Tasty Tailgating: Ivy Odom’s Bacon Jam

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It’s tailgating season, which means Bulldogs near and far will be gathered on Saturdays to cheer on the Dawgs. In honor of the occasion, we’re bringing back our Tasty Tailgating series to supply you with all the best alumni recipes.

Ivy Odom (BSFCS ’15, AB ’15) is an editorial producer for Southern Living in Birmingham, Alabama. She’s here to share her recipe for Bacon Jam–it’s perfect on sandwiches, crackers, and deviled eggs!

 

Ivy Odom

 

Bacon Jam

Makes about 1 cup

Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb. bacon chopped

2 cups sweet onion chopped (from 2 small onions)

1 Tbsp. water

1 tsp. minced garlic, from 2 cloves

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Directions:

  1. Cook bacon in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium, stirring occasionally, until fat renders and bacon is starting to crisp on the edges, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour drippings into a heat-proof measuring cup. Add 1/4 cup drippings back to skillet, reserve remaining drippings for another use.
  2. Add bacon back to skillet with onion and cook over medium until onions are caramelized, about 20 minutes, adding up to 1 tablespoon water as necessary to prevent onions from burning.
  3. Stir garlic and crushed red pepper into bacon mixture and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add brown sugar and vinegar and bring to a boil over medium high. Boil until mixture is reduced and thickened, about 2 minutes, then remove from heat and transfer to a heat-proof pint jar. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Serve warm.

Serving suggestions: With pimento cheese on a cracker, deviled egg topper, jalapeño popper topper, as a condiment on a grazing board, or on a cheeseburger

Check out the full recipe video on our Instagram!

 

Recipe Video

 

Bacon Jam

New PLC Chairs highlight importance of parent philanthropy

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Talia Murphy first stepped foot on campus as a freshman in 1980 just in time to experience the University of Georgia’s national championship win later that year. Now she enjoys the pride of yet another national championship victory for the Georgia Bulldogs, as her daughter, Lily, attends classes. Talia states, “being back on campus with this victory buzz in the air has been so fun, and finding our own place on campus through the Parents Leadership Council has strengthened the experience for our whole family.” Along with her husband, John, Talia serves as the chair of the Parents Leadership Council (PLC), an organization of parents who are eager to contribute to the university and support student-serving organizations.

After her graduation, Talia and John spent 30 years overseas with their three daughters. She was relatively removed from the university during this time, but when John was called back to Atlanta for his career at Coca-Cola, UGA was back on the couple’s radar—especially as their youngest daughter, Lily, was getting ready to apply for colleges. All it took for her to be sold on UGA was attending the renowned, annual Georgia-Georgia Tech football game. Through their daughter, John and Talia reconnected with UGA and have remained passionate ever since. Even though John, an Irish citizen who did not go to college in the United States, had no previous connection to UGA, he has become an avid Dawgs fan.

For the past few years, John and Talia have known they wanted to invest in UGA. Together, they have pledged to create a Georgia Commitment Scholarship, a need-based scholarship program built on private donations. In supporting Lily, the Murphys have developed a passion for supporting every UGA student across campus. As Talia states, “Where your kids are, that’s where you put your time, your effort, and your financial support.” This philosophy steered the couple to the Parents Leadership Council.

The Murphys became involved in the PLC during the height of the pandemic. Though they were unable to meet other members in person, they believed in the program and wanted to stay involved. As time went on, they were able to find a community in the PLC and encourage other parents to do the same.

“We love that there’s an organization where we can really make a difference as parents”, said Talia. “It taps parents into what’s happening on campus and allows us to address the needs of students as they come up through the grants program.”

After the Murphys dedicated over a year to the PLC, getting deeply involved with the campus community and student life, the two were presented with the opportunity to serve as chairs. The couple takes great pride in holding this position, and they are striving to make the PLC even more active and engaged with campus organizations. The PLC Grants Program, a longstanding PLC effort and a major focus for John and Talia, awarded $875,000 last year to 100 campus organizations. The Murphys, working with the PLC Grants Committee Chairs, want to raise more money for grant funding than ever before: their goal is to reach $1 million in donations from PLC members this year.

John and Talia encourage any interested parent to consider joining the PLC for the tight-knit community, the service to the university and an opportunity to continue supporting your children throughout their years in college, as well as many other students and student organizations. The PLC offers parents a unique chance to show up in a very tangible way for their children.

“Whether it’s attending meetings or mingling with fellow PLC members, council members have an opportunity to be on campus. But best of all, we have an opportunity to make a difference in a student’s life,” said the Murphys. “Exploring downtown restaurants with Lily and her friends is one thing, but now we are able to feel an extra sense of gratification knowing that we are supporting her journey one step further through the PLC.”

Mentorship isn’t scary!

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National Mentoring Day, October 27, falls in the middle of “spooky season.” In honor of the day and the season, the UGA Mentor Program is debunking the myth that mentorship can be scary.

We spoke with UGA mentee and UGA Mentor Program Ambassador Sahar Joshi (Class of 2024) and her UGA mentor Will Caplan (AB ’16, AB ’16), senior wargaming analyst for Booz Allen Hamilton, about their experiences in the program and what they would say to ease the fears of potential participants.

Did you have any fears about joining the UGA Mentor Program?

S: I was a little intimated. Browsing through the profiles of potential mentors, I found they were all somebody I wanted to impress; somebody I wanted to be like. I was afraid I wasn’t worthy, and I’d be wasting their time. But the program emphasized that UGA Mentors are volunteering their time because they WANT to hear from students.

W: For me, I was afraid that I wasn’t far enough removed from being a student myself. What if my journey was too specific to be of help to anyone else? But I thought back to when I was in their shoes. This was before UGA had established this mentorship program, and people took time to help me out. I just knew I needed to pay it forward.

What inspired you to sign up?

S: I knew what I wanted to do. I was focused on national security and wanted to end up in D.C. I felt like the mentor program would be a great way to empower myself to learn from people who had been through the same process as me and had made it in this field.

W: I remember back when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do, I wished for someone to talk to. I wanted to find someone established in their career but not so far along that they could no longer relate to college life or understand pop culture references. I signed up to serve in that role for a student looking for what I had been looking for at their age.

Were you nervous to meet for the first time?

W: Definitely. I have an eccentric sense of humor and I talk really fast. With my personality, you either really enjoy it or find it overwhelming. And not knowing this other person and what they’re looking to get out of mentorship brought up questions. Am I going to be able to do enough? Am I going to meet their expectations?

S: That comes as a complete shock to me. I didn’t pick up on that at all. When I first met Will, I was just so focused on digesting the information we were going through. Every time I thought of a question while he was talking, he’d move on with what he was saying and answer it, without me having to ask. Will came across as someone who was completely prepared and confident. But I am kind of glad to hear that we were actually in the same boat at that first meeting.

Is there a fear mentorship helped you overcome?

S: There are so many. Going for an internship in D.C. was scary. I had never been that far away from home and family. But Will helped me out in so many ways. I remember being scared of not being perfect in front of him, but, especially during mock interviews, Will helped me understand it was better to make a mistake in front of him than in the actual interview. I honestly think that’s a great example of what mentorship is like. A mentor is someone you can make mistakes in front of. You learn you don’t have to be perfect, just be prepared and be comfortable with yourself.

W: One of my favorite pieces of advice to give mentees is to not make perfect the enemy of good. I think the best part of the mentee/mentor relationship is being able to talk things through. I always tell mentees not to feel like they have to have everything figured out. No one has everything planned and in place. Ask questions. Be flexible. It’s okay not to feel totally in control of every aspect. That’s life.

What surprised you about mentorship?

Will and Sahar at Braves game in D.C.

W: I’d say I was most surprised about how the relationship is so much fuller and focused on topics beyond professionalism and career. For instance, Sahar and I have really bonded over our shared love of the Atlanta Braves baseball. When Sahar was in D.C. for her internship, we made it a point to go watch the Braves play the Nats. And being a part of the mentor program has made me feel more connected to UGA. It’s made me want to give back even more because I can see how rewarding and helpful it is.

S: I came into this with a vision of what I wanted my future to look like. Then Will played a part in destroying that vision in the best way possible. (She laughs.) But he also helped me build it back up in a more realistic way. There is so much you don’t know, can’t know, until you talk to someone who DOES know—especially with industries that are specialized or location-based. Mentorship is great for bridging that gap! It’s amazing the confidence you get from someone being your personal cheerleader and encouraging you every step of the way—whether it’s a rejection letter or an acceptance letter, and we’ve been through both.

W: When Sahar got that internship and was able to come to D.C., it was so satisfying like, “We did it!”

S: Yeah, I remember when we grabbed coffee in D.C. and I was sort of debriefing Will on my internship. We celebrated because we had set this goal and worked through all the steps, then we made it happen together.

So, if mentorship isn’t scary, what’s something that is?

S: Zombies.

W: Mannequins. (shudder)

Learn more about the totally non-scary UGA Mentor Program at mentor.uga.edu.

BECOME A MENTOR

UGA wins Beat Week (again)

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It’s always an exciting matchup when UGA and Auburn go head-to-head, and Beat Week 2022 was no exception.

Beat Week is the philanthropic counterpart to “The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry,” and the rules are simple: the university with the most gifts raised during the week leading up to the game wins!

Following UGA’s two consecutive victories, Auburn was looking for their first win this year—and for much of the week, it appeared they might just do it.

However, the UGA community rallied late in the week to take the lead after several days of trading back and forth with Auburn. The result was a double dose of victory for UGA on and off the field. And when the dust settled in the Gift Accounting office, the final score stood:

UGA–2,984

Auburn–1,817

A good coach always acknowledges that every win is a team effort, and that’s certainly true for Beat Week. Everyone played a role: alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends!

UGA’s student body had an impressive outing worthy of SportsCenter’s Top-10 performances; over 700 students flexed their philanthropic muscles and took part in the effort!

Beat Week raised over $1 million to over 300 fund designations across campus supporting scholarships, research, academic programming and a lot more; proving that UGA isn’t just No. 1 in the newest AP Poll, but also in generosity.

Thank you to everyone who made Beat Week a success! GO DAWGS!

The Jerry Tanner Show – Week 7, 2022: Vanderbilt

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This year’s Homecoming opponent is Vandy. So, Jerry went to campus to ask the important questions, like “what’s your favorite dining hall?”

There’s so much happening for this year’s Homecoming—UGA’s 100th! Stay informed on everything that’s happening throughout the week by going to alumni.uga.edu/football.

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 6, 2022: Auburn

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So, the Tigers are in disarray. Again. Don’t dismiss the trainwreck on the plains, though. Auburn—and our rivalry—thrives on chaos.

Beat Week is back! Make a gift to any UGA fund in any amount between Oct. 3 – 8 and you can help UGA students and power Georgia to a third consecutive Beat Week victory. Make your gift today at AUvUGA.com.

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.

Computer science gets a new home at UGA

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In 1984, Bill Gates was on Time Magazine’s cover for the first time, Steve Jobs launched the original Apple Macintosh PC and eight University of Georgia faculty members launched UGA’s computer science department. Thirty-eight years later, what began with a single undergraduate program has today grown into the UGA School of Computing.

Now, more than 4,600 UGA computer science alumni have a school to call their own, and thousands of students looking to enter what is a massive—and still growing—field can look to UGA’s enhanced commitment and know that they can pursue their passion as a Bulldog.

The School of Computing is jointly administered by the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences—where UGA Computer Science began—and the College of Engineering.

“The University of Georgia is committed to creating synergies across our campus that foster new opportunities for students and faculty and better serve communities in Georgia and around the world,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “I am excited about the positive impact the School of Computing will have on research and education in the STEM disciplines at UGA.”

Those disciplines are among some of the most popular ones at the university:

  • The College of Engineering is the fastest growing college at UGA—the number of engineering majors has almost quadrupled since 2012;
  • Computer science enrollment at UGA has increased by 202% over the last eight years;
  • And the number of UGA graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science has jumped from 51 in 2013 to 256 in 2021.

It makes sense why students would have such an interest in pursuing these fields. Nationally, employment in STEM-related occupations is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow 8% through 2029, which is more than double the 3.4% growth projected for non-STEM occupations. Within STEM, computer science and engineering are among the fields with the highest forecasted growth.

The School of Computing is the home to the Institute for Artificial Intelligence as well as the Institute for Cybersecurity and Privacy, allowing students to delve deep into these specifics areas. And partnerships with the Department of Energy and UGA’s Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture allow for even more nuanced, high-level work.

Faculty at the School of Computing are experts in a vast array of disciplines, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, bioinformatics, parallel and distributed computing, robotics, virtual reality, evolutionary computing and beyond. The number of faculty and the range of their expertise figures to grow in the next few years.

“The strategic hiring of new faculty will create new opportunities for undergraduate and graduate instruction while also supporting research in areas that are of strategic importance to our state and world,” said UGA Provost S. Jack Hu.

The Jerry Tanner Show – Week 5, 2022: Missouri

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Mizzou, we respect your blue-collar, lunchpail attitude. Nice recruiting the last few years, too! Won’t help you on Saturday, but good job!

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 4, 2022: Kent State

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Props to Sean Lewis for winning at a program where that’s rare. But Nick Saban is Kent State’s fault, so we’re obligated to vaporize them.

There’s a UGA student out there right now who could benefit from your experience. By becoming a mentor, you can help the next generation of Bulldogs, forge a new connection with your alma mater and do it all on your schedule from wherever you are. Become a mentor today at mentor.uga.edu.

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.

Road Dawgs: Tips to make the most of your gameday travel

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An away game against South Carolina means one thing: Dawgs from all over will be on the road this weekend to watch this classic SEC match-up in Columbia. But it won’t be the only time Bulldog fans hit the road this season—whether you’re traveling to Columbia, Jacksonville, Starkville, Lexington, or heading home to Athens, check out these tips to make the most of your next college football road trip.

Set the tone

Every great movie is supported by an award-winning soundtrack. The same goes for a great road trip. Jerry Tanner understands that it’s vital to have a playlist tailored for the occasion and that’s why he curated Songs for Dawgs. It’s sure to set the tone for the journey.

(And, if you’re feeling nostalgic, consider throwing it back to this playlist we created for the 2022 National Championship game. Why stray from what works?)

Stay well fed

Perhaps one of the most essential factors in road trip success are snacks. Whether you stock up a cooler or stop along the way, these additions will add to the fun. Be sure to check out these tailgate recipes from UGA alumni:

And, it’s always a good idea to scope out local restaurants wherever you’re headed. If you’re coming to Athens, check out a few local restaurants featured on our TikTok to stay well fed during your stay and the ride home.

Never Bark Alone

No doubt celebrating a Georgia win is even better with fellow Dawgs! Invite your most spirited friends and family to ensure a weekend for the books. And if you can’t travel to a game, be sure to find an official game-watching party near you. Those watch parties are the best way to get the ultimate game day experience and meet fellow Bulldogs in your area.

Bulldogs, we can’t wait to see you in red and black this season—no matter where you’re headed. Safe travels and GO DAWGS!

Looking to show your Bulldog pride on your road trip vehicle? Check out our UGA state decals. 

UGA State Decals

Visit our UGA Alumni Football HQ for events, free downloads and more all season! 

Visit Our Football HQ