There is a student coming in the fall that can benefit from your experience. The UGA Mentor Program is simple to join, and mentoring can fit within your schedule. A 16-week mentorship requires only 1-2 hours per month. Making yourself available for 30-minute informational interviews are another option. It may amaze you how much you get out of giving back as a mentor.
To help new and potential mentors learn more about mentoring, the UGA Mentor Program is hosting a webinar, UGA Mentor 101, on Aug. 3 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. You will hear from successful mentor/mentee pairings, learn best practices for forming a strong connection and discover tips to become an effective mentor.
The UGA Mentor Program has facilitated 2,775 mentoring relationships since its inception, and 99% of mentors who completed a 16-week mentorship cycle were satisfied with their experience in the program. But perhaps the best endorsement of the program comes from students.
“Jumping into college as a freshman, you have no idea what the future or even next week will look like,” said one student in the program. “You’re making new friends, learning how to get around and deciding how you want to spend the next 30-plus years of your life. I felt stuck struggling to choose a major—until I joined the UGA Mentor Program. Because of my mentorship, I am confident, knowledgeable and on the road to success.”
https://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/Mosaic_Alumni-Blog-1.jpg3571030Emily Munnellhttps://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/uga-alumni-nba-1.pngEmily Munnell2021-07-14 14:52:442025-03-05 08:14:05Students want to see themselves in their mentor.
Are you ever texting a friend on game day and wish you could show your Bulldog spirit with images? Maybe you’re posting a picture of North Campus and can’t express your thoughts with words alone. To celebrate World Emoji Day (July 17), we’ve created 6 UGA-themed emojis we wish were on our keyboards!
Heart Eyes Uga
The Arch
Super G
X Eyes Gator
Georgia Football Helmet
UGA Bus
https://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/emojicover.jpg400495Sarah Dorrhttps://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/uga-alumni-nba-1.pngSarah Dorr2021-07-13 10:36:162021-07-13 10:36:16From Uga to the Arch, here are 6 UGA-themed emojis for World Emoji Day
RealTalk is a podcast produced by the UGA Mentor Program and, if you haven’t been listening, you’re missing out. The episodes help you gain an understanding of the experience of students from different generations, learn about the positive impact of mentorship and serve as a reference should you or someone you mentor ever experience a similar issue. The good news is, there is time to catch up on the previous season before new episodes come out this fall. To learn more about the UGA Mentor Program or sign up to be a mentor, please visit mentor.uga.edu.
UGA Mentor Program Ambassador Kyla Edwards (Class of ’22) speaks with UGA alumni Yenu Wodajo (BS ’02) and Jeffrey Brown (AB ’05) about their experiences as Black students at UGA.
UGA Mentor Program Ambassador Kyla Edwards (Class of ’22) returns to speak with UGA alumnus Cecil Threat (ABJ ’82) to discuss their experiences as Black students at UGA and within the broader community.
UGA Mentor Program Ambassador Sara Ervin (Class of ’23) and UGA alumna Jasmin Severino Hernandez (AB ’13) discuss being a first-generation and transfer student at UGA, the magic of “no,” the positive influence of mentors and more.
UGA Mentor Program Ambassador Mahi Patel (Class of ’23) and UGA alumnus Will Ngo (BBA ’07 & MBA ’10) discuss life at UGA as first-generation students, expectations of immigrant parents and more.
UGA Mentor Program Ambassador Bella Sci (Class of ’22) and UGA alumna Cat Hendrick (ABJ ’20) discuss imposter syndrome and how it’s impacted their journeys as students at UGA and beyond.
https://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/Feature-Image-2.jpg4231220UGA Alumnihttps://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/uga-alumni-nba-1.pngUGA Alumni2021-07-07 14:40:252021-07-12 17:09:34Catch-up with the RealTalk Podcast
The Condor Chocolates cafe located in Five Points. A second location in Downtown Athens is coming soon.
Located in the historic Five Points neighborhood of Athens, Georgia, Condor Chocolates produces bean-to-bar chocolates, confections, gelato and beverages. Brothers and co-owners Peter Dale (ABJ ’99) and Nicholas Dale (BSA ’04) opened the city’s first specialty chocolate shop in 2014 as a homage to the world-class cacao of Ecuador. Visitors can witness chocolate production while indulging in handcrafted desserts. In honor of World Chocolate Day (July 7), we sat down with Peter (a UGA 40 Under 40 honoree back in 2012) to learn more about this alumni-owned chocolate shop.
Peter Dale, co-owner of Condor Chocolates.
Tell us about your background.
We’re brothers, born, raised and educated in Athens. Nick worked in agriculture after graduating from UGA. His expertise has been invaluable in sourcing beans directly from Ecuador. I graduated with a journalism degree before realizing my passion for food. There’s still a storytelling piece of what we do, which relates to my experience at Grady College. We tell stories through food and beverage rather than the written word.
What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur from UGA?
Lean into the UGA community for advice, support and a very loyal customer base.
What is Condor’s mission?
We bring people together through delicious and beautiful flavors. Crafted with pride and integrity, grown in Ecuador, made in Georgia, from our family to yours.
What product would you recommend to a first-timer at Condor?
The affogato! Meaning drowned in Italian, the affogato is a shot of espresso with a scoop of chocolate gelato. The gelato sandwich is also a perfect option for summer! It’s two cookies, filled with gelato and coated with cocoa nibs.
How has Condor grown?
Since opening in 2014, we have expanded chocolate making to the Chases Street Warehouses, allowing us to make more products and reach more people. We also have a new café coming soon in downtown. Check it out!
Can you give us a sneak peek at any new products?
In a few weeks, we’re launching our Bulldog Bark, a milk chocolate bar with dried strawberries, pecans and cocoa nibs. With football season coming up, we’re excited to share a red and black product with our Dawgs.
How can alumni support Condor?
We love seeing alumni at the café. Our Bulldog bars and upcoming Bulldog Bark make great hostess gifts and stocking stuffers. Out-of-state alumni can shop for Condor at condorchocolates.com.
How is Condor celebrating World Chocolate Day?
Every day is World Chocolate Day at Condor Chocolates. But on July 7, we will show our customers the whole chocolate production process from bean to bar.
There’s a group of committed UGA alumni who dedicate their time, energy, and financial resources to bringing Bulldogs together year-round, worldwide, and lifelong. These spirited Alumni Board members represent the diverse and passionate UGA alumni family and strive to provide feedback, guidance and leadership as the University of Georgia seeks to ensure that its graduates Never Bark Alone. Throughout the year, we’ll get to know these individuals; they hail from various backgrounds and are involved in all corners of campus. Their goal: to empower the next breed of Bulldog to continue ta tradition of excellence.
Name:
Wes Neece
I live in:
Atlanta, GA
Degree:
2000 – BBA in Management Information Systems (UGA)
There will be higher highs (wedding day, birth of your children, etc.), but know that when you look back at your life, your time in Athens will be one that you long for. You only get one go at this. Make sure you enjoy it!
No. 1 tip to a fellow Georgia grad who has lost touch with their alma mater:
Your school has so much to offer you. It gives you a sense of grounding of who you are, who you were and, most importantly, what used to be important to you. A sense of grounding is incredibly important in the chaos that is today. Let UGA be an anchor for you.
Wes, who you might recognize from UGA’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2017, supports UGA in a variety of ways—including being a wonderful advocate at The Home Depot—and we appreciate his ongoing commitment to his alma mater.
https://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/Wes-Neece-1.jpg3571030Shannon Moranhttps://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/uga-alumni-nba-1.pngShannon Moran2021-07-06 12:37:182025-03-05 08:01:38Checking in with Alumni Board Member Wes Neece
There’s a group of committed UGA alumni who dedicate their time, energy and financial resources to bringing Bulldogs together year-round, worldwide and lifelong. These spirited Alumni Board members represent the diverse and passionate UGA alumni family and strive to provide feedback, guidance and leadership as the University of Georgia seeks to ensure that its graduates Never Bark Alone. Throughout the year, we’ll get to know these individuals; they hail from various backgrounds and are involved in all corners of campus. Their ultimate goal: to empower the next breed of Bulldog to continue that tradition.
April Crow, an outgoing board member and dedicated alumnus.
Name:
April Crow
I live in:
Atlanta, GA
Degree:
1995 – BS in Environmental Health (UGA)
I joined the board in:
2015
What makes me proud to be a Georgia Bulldog:
The community of fellow Bulldogs around the state and the world that are doing great work in their communities. I love interacting with them both socially and professionally.
I wanted to take Ballroom Dance for one of my P.E. courses, but you could only sign up with a partner. I recruited a good friend named Brian. Who knew that class would spark a little romance that made him my dance partner for life?
My family includes:
Husband, Brian (BSAE ’97)
Son, Garner
Daughter, Greer
April cheers on the Dawgs with her husband, Brian, and two children!
A special connection I have to UGA is…
Throughout my professional career, I have focused a significant amount of time and personal interest in solving the plastics in the ocean challenge. I connected with Jenna Jambeck, a leading academic researcher on the topic and a UGA professor. I’ve had the opportunity to work and speak with her at events around the world. It is great to see UGA contributing to such an important challenge.
A memory from my acceptance into UGA:
I remember answering the phone in our family living room during Spring 1991. Wen Williams, associate dean for academic affairs, congratulated me on being awarded a full tuition scholarship from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
As a student, I was involved in:
Zeta Tau Alpha
College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Ambassador
Job at the Tate Copy Center
April Crow celebrating the Bulldog 100 with her husband in Sanford Stadium.
My favorite place to study on campus was:
Science Library
My favorite place to dine on campus:
Bolton Dining Hall –– My best friends and I loved making waffles and topping them with ice cream from the UGA Creamery!
On a Friday night in college, you would have found me:
At the Zeta Tau Alpha house getting ready to go downtown!
When I was a student, I lived in:
Boggs Hall
Zeta Tau Alpha house
Apartment at Rivers Edge
My fashion/hair style as a student
Floral, puffy sleeves
Jumpers for dressing up
Sorority/fraternity T-shirts
When in college, I wish I had known that …
The time would go by so quickly– I wish I could go back and soak in more of those experiences and meet more people.
April with her son, Garner, and husband Brian.
The most significant change to campus since I was a student
Tate Center expansion!
When this song comes on the radio, I think of college:
“Love Shack” by the B-52’s
My most disliked athletic rival:
University of Florida
Favorite alumni-owned restaurant:
Condor Chocolates
My dream weekend in Athens includes:
Tailgating, seeing friends, enjoying lots of restaurants and shopping downtown.
No. 1 tip to a graduating Bulldog:
Learn as much as you can. Meet as many people as possible. Leverage the UGA network and give back financially and by helping other Bulldogs!
No. 1 tip to a fellow Georgia grad who has lost touch with their alma mater:
April’s term on the Alumni Board concluded June 30, but we know this loyal Bulldog will remain involved for years to come. Also, be sure to check out a special story about April and Brian’s financial support for UGA. LINK
https://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/blogheader1220x423px-2021-alumniboard-V3.png4231220Shannon Moranhttps://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/uga-alumni-nba-1.pngShannon Moran2021-07-02 14:59:512021-07-06 10:44:54Checking in with outgoing Alumni Board Member April Crow
The UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors has elected its 77th president, Yvette K. Daniels (AB ’86, JD ’89), and approved eight new board members. Their terms began July 1.
Daniels has been on the board since 2015 and succeeds Brian Dill (AB ’94, MBA ’19), whose two-year term concluded June 30. Her passion for policy, mentorship and relationship-building has guided her career. She spent six years as an assistant state attorney in Florida, and then joined the Georgia Department of Public Health where she has held lobbying and director positions. Today, she is the director of university relations for the Georgia Department of Public Health.
“Yvette is a valued leader among this group of passionate alumni,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson (BSFCS ’00, MED ’16), executive director of alumni relations. “She embodies the spirit of UGA, is committed to the UGA community and goes above and beyond to serve our university.”
The Atlanta native graduated from the University of Georgia in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and in 1989 with a law degree. She resides in Stone Mountain, Georgia, with her husband, Frederick L. Daniels Jr. The couple has two daughters – Kasey is a second-year student at UGA, and Kinsey is a senior at Arizona State University. Daniels will be the first Black woman president of the UGA Alumni Association.
Alumni joining the board on July 1 include:
Charlene Johnson Benn (BS ’85), Director of Operations and Technology Strategy, Fiserv; Suwanee, Georgia
Ericka Brown Davis (AB ’93), Chief Communications Officer, State Road and Tollway Authority and Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority; College Park, Georgia
Deretta Rhodes (BSFCS ’92, PHD ’10), EVP/Chief People Capital Officer, Atlanta Braves; Atlanta
Paton Faletti (BBA ’99), President and CEO, NCM Associates; Atlanta
Ashley M. Horne (ABJ ’01), Chief Marketing Officer, Womble Bond Dickinson (U.S.); Atlanta
Adam C. Johnson (MBA ’16), Director, Jabian Consulting; Atlanta
Christian Robinson (BBA ’04), Executive Director, JP Morgan Chase & Co.; Charlotte, North Carolina
Marisa “Marsay” Simpson (BSW ’97), Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs, Atlanta Gas Light; Greensboro, Georgia
The executive board members who will serve alongside Daniels include:
Lee Zell (AB ’96), Vice President — Account Executive, Turner Sports; Atlanta
Bobb Watts (AB ’10), Secretary — Associate, Jones Day; Atlanta
Dominique Holloman (BS ’01, AB ’01, MED ’04, JD ’04), Nominating Committee Chair — Government Affairs Manager, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority; Atlanta
Stephanie Powell (BSED ’94, MED ’97, EDS ’99), Student Engagement Committee Chair — Director of Internal Affairs, Joe Powell and Associates, Inc.; Cumming, Georgia
Corey Dortch (BSA ’03, MED ’05, PHD ’11), Affinity Committee Chair — Associate Dean, Evening MBA Program, Emory University Goizueta Business School; Mableton, Georgia
Cheri Leavy (BSED ’97), Events Committee Chair — Editor/Creative Director/Founder, guide2athens/Bulldog Illustrated/The Southern Coterie; St. Simons Island, Georgia
“These new board members represent an array of diverse perspectives and alumni experiences at the University of Georgia,” said Johnson. “Their dedication to leadership and service are invaluable in engaging alumni and inspiring Bulldogs year-round, worldwide and lifelong.”
Board members concluding their terms on the board include:
Luther Lockwood (BBA ’89), Charlotte, North Carolina
Bonney Shuman (BBA ’80), St. Simons Island, Georgia
The UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors works closely with UGA’s alumni relations staff to promote, support, and advance the programs and services that are offered to nearly 340,000 living alumni around the world.
https://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/Header-1220x423px-2021-NewBoard-v2.jpg4231221Shannon Moranhttps://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/uga-alumni-nba-1.pngShannon Moran2021-07-01 08:19:032021-10-11 13:21:16UGA Alumni Association names new president, board members
In honor of International Joke Day (July 1), we’re spreading smiles and laughter among the Bulldog Nation by poking fun at our biggest rivals.
What’s the difference between a Georgia Tech football player and a dollar?
You can get four quarters out of a dollar!
How do you keep a Gator out of your front yard?
Put up a goal post!
What do you get when you cross a Gator with a groundhog?
Six more weeks of bad football!
How many Gators did it take to tackle JT Daniels?
Good question, no one knows!
What does a Georgia Tech grad call a UGA grad?
Boss!
What’s the best thing to come out of Gainesville, Florida?
I-75!
How do you make Gator cookies?
Put them in a big bowl and beat for three hours!
How does a UGA grad get a Gator fan off his porch?
Tip him for the pizza he bought!
What’s the difference between the Yellow Jackets and Cheerios?
One belongs in a bowl. The other doesn’t!
Why did the Georgia Tech football team cross the road?
Because it was easier than crossing the goal line!
https://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/jokegraphic-1.jpg3571030Shannon Moranhttps://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/uga-alumni-nba-1.pngShannon Moran2021-06-29 12:52:092021-08-17 09:15:17Ten jokes for UGA fans on International Joke Day
The University of Georgia aims to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds. There are a variety of resources available to students seeking support and a community on campus, including the LGBT Resource Center. We sat down with Chad Mandala, the center’s director, during Pride Month to learn more about how his team supports UGA students throughout the year.
History
The LGBT Resource Center was established in 2005 to serve as a safe space for LGBT-identified students and their allies. The center is committed to supporting and affirming every member of the UGA community inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.
The LGBT Resource Center mission is to foster self-discovery and acceptance in a holistic, supportive environment. Located in Memorial Hall in the heart of campus, the center houses an extensive library with entertaining and educational films, books, pamphlets, and health resources. Students enjoy the center’s lounge area to relax, socialize and study between classes.
“It’s a community that has been like a safe haven,” said Tyquavious Kelley (BS ’21), a former student who valued the center.
From empowering students to educating the community, the LGBT Resource Center at UGA ensures that no Dawg barks alone.
“No matter what a student is going through, we are here to remind them that they are loved,” said Mandala.
Programs and resources
The LGBT Resource Center offers resources and programs to meet the needs of the LGBT and ally communities through advocacy, education, and support. Signature events like Sugar Rush and Lavender Graduation advocate for a safer, more equitable climate on campus. Educational programs provide opportunities for the UGA community to address the complicated issues that surround sexual and gender identity. Some of these programs include the student-run radio show, Queeries, and the Lunch with Leaders program, which coordinates a lunch for students and an LGBT-identified leader in the community who shares their coming-out story and career trajectory.
Chad shared a bit about the signature events his team hosts:
Sugar Rush: Sugar Rush is a social each September during which first-year students make campus connections over candy. It’s a “sweet” welcome for the newest generation of Bulldogs to the LGBT Resource Center.
PRISM: This dialogue group for students who identify as LGBTQ people of color was developed in partnership with the Office of Multicultural Services and Programs to recognize and address intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual identity.
Lavender Graduation: Lavender Graduation is a cultural celebration to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of LGBT students on campus. This positive recognition will hopefully encourage graduating students to maintain a connection to UGA, its students, and fellow alumni beyond commencement.
Safe Space: This program is a 3.5 hour training for faculty, staff, and students who are interested in learning about gender and sexual identity, homophobia, heterosexism, and how they can support and become an ally for the LGBT community.
Support the LGBT community
The LGBT Resource Center relies on charitable donations to support the rapidly growing student population at UGA.
“As we continue to evolve, we need help. The ability to grow is dependent on alumni who believe in us. Every gift has the ability to transform what we are able to do,” said Mandala.
By donating to the LGBT Resource Center Endowment, you can help to end discrimination and promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer equality on campus. According to Mandala, the fund is one of the most effective ways to remove barriers and open doors for the next generation of Bulldogs because it provides general support for the center, including program expenses, guest speakers, conference expenses, emergency funding to support students in crisis situations, travel, equipment, supplies, etc.
There’s a group of committed UGA alumni who dedicate their time, energy and financial resources to bringing Bulldogs together year-round, worldwide and lifelong. These spirited individuals represent the diverse and passionate UGA alumni family and strive to provide feedback, guidance and leadership as the University of Georgia seeks to ensure that its graduates Never Bark Alone. Throughout the year, we’ll get to know these individuals; they hail from various backgrounds and are involved in all corners of campus. Their ultimate goal: to empower the next breed of Bulldog to continue that tradition.
Name:
Brian Dill
I live in:
Carrollton, Georgia
Degrees:
1994 – AB in Political Science (UGA)
2019 – MBA (UGA)
I joined the board in:
2007
What makes me most proud to be a Georgia Bulldog:
Being a part of a diverse and highly successful alumni family.
Brian speaking at UGA’s 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon.
My first game as a freshman in the Redcoat Band – the season opened with a night game in Baton Route against LSU.
My family includes:
Wife, Carmen (BSFCS ’95)
Son, Mason – attending Dean College in Massachusetts
Datson/Beagle, Jake
English Bulldog, Savannah
Brian (center) and his wife, Carmen, and son, Mason.
A special connection I have to UGA is:
My wife, Carmen, and I met on campus and later married in the UGA Chapel.
Carmen and Brian cheer for the Dawgs whenever they can!
As a student, I was involved in:
Redcoat Band
College Republicans
Job in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Crop and Soil Science department
My favorite place to study on campus was:
Main Library
My favorite place to dine on campus was:
Tate Center – quick and easy!
On a Friday night in college, you would have found me:
Studying? Oh yeah, downtown!
Brian Dill delivering welcome remarks to the Class of 2019.
Graduation was:
On a very hot day, in the morning, and we sat in the stands at the time – not on the field.
When in college, I wish I had known that:
Just because they offer you credit card deals with free stuff doesn’t mean you should take them – not the best financial move back in the day!
A fellow grad who inspires me is:
Maria Taylor (ABJ ’09, MBA ’13), sportscaster for ESPN
A fellow student I knew who has since “made it big” is:
Brett Bawcum (BMUS ’97, MM ’00, DMA ’17), Redcoat Band director. It’s a pretty big deal to lead a band that you were a member of. Very proud of him!
Favorite UGA tradition:
Singing the Alma Mater in Sanford Stadium
While serving on the board, Brian has run into Hairy Dawg a few times!
When visiting Athens, I have to grab a bite at:
The Blind Pig Tavern
On gameday, you’ll find me:
Tailgating on North Campus
When this song comes on the radio, I think of UGA/college:
“Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles
Carmen and Brian with Kevin Steele, a former UGA Student Alumni Council member, during the 2015 Bulldog 100 Celebration.
Most disliked athletic rival:
Georgia Tech
A few of my favorites:
Book:Decision Point by George W. Bush
Podcast: Andy Stanley
Band: Jimmy Buffett
TV/Streaming Show: Blue Bloods
Alumni-owned Business: Onward Reserve
Move: Smokey and the Bandit
Describe your dream weekend in Athens.
Friday night at Georgia Theatre with Kinchafoonee Cowboys, Saturday in Sanford Stadium watching the Dawgs beat the Nerds, and a Sunday brunch at Hilltop Grill listening to Jeff Dantzler (AB ’07) and Kevin Butler (AB ’18) break down another whupping from a Bulldog Saturday night!
No. 1 tip for a graduating Bulldog:
If you ever get an offer to work for a Georgia Tech grad … don’t!
No. 1 tip for a fellow Georgia grad who has lost touch with their alma mater:
We Never Bark Alone, so get re-engaged. You will never regret it. Go Dawgs!
Brian Dill speaking during a 2014 Alumni Board meeting in Athens.
Brian will remain on the Alumni Board of Directors as immediate past president, so we’ll still see him around – plus, as they say: Once a Dawg, Always a Dawg!
https://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/BRIANDILL-blogheader1220x423px-2021-alumniboard-495x400-1.jpg400495Elizabeth Elmorehttps://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/uga-alumni-nba-1.pngElizabeth Elmore2021-06-18 09:29:012021-07-02 12:32:54Checking in with outgoing Alumni Board President Brian Dill
UGA Mentor Program Ambassador Kyla Edwards (Class of ’22) speaks with UGA alumni Yenu Wodajo (BS ’02) and Jeffrey Brown (AB ’05) about their experiences as Black students at UGA.
