student Industry Fellows Program (SIFP), pitched their solutions to a panel of Delta executives.

“We are really energized by the ideas UGA students presented to reduce single-use plastics on flights,” said Pamela Fletcher, Delta’s chief sustainability officer. “No company or industry can reach waste reduction and net zero goals alone. This partnership is a great example of how working with the next generation of innovators can accelerate our progress.”

Students hear from Delta executives

Students hear from Delta executives at the Delta Design Challenge event on Dec. 1.

The SIFP is a signature program within UGA’s Innovation District and is sponsored by The Delta Air Lines Foundation. Under the Office of Experiential Learning, SIFP cultivates the industry leaders of tomorrow by establishing meaningful industry partnerships and inspiring innovation among all majors. Students within this program work throughout the semester to solve modern industry problems. The Delta Design Challenge is one of many active learning challenges that enables students to apply the skills they learn in the classroom to real-world scenarios.

“The Industry Fellows Program recruits top talent at UGA among all courses of study,” stated Andrew Potter, who leads SIFP. “This program is all about preparing students to make an impact by teaching human-centered design and empathetic leadership.”

At the core of this program is human-centered design, a design system that is grounded in empathy and intentional solutions. Developed out of the Stanford Design School, human-centered design puts real people at the center of the design process. Students are taught to understand all facets of an industry problem first and design the solution at the very last step. Representing nine schools and colleges across campus, the SIFP relies on interdisciplinary talent to establish thorough solutions and well-rounded teams, like those who competed in the Delta Design Challenge.

“We are not just looking for one type of student,” explained Potter. “It takes all expertises to solve the issues. Regardless of what students choose as their major, we know they will have valuable insight to offer businesses like Delta. We encourage all students to participate in Innovation District programs if they have a passion for problem-solving and teamwork.”

The Delta Design Challenge illustrated the expertise of Industry Fellows Students across campus. Creating a touchpoint between UGA and various industries, the SIFP is one way the university aims to prepare students to make an impact as alumni.

“It’s great to see companies like Delta taking steps to improve the issue of single-use plastic on flights,” stated Amol Gupta, a participating fourth-year UGA student who will join the Industry Fellows program this spring. “After brainstorming on the problem, we were able to find a solution that would best fit the needs of the company as well as the passengers. Getting to work on solutions for companies like Delta has made the work we do in the classroom much more tangible.”

Bulldog Business Gift Wish List

The holiday season is upon us! Whether you’re shopping for friends or family, there’s sure to be a Bulldog-owned business with gifts you need to round out this season’s holiday shopping lists. Check out our recommendations from a few Bulldog businesses below.

For active Dawgs

The customizable Weezie golf towel is a great gift for the golfer in your life. Weezie is a luxury towel company offering beach and bath towels, robes and more. Co-founded by Liz Eichholz (BFA ’12), Weezie has customizable options that will make their products a unique gift for anyone in your life – especially those who love hitting the fairway.

 

Weezie Golf Towel

 

Have you ever lost your sunglasses while fishing, boating or enjoying a day at the beach? Rheos Nautical Eyewear, founded by Jacob Berton (BBA ’08), offers a wide selection of floating sunglasses in various colors and styles that are perfect for anyone who loves to spend time on the water.

Rugged Road offers coolers that are both durable and light. Founded by Spencer Lloyd (BSFCS ’20), Rugged Road’s coolers are a great gift for the outdoor adventurists in your life. The best part? Part of your purchase benefits the Rugged Road Foundation which focuses on increasing access to clean water in communities around the world.

For fashion-forward Dawgs

Elizabeth Newton (ABJ ’99) is the founder and designer of enewton, a jewelry company whose timeless pieces are built to last. Their list of best-sellers wonderfully compliment any outfit and are a must-purchase for the jewelry lovers in your life.

When is the best time to get new UGA gear? Well, always, but especially during the holidays! Onward Reserve, which was founded by Thomas J. Callaway IV (BBA ’07), offers a selection of UGA t-shirts, polos and sweatshirts perfect for gameday or everyday wear.

Founder and CEO of Sock Fancy, Stefan Lewinger (AB ’11), understood the need for personalized socks. Got a friend who loves their dog? Put their dog on a pair of socks! Got a family member with a great business? Put their logo on a pair of socks! Got a coworker getting married? Put the happy couple on a pair of socks! Need we go on?

 

 

For coffee loving Dawgs

For the cold coffee lovers out there, Rev Coffee Roasters, co-founded by Jenn Holt Bimmerle (AB ’02), offers the Toddy Cold Brew System, which is perfectly paired with one of their signature blends.

Three Tree Coffee Roasters, owned by husband and wife Philip (BSA ’11) and Anna Klayman (AB ’11), also offers a wide variety of coffee blends, from winter blends to dark roast and espresso options.

What’s a good cup of coffee without something to drink it out of? The Rugged Road mug will make your cup of joe portable and keep it warm (or cold, if you prefer).

 

Rugged Road Mug

 

For foodie Dawgs

The holidays are a time of gathering, and with a good get-together comes great food! Serving dishes from Relish, whose co-founders include Cabell Fleming Sweeney (BSED ’95) and Susan Peterson (BBA ’93), are a great gift for anyone who loves to cook or host.

The holiday season is better with pie, right? Owner of Southern Baked Pie Company, Amanda Dalton Wilbanks (BBA ’09), shares all her best pie recipes in her cookbook, “Southern Baked: Celebrating Life With Pie,” making it an easy gift for the avid cooks in your life. And who knows, you might even get a pie in return!

 

 

Condor Chocolates, owned by brothers Peter Dale (ABJ ’99) and Nicholas Dale (BSA ’04), offers a suite of gift sets ideal for any chocolate lover. From holiday gift boxes to s’mores sets, a gift from Condor Chocolates is sure to make any holiday just a little sweeter.

For the Dawg-house

Weezie’s customizable towel sets are a great gift for a friend that just moved or a family member who needs a refresh. With their variety of color and embroidery options, this gift can be tailored into the perfect towel set for anyone.

Kristen Dunning (BSA ’21) understands the value of good soap, which is why she founded Gently, a company that caters to all skin types. Their soaps are all sourced from Georgia farms and sure to liven up any home bathroom.

 

Gently Soap

 

Got a friend with a green thumb? Check out this indoor watering can from Cofer’s Home & Garden Showplace, a family owned business for almost 100 years and currently managed by Stuart Cofer (BBA ’81).

Still missing something? Check out A Signature Welcome’s gift boxes. A Signature Welcome, co-founded by Lindsay Bissell Marko (BBA ’07) and Emily Howard Slater (BS ’07), offers predesigned and customizable gift box options. From beauty and beach essentials to coffee and tea, their curated boxes come beautifully packaged and ready to gift.

Thanks for shopping with us and Happy Holidays, Dawgs!

Did this holiday guide remind you about another Bulldog-owned business? Nominate them for Bulldog 100 so we can celebrate their success!

 

Bulldogs in Blazers: The History of the Arch Society

If you have spent a large sum of time at the University of Georgia, you may have asked, “who are those students wearing matching black blazers?”

The Arch Society, one of the most recognizable student organizations on campus, provides service to the university as official hosts and goodwill ambassadors. Whether cheering on the Dawgs from the front row at home football games, checking in distinguished guests at university ceremonies, or giving tours to local elementary schools, members of the Arch Society—affectionately known as POTA, People of the Arch—serve the university in many contexts.

Arch Society students walk in the centennial homecoming parade

Arch Society students walk in the centennial homecoming parade

Founded in 1992 by Tom Cochran, former assistant vice president for finance and administration within the office of the vice president for student affairs, Arch Society comprises thirty-six members who provide “humble service”—a core concept outlined in the organization’s charter—to university partners.

“Humble service is both a core value and the mission of the Arch Society,” states Sarah Burnett, current Arch Society chair and fourth-year student in the College of Public Health. “For Arch Society members, humble service means honoring the opportunity to give back to your community without an expectation of recognition or credit. Whether serving on an assignment, attending our weekly meetings, or cheering the Dawgs on in Sanford Stadium, humble service is the foundation of all that we do.”

Selected for their dedication and servant-leadership approach to service, members are deeply engaged throughout various university departments and organizations aside from their involvement in Arch Society, from Student Government to University Housing to Multicultural Services and Programs. POTA show their commitment to UGA in and out of the blazer through their various passions around campus.

“Arch Society is unique as a student organization on our campus because our members accept and honor their commitment to humble service,” said advisor and UGA Vice President for Student Affairs, Victor K. Wilson (BSW ’82, MED ’87). “The amazing student leaders who serve as a part of the Arch Society always have a strong work ethic, positive mindset, and deep desire to be dedicated to every assignment they serve on. These leaders make me and so many others on campus proud by serving as role models through their stellar service to the UGA community and so many others.”

Along with working a wide range of assignments across departments, Arch Society maintains a strong culture of bonding both within and without. From gathering for annual Arch Society social traditions to welcoming faculty, alumni and student leaders to share a meal at “Archgiving,” Arch Society is committed to its community.

Arch Society students cheer on the Dawgs at Sanford Stadium

Arch Society students cheer on the Dawgs at Sanford Stadium

This tight-knit community comes with a strong foundation: Arch Society alumni who continue to stay engaged with the organization. Among the most engaged former POTA is Kim Metcalf (BSEH ’93, MS ’96). Kim was a charter member of Arch Society, one of the first to wear the blazer, and she remains engaged with the organization and the university as a whole. Kim serves annually on Arch Society’s selection committee, which is composed of outgoing Arch Society students, university faculty, and Arch alumni, all of whom help select new Arch Society classes.

“UGA gave me so much as a student and shaped me into the woman I am today,” Kim explains. “I decided as a student to forever stay involved with UGA and share my time and treasure as possible. I have always stayed connected to Arch Society—I wanted to make sure that all of our students had an amazing experience just like I did. I’ve been so honored to sit on the selection committee to help the organization continue to flourish.”

During Arch Society’s thirty-one years, tradition and values have remained at the forefront of the organization, and humble service is simultaneously the core value of the organization and its most enduring tradition. So, the next time you see the students in the black blazers cheering at the game or handing you a nametag at a reception, be sure to say hi. There are three decades of hospitality in those jackets, and they’d love to prove it to you.

The Jerry Tanner Show – 2022 SEC Championship: LSU

Brian Kelly turned LSU into SEC West champs in year 1. And I guarantee you that man’s never even had Popeye’s before. Life’s crazy.

Your Georgia Bulldogs have rung the bell all season long, and they’re not slowing down any time soon! Ring the bell alongside your undefeated Dawgs by donating to your favorite school, college, department or campus resource! Give a gift of any amount and receive a spirited, limited-edition sticker sheet as a thank you: give.uga.edu/gloryglory.

Jerry Tanner is everyone you’ve ever met at a UGA tailgate, everyone who’s ever talked about Georgia football by your cubicle, and every message board poster who claims to have a cousin who cut Vince Dooley’s grass. He’s a UGA alumnus, he’s a college football fanatic with a Twitter addiction, and he’s definitely a real person and not a character played by Clarke Schwabe.

The Jerry Tanner Show – Week 12, 2022: Georgia Tech

Want to know why we have to always take Georgia Tech seriously? Find a Bulldog who was in Atlanta in 1999 and say the words “Jasper Sanks.”

Whether you’re a Bulldog in Butte or a Dawg in Dallas, you can show your state pride and Bulldog spirit with UGA state decals. These decals include all 50 states and D.C., so you can show off just how big the Bulldog family is. And when you buy, a portion of your purchase will go on to help students. Get yours today at alumni.uga.edu/statedecals!

Jerry Tanner is everyone you’ve ever met at a UGA tailgate, everyone who’s ever talked about Georgia football by your cubicle, and every message board poster who claims to have a cousin who cut Vince Dooley’s grass. He’s a UGA alumnus, he’s a college football fanatic with a Twitter addiction, and he’s definitely a real person and not a character played by Clarke Schwabe.

Don’t you hate missing out?

Especially when you don’t have to.

This year’s Heritage Society Tailgate (on November 5 prior to the UGA vs. Tennessee game) was a tremendous success. More than 130 spirited Bulldogs braved the drizzly weather to enjoy food, drink and fun with their fellow Heritage Society Members. Check out the photo gallery from this year’s festivities. (And how ’bout that game? Truly a win for the ages! It’s great to be a Georgia Bulldog!)

Want to attend the event next year? Simply become a member of the Heritage Society. Learn how you can help ensure UGA’s future, make a positive impact, cement your legacy and maybe even enjoy tax benefits. It’s easier than you might think! Contact the Office of Gift and Estate Planning for more information about joining the Heritage Society. As you can see from the photos, they’re a fun bunch.

 

The Jerry Tanner Show – Week 11, 2022: Kentucky

Danny Nantahala, coach counselor, can help you rekindle the spark between you and your school. And if not, hey, Arizona State is open.

The postseason is starting to take shape, so it’s time to make sure you know where to go to watch Georgia’s biggest games of the season. Go to alumni.uga.edu/gamewatching to find a UGA Alumni game-watching party near you—the best places to Call The Dawgs outside of Sanford Stadium!

Jerry Tanner is everyone you’ve ever met at a UGA tailgate, everyone who’s ever talked about Georgia football by your cubicle, and every message board poster who claims to have a cousin who cut Vince Dooley’s grass. He’s a UGA alumnus, he’s a college football fanatic with a Twitter addiction, and he’s definitely a real person and not a character played by Clarke Schwabe.

UGA seeking nominations for annual Footsteps Award

The University of Georgia is accepting nominations for its Footsteps Award. This annual award recognizes a UGA graduate each year who is following in the pioneering footsteps of Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Hamilton Holmes and Mary Frances Early.

Members of the UGA community are invited to submit nominations for the Footsteps Award by completing a short form available online at alumni.uga.edu/footstepsnomination. The nomination period ends on Dec. 4, and the recipient will be announced on Jan. 9, the 62nd anniversary of the day Hunter-Gault and Holmes, the first African American students at UGA, enrolled in classes.

The honoree must be a UGA graduate who has made a significant positive impact in human rights, race relations or education in their community. Selected by a committee of UGA faculty, staff and students, the award recipient will be presented with the award during the 2023 Holmes-Hunter Lecture in February.

“This award reflects the pride we have in our alumni who are seeking to improve their communities both personally and professionally,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson, executive director of alumni relations at UGA. “They are an outstanding representation of a University of Georgia education, and the Footsteps Award is just one way for us to honor their tremendous work and commitment.”

In February 2022, the inaugural Footsteps Award was presented to Eugenia Harvey, chief diversity equity and inclusion officer for the WNET Group and a 1982 UGA graduate.

Tasty Tailgating: Amanda Wilbanks’ Sloppy Joe Football Hand Pies

Up next in our Tasty Tailgating series is Amanda Wilbanks (BBA ’09), founder and owner of Southern Baked Pies. She’s sharing her recipe for Sloppy Joe Football Hand Pies.

“These football hand pies are my favorite thing to make for tailgates! Not only are they delicious and sure to impress, they’re also easy as, you guessed it, pie! Talk about a dream team–the hardy, savory flavor of sloppy joes and flaky, buttery pie crust are a game-winning duo that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe,” says Amanda. “You can also check out the Southern Baked Pie blog for some other great tailgate recipes, including Pimento Cheese Pie Bites and Berry Slab Pie, or grab a copy of my cookbook Celebrating Life with Pie for an entire tailgate menu!”

Sloppy Joe Football Hand Pies

Ingredients

1 pound ground chuck

1 onion, chopped

2 tablespoons yellow mustard

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

½ cup ketchup

2 recipes Southern Baked Pie Dough (directions below)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the meat and onion in a large skillet. Cook, breaking up meat with a spoon until it is no longer pink and the onions are softened. Drain excess grease from meat. Add the mustard, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Roll out dough into 2 (12-inch) circles. Cut 5 hand-size football shapes out of each circle for a total of 10 footballs. Reroll the scraps if needed to get all the football shapes. Place 5 football shapes on parchment. Spoon Sloppy Joe mix evenly onto each shape. Place remaining 5 football shapes over the mixture and press around the edges to seal closed. Using a sharp knife, cut slits in the top of each football to look like the laces. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

 

Sloppy Joe Football Hand Pies

 

Southern Baked Pie Dough

Ingredients

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon granulated sugar

¼ cup water

Instructions

Makes dough for 1 single-crust 9-inch pie

Cut the butter into small cubes. Combine butter and flour in a mixing bowl. Using a pastry blender, work the butter into the flour. Add the salt and sugar. Continue to work the butter into the flour until the mixture has a consistency of coarse-ground cornmeal. The cubes of butter should now be smaller than the size of a green pea.

Add the water all at once. Continue to work the dough until the dough begins to come together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap with plastic wrap, and press into the shape of a disk. Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to chill.

Remove dough from refrigerator and roll out to desired size on a lightly floured surface.

If you’re looking for more Tasty Tailgating recipes, be sure to check out Ivy Odom’s recipe for Bacon Jam.