Delicious, nutritious recipes to help you Attack The Day (5K)

June 11, 2020/by Clarke Schwabe

To get you ready for the Attack The Day 5K, we reached out to a few of our food-industry alumni and collected an assortment of tasty recipes that will keep you fueled up for June 20!

Peter Dale

ABJ ’99

Company: The National, Seabear Oyster Bar, Condor Chocolates, Maepole

I am a born and raised Athenian, and got into the food business because I love to eat and can’t sit still at a desk. Each business is a collaboration between myself and friends or family and addresses something we felt was missing in the Athens dining scene.

The newest restaurant is Maepole which offers fresh and healthy food in a fast and convenient format. Maepole is a response to needing a nutritious meal when I’m having a busy day and can’t cook for myself.

Grilled Summer Squash Salad

Serves 4

While I really love zucchini bread and squash casserole, this salad is a great way to enjoy your summer garden’s bounty without the guilt. The goat cheese is optional, and can be replaced with Greek yogurt or feta. For extra nutritional punch, add fresh spinach leaves along with the herbs.

1/2 cup pecan halves
6-8 small squash (about 2 lbs, yellow squash, zucchini or assorted heirloom varieties)
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 cup basil leaves
1/2 cup mint leaves
1 small sweet onion, sliced thin
1/2 cup fresh goat cheese

Preheat oven to 350°. Scatter the pecans on a baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes or until nicely browned and toasted. Let them cool before chopping or crushing lightly with the side of a large knife.

Place a ridged grill pan on high heat and leave it there until it is almost red hot–at least 5 minutes. Alternatively, use an outdoor grill, pre-heat to medium-high.

Meanwhile, trim the ends off of squash and cut on an angle into about 3/8-inch-thick slices. Place squash slices in a bowl and toss with half the olive oil, salt and black pepper. Place the slices on the hot grill pan and cook about 2 minutes on each side, turning them over using tongs. You want to get distinct char marks without cooking the squash through. Transfer to a mixing bowl, drizzle balsamic vinegar over and toss to combine. Set aside to cool slightly.

Once squash has cooled down, add the remaining olive oil, basil, mint, onion and pecans. Mix lightly and taste for seasoning. Place salad on plates, top with a dollop of goat cheese.

Sweet Potato Salad

Serves 4 as a side dish

Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse but save the brown sugar and marshmallows for Thanksgiving. This salad is great made ahead of time. Keep it in the refrigerator and serve as a dinner side dish, or add chickpeas and arugula to make a meat-free lunch entrée.

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch to 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup pecan pieces, lightly toasted
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 375°.

Lay the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a roasting tray. Drizzle 1/4 cup of the olive oil over the sweet potatoes and toss well. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes in oven until tender. Cool completely and reserve.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Beet Hummus

We serve a lot of hummus at The National, and it’s the perfect foil to warm flatbread and sliced vegetables. I think hummus can also serve as the base of an entrée. Hummus + grilled chicken + fresh tomato, cucumber, mint = a healthy and delicious summertime meal. This recipe makes a fantastic bright pink hummus that’s nutrient rich and will turn beet haters into beet lovers.

1 1/2 cups roasted beets, chopped (5-6 small or 2-4 medium ones)*
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 can chickpeas (15.5 oz.), drained and rinsed
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp sesame tahini
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp warm water
salt and pepper to taste

*To roast the beets, cut off the tops and scrub the roots under water, put them in a covered dish with about 1/4-inch of water in a 375°F oven, and cook until easily penetrated with a knife or fork. Alternatively, cover with water in a saucepan and simmer until tender, about 1/2 hour. Peel once cooled.

Place all the ingredients except water, salt and pepper, in a food processor. Puree until smooth. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle the warm water into the hummus. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Drew French

BBA ’05

Company: Your Pie

Your Pie Pizza was started in Athens, GA in 2008 to change the way people experience pizza. We specialize in Italian style brick oven pizza custom made to order and craft beer and wine. Our 75 locally owned locations span across 19 states with the goal to improve the communities we serve.

Peach Prosciutto Pizza

Stretch the Your Pie pizza dough to 10 inches.

Top with some extra virgin olive oil and spread a thin layer of Ricotta cheese on top.

Next, add the thin sliced Prosciutto and top with 3 ounces of high quality mozzarella cheese and a pinch of shredded parmesan.

Finally, add 10 slices of Fresh GA Peaches in a circle.

Bake in a brick oven at 600 degrees for 4 minutes. (if you don’t have a brick oven, see you at Your Pie soon!).

After bake, top with fresh cut basil and a drizzle of honey balsamic reduction glaze.

Cut into 6 slices and enjoy!

Caroline Ward

BBA ’00, MPA ’03

Company: TransFit

I started TransFit in 2010 as I felt called to help people transform their lives from the inside out.

TransFit (short for Transformational Fitness) is a faith-based personal training studio for women in 5 Points! Our staff of personal trainers & registered dietician will help you achieve your whole body health goals. We will inspire you to transform your body, mind and spirit through customized personal training, group strength and cardio sessions, yoga, and nutrition consulting .

We deliver the results you want to see as we support and encourage you to achieve your personal goals!

Super Greens Salad

Combine baby arugula and baby spinach in a large bowl. Add cranberries, pecans, parmesan cheese, and apple slices. Squeeze the lemon then add the white balsamic for the dressing. Toss salad so all leaves are evenly coated then add cracked pepper. Serve and Enjoy!

TransFit Quinoa Cakes

Combine the quinoa, eggs, salt, and lemon pepper in a large bowl. Stir in the parsley, onion, and garlic.

Form the mixture into 1o thick patties (use a 1/4 cup to form into patties.) You want the mixture to be moist, so the patties do not taste dry.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 5 patties, cover, and cook for 7-10 minutes or unitl patties are deeply browned. Carefully flip the patties with a spatula and cook for 5 minutes, or until golden. Remove from skillet and cool on a large plate while you cook the remaining patties.

Chocolate Heaven Smoothie

From Fauci to philanthropy: one Georgia family’s story of mentorship and generosity

June 10, 2020/by Loran Posey

Left to Right: Suzanne, Shelly (AB ’19) and Steven Peskin’s family story is rich in mentorship, giving and Bulldog spirit.

Anthony Fauci is now a household name.

It happened quickly, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the country and government officials looked to experts like Dr. Fauci for guidance.

But for Suzanne Peskin’s family, Anthony Fauci was a household name long before we all became living room epidemiologists and socially distanced hermits. That is because Dr. Fauci, affectionately known in Suzanne Peskin’s family as “Tony,” is a family friend and former mentee of Suzanne’s father, Dr. Sheldon “Shelly” Wolff (BS ’52).

A Georgia Genesis

Drs. Herman Peskin (BS ’50) and Sheldon Wolff (BS ’52) met as students at UGA. Here, they pose for a photo at the wedding of Dr. Wolff’s daughter Suzanne to Dr. Peskin’s son Steven.

The Peskin family’s story is filled with examples of mentorship and philanthropy going back to Dr. Wolff’s undergraduate days in Athens. Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Wolff found himself in the South when UGA was the only school to offer him a full college scholarship. He came to Athens as a music major and eventually served as drum major of the Redcoat Band. During his time at UGA, Dr. Wolff changed plans, switching his major from art to science and setting his sights on medical school.

Dr. Wolff’s roommate was Phillip Peskin (BBA ’53). He and Philip joined Tau Epsilon Phi (TEP) fraternity and attended activities at the Hillel House, a Jewish student center near campus. Through TEP, Dr. Wolff also met Phillip’s older brother, Herman Peskin (BS ’50). Being far from home, Dr. Wolff enjoyed holidays meals during Jewish high holidays like Yom Kippur at the Peskin family home near Athens.

After college, Dr. Wolff and Phillip went their separate ways. Dr. Wolff attended medical school in Germany before transferring to Vanderbilt University to complete his degree. During his last year of medical school, he married Lila Leff before becoming an internal medicine resident in New York City.

Fauci and Friends

In 1960, Dr. Wolff joined the Laboratory of Clinical Investigation at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in Bethesda, Maryland. He later became the clinical director, serving at NIAID for 17 years. He valued research and enjoyed seeing the results of it improve patients’ lives. During that time, Dr. Fauci arrived at NIAID as a clinical associate working under Dr. Wolff. A friendship began between the two men that would last the rest of Dr. Wolff’s life. Dr. Fauci would later say that Dr. Wolff “clearly stands out as the person who made the greatest impact on (his) career.”

Dr. Wolff left NIAID in 1977 to become a professor and chair of the department of medicine at the Tufts University School of Medicine and physician-in-chief at the New England Medical Center Hospital in Boston. Dr. Fauci would go on to enjoy a successful career in public health research, working under six presidents on a variety of disease outbreaks, including HIV/AIDS and now the novel coronavirus.

“Shelly set me on the road to becoming a physician-scientist,” Dr. Fauci said in a 2007 award acceptance speech. “Besides being a generous mentor, he became one of my closest friends and ultimately the best man at my wedding.”

Dr. Wolff and Dr. Fauci became so close that, after her father died, Suzanne Peskin would occasionally call Dr. Fauci for advice on medical decisions. Suzanne knew she could trust that Dr. Fauci’s advice would be nearly identical to what her father would have said. Today, Suzanne believes that her father’s pandemic advice would be as simple as, “listen to Tony Fauci.”

Two Become One

But there is even more to this Bulldog story.

Dr. Wolff was working in Boston in 1981 when Steven Peskin, Herman Peskin’s son, was interviewing for a residency position at the hospital where Dr. Wolff worked. This was far from Steven’s hometown of Augusta. In the spirit of what was done for him during his undergraduate years at UGA, Dr. Wolff invited Steven to a Yom Kippur dinner. That is how Steven met Dr. Wolff’s daughter, Suzanne, who was a senior at Boston University.

Steven ended up matching for an internal medicine program in Boston that year and started dating Suzanne in 1982. They married three years later.

Steven later pursued an MBA on the advice of Dr. Wolff, who believed the degree would be useful as the field of medicine evolved. Steven eventually used that degree to transition to the corporate side of health care. He and Suzanne moved around the country, eventually settling in New Jersey. They have two children, Benjamin and Shelly, the latter named for Dr. Wolff.

The Bulldog Legacy Continues

Shelly Peskin (AB ’19), whose grandfathers met as students at UGA, keeps the family’s Bulldog legacy alive.

Shelly Peskin (AB ’19) is single-handedly carrying on her family’s Bulldog legacy, following in the steps of both of her grandfathers. According to her mother, Shelly decided to attend UGA during a trip to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club during high school. During the trip, she toured UGA and visited the Hillel House. While there, she felt at home and connected to the place where her grandfathers had bonded as undergraduates.

When Suzanne and Steven attended UGA orientation with Shelly, they were inspired to join the Parents Leadership Council (PLC), a community of highly engaged parents who seek to foster a world-class learning experience for UGA students.

They viewed the PLC as an opportunity to plug in and give back to the university for all it has given their family. They wanted to feel as connected to UGA as they could, especially while their daughter began her journey in Athens. Suzanne and Steven served on the PLC from 2015 until Shelly graduated in 2019.

Everything came full circle for the family in 2017 when they endowed a need-based Georgia Commitment Scholarship in honor of Drs. Wolff and Herman Peskin. The opportunities given to their fathers fueled Steven and Suzanne’s spirit of generosity. Dr. Wolff’s music scholarship and Herman Peskin’s G.I. bill education allowed them to become successful doctors–and mentors for other successful professionals. The family wanted to help similar dreams come true for UGA students in the years to come. The first recipient of the scholarship started at UGA in fall 2018 and is now a rising third-year.

“(Our fathers) were able to achieve enormous success in their lives due to the generous scholarship opportunities that were made available to them,” Suzanne said. “They were both children of hard-working immigrants that came to America with nothing more than a strong work ethic and the desire to give their children the opportunity to be successful. That is our hope for the recipients of the Georgia Commitment Scholarship that is named in their memory.”

Dr. Wolff passed away due to complications from cancer in 1994. Suzanne is proud that her father’s legacy lives on in the people he mentored, trained, taught and treated during his life as a doctor and researcher.

“He left this world a better place,” Suzanne said. “Just far too early.”

You can also make a difference in the life of a student. Become a mentor.

Learn more about the Parents Leadership Council.

Alumni chapter rallies support for local food bank

June 9, 2020/by Zach Armstrong

The Forsyth County Chapter recently hosted a virtual Dawg Day of Service in support of The Place of Forsyth, which provides financial assistance, clothing, food and more to those in need. UGA alumni helped to stock their food pantry in May with emergency supplies during the pandemic. Normally, Dawg Days of Service are in-person events, but instead of waiting until public gatherings can be held again, the chapter decided to re-organize the event using food drop-offs and online orders.

Hear more about the event from Katie Hildreth, UGA Forsyth County Alumni Chapter board member:

Leading up to its day of service in May, Forsyth County Chapter leaders posted regularly on social media to raise awareness for the initiative and emailed local alumni and friends. The work paid off, and on May 16 more than 450 items were donated with another 100 on the way from Amazon, all attributed to 40 Forsyth County alumni who answered the call.

The Place was specifically in need of 100 boxes of Hamburger Helper. Through the chapter’s food drive alone, The Place collected 120 boxes, putting it well ahead of its original goal.

Donated food and a chalk image of Hairy Dawg.

Food on its way to The Place of Forsyth.

May is usually when alumni chapters across the country hold Dawg Days of Service, events that rally alumni to give back to their community. Due to COVID-19, in-person Dawg Day of Service events were postponed. Kudos to Katie and the rest of the Forsyth County Chapter board for re-imagining a safe way to continue supporting the needs of an important nonprofit organization in the area. Learn more about getting involved with the Bulldog community on our COVID-19 resources page.

Since March, The Place of Forsyth has served more than 1,000 families with more than 3,000 bags of staple and kid-friendly foods, providing more than 23,000 meals total. Visit their website to learn more about The Place of Forsyth.

Between the Pages: a virtual book club for the Bulldog community

June 9, 2020/by Elizabeth Elmore

At the University of Georgia, learning doesn’t end when the diploma arrives in the mail. We are a community of lifelong learners, committed to continued growth and to inquiring into the nature of things. We’re spirited and passionate between the hedges, and between the pages, we’re curious, open-minded, and ready to explore new worlds and voices.

Between the Pages is a virtual book club series for the Bulldog community. Perfect for lifelong learners around the world, this book club is an opportunity to enjoy and discuss works by alumni authors with fellow Bulldogs. There’s no cost to participate and optional discussions will take place on the social reading platform Goodreads, culminating in an exclusive virtual gathering with the author. The virtual meeting details will be emailed to registrants the morning of each event.

Hope you’ll secure your book today and join us in discovering what lies between the pages of these alumni-authored books.

Join in the Reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What books will be chosen for Between the Pages?

Selected books will always be authored by a UGA graduate, but will vary in topic/theme. Nonfiction and fiction books will be considered, and final picks will reflect the varied interests of our alumni family.
In My Place by Charlayne Hunter-Gault (ABJ ’63) is the January-March 2021 selection.
Past books have included:
- July 2020: Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews (Kathy Trocheck [ABJ ’76])
- September 2020: An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (M ’98)
- December 2020: Stuff You Should Know: An Incomplete Compendium of Mostly Interesting Things by Chuck Bryant (AB ’95) and Josh Clark (M ’99)
- January 2021: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (BS ’71)

How do I participate/register?

Register online so we are aware you are reading the book. Once you register, you are welcome to participate in optional discussions in our Between the Pages group on Goodreads and you will be emailed a virtual event login link to participate in the author discussion.
Don’t worry–we won’t cause a guilt-trip if you don’t finish the book on time—and certainly no quizzes or forcing you to share any opinions or perspectives on the book if you would rather just listen/participate in discussions on Goodreads.

Is there a cost to participate?

There is no cost to participate, but registrants will be responsible for obtaining the book on their own.

How do I obtain a copy of the book?

We invite you to purchase the book from wherever you typically shop, and in whatever format you prefer—purchased/loaned hard copy, e-book, or audiobook.
The UGA Bookstore offers Between the Pages registrants a discount when purchases are made using their discount link (found on the event page for each specific book).
Of course, you can also order it from an alumni-owned business such as Avid Bookshop in Athens.

Can non-alumni participate?

Of course! The more, the merrier.

Can my children participate?

While we cannot always confirm the appropriateness of the book topics for young people of all ages, we welcome you to involve your family members as you see fit.

What if I cannot attend the virtual event with the author?

That is not a problem! We hope you will still register to let us know you are reading the book, and you are welcome to participate in ongoing discussions via Goodreads. We will still send you the virtual event login link via email, but there is no pressure to attend.
Following each discussion even, we will follow up with a link to a recording of the event so you can enjoy it at your leisure.

What will the virtual event with the author be like?

You will only see the moderator and author–so no need to dress up or even put on pants! You won’t be seen by others.
A moderator, such a fellow UGA graduate or faculty member, will introduce the book’s author and ask them a few questions about themselves and the book. After this, attendees will be invited to submit questions for the moderator to pose to the author. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, all questions may not be addressed, but we invite you to ask those questions of fellow readers in our Goodreads group.

Who will moderate discussions during the virtual event?

The moderator will vary, but will most likely be a UGA graduate or faculty member. The moderator will vary based on the book.

What is Goodreads and how will it be used?

Goodreads is a third-party online community of readers and book lovers. There is no cost to join Goodreads.
Goodreads is not an official partner of the UGA Alumni Association; it is simply a free platform to foster group discussions of Between the Pages books. Participating in Goodreads discussions is optional and not a requirement to participate in Between the Pages or the virtual event with the author.

I am an alumni author; can my book be featured?

We would love to be able to feature all of our incredible alumni authors, but unfortunately will only be featuring one book every-other month as we launch this new virtual book club (six books per year). We will be selecting books based on national/international recognition, appropriateness of topic/theme, and will be aiming to feature a variety of genres throughout the year.
If you have recently written a book that you’d like to promote to the UGA alumni family, please email gmeditor@uga.edu for inclusion in the Class Notes section of Georgia Magazine.

Still have questions? Please email alumni@uga.edu.

Celebrating dads while supporting Dawgs

June 8, 2020/by UGA Alumni

UGA Alumni Association's Luke Massee and sons

Luke and his two sons enjoying a hike together

By Luke Massee, UGA Alumni Association Associate Director of Outreach

Father’s Day (June 21, 2020) is almost here and you need to avoid what happened last year. Remember? You waited until the day before to go shopping and ended up buying the singing wall trout, or the Potty Putter, or that “World’s Greatest Dad” T-shirt. It was not your best moment. Luckily Father’s Day happens every year and 2020 is your chance to right last year’s wrong. This year you can give your dad something that will have him jumping for joy.

Wait … you waited until the day before because you didn’t know where to shop? Don’t worry, friend, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 amazing gift ideas from UGA alumni-run businesses that will have him high fiving the room and singing “Glory, Glory” the rest of the day. Not only do these businesses have wonderful products, but the UGA graduates who run them are past Bulldog 100 honorees! Look at you … supporting small businesses and your fellow Dawgs and giving a gift that will make you the envy of the virtual family gathering. Talk about going from worst to first!

Congratulations in advance to you and your dad! Now, to the list. Scroll through gift ideas for every type of dad below.

Swipe to view more

The Fashionable Father

Did your dad win the “Best Dressed” senior superlative and could easily win it again today? If so, he has probably shopped at Onward Reserve and would love to receive any of their clothing items. Shirts, shorts, pants, shoes, belts … you name it, they have it. Onward Reserve’s motto is “Live authentically” and you will be living authentically as the favorite child if you go this route.

Locations: Athens, GA; 3 locations in Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Chattanooga, TN; Clemson, SC; Dallas, TX; Nashville, TN; Thomasville, GA; and Washington, DC

Bulldog: TJ Callaway (BBA ’07), Founder/CEO

The Fancy Feet

There is a rumor going around that businesses are going to make shoes optional. Sock Fancy products seem to be taking over, and bosses everywhere are asking why you’d ever cover an inch of these suave and durable masterpieces. Would your dad’s feet look and feel great in the latest Sock Fancy styles and colors? Of course they would! Sock Fancy is a subscription service, so your pops’ sock game would be on point every month and he could turn the “no shoes” rumor into reality.

Bulldog: Stefan Lewinger (AB ’11), Co-Founder/CEO

The Whiskey Lover

ASW Distillery and their staff are the “Southern Pot-Still Pioneers,” and your father can be a libation legend in his own right. If your dad is the guy who visits Kentucky every other year and sets up quarterly bourbon tastings for the neighborhood, if he is known as the local spirits savant, or if he just wants to do those things, then he would be the perfect recipient of ASW’s Maris Otter Whiskey or Resurgens Rye. Any of their selections would be a welcome addition to his private collection. Cheers to you, your dad, and your amazing gift-giving abilities!

Locations: Two locations in Atlanta, GA

Bulldogs: James Chasteen (BBA ’98), Co-Founder/CEO; Kelly Chasteen (BSED ’00), Head of Retail and Private Events; Justin Manglitz (BBA ’04), Master Distiller; Chad Ralston (BBA ’08), CMO; Charles Thompson (AB ’99, MBA ’03, JD ’03), Co-Founder

The Custom Made Man

Your dad is a true trailblazer. Remember when you played rec-league basketball, softball, baseball, etc. and your dad let you put your nickname on the back of your jersey? It didn’t matter that you were terrible as long as “T-Rex,” “Izzy,” or “Mad Max” graced your uniform. You were the coolest, and your dad changed the jersey game forever. So head to Zeus’ Closet to return the favor and spice up his current attire with a custom touch. They can personalize clothing to suit your dad’s unique flare and continue his tradition of changing the fashion landscape.

P.S. – Tell your dad that the 1989 Ninja Turtles T-ball squad and I said, “Thank you for your contribution to sports.”

Locations: Atlanta, GA; Kennesaw, GA

Bulldogs: Ethan King (AB ’99), Co-Founder/CEO; Monica Allen (BBA ’96), Co-Founder/COO

The Sophisticated Nose

Fathers teach us many lessons. Surprisingly, many of those nuggets of wisdom involve smells. Like that day when your dad handed you your first stick of deodorant and lovingly said, “You stink.” Or the time you returned from soccer practice and threw your half-open gym bag on the floor, filling the room with an odor words can’t describe. Dad just walked over, handed you some Febreze, and smiled. It was a Hallmark moment. He also gave you your first bottle of perfume/cologne followed by the phrase, “Smell good, feel good.” Get the father of fantastic fragrances one of the rustic, natural colognes from EastWest Bottlers. With several different scents to choose from, you can’t go wrong. This gift will show him the student has now become the teacher.

Location: Austin, TX

Bulldogs: Charlie Holderness (BSFCS ’05), Co-Founder; Matt Moore (BBA ’05), Co-Founder; Colin Newberry (AB ’05), Co-Founder

The Sweet Tooth

It was a day that has never been forgotten. You were 14-years-old and decided to make your dad a carrot cake for Father’s Day. You followed the recipe to the letter and could not wait for your dad to taste your culinary masterpiece. With the whole family watching, your dad took a bite and the crunch of some unknown substance was heard ‘round the room. He swallowed that bite after gnawing at it for what felt like an hour. Sadly, nobody else was brave enough to try it. It’s the reason “Maybe [insert your name] can bring dessert,” is followed by an explosion of laughter. Don’t make that mistake again. Put up the mixer and head to Southern Baked Pie Company. With delicious sweet and savory pies, maybe they can help folks forget about the carrot cake incident … but probably not.

Locations: Alpharetta, GA; Atlanta, GA; Gainesville, GA

UGA Bulldog: Amanda Dalton Wilbanks (BBA ’09), Founder

The Health Nut

Your dad finds a way to mix topics like superfoods, hydration, the importance of sleep, and exercising into every conversation. He listens to podcasts about organic foods, currently holds the record for “longest plank” at the neighborhood yoga studio and closing the circles on his Apple watch is the highlight of his day. Binge-watching workout tutorials on YouTube like they’re “Tiger King” is his idea of a good time. This Father’s Day, let Georgia Grinders help you feed his health craze. Their specialty is creating all-natural nut butters, and your dad surely knows the health benefits of nuts like almonds, peanuts and pecans. Give him one of their trio gift boxes, and he might serve something other than kale at the next meal.

Location: Atlanta, GA

Bulldog: Jaime Foster (BSA ’99), Founder/CEO

The Athlete

Your father starts his day with a five-mile jog, a long bike ride, and pilates class all before you’ve had your first cup of coffee. He is a living legend at the local YMCA and goes by the nickname “Buckets.” Sports movies like “Rudy,” “Blue Chips” and “Rocky” are a few of his favorites. He was a tri-state athlete in high school and could hold his own with the young bucks today. If this sounds like your dad, then give him a gift from SculptHouse. They offer fitness classes and athletic wear that will make your dad as happy as the start of Georgia football season. Trust me, it will be a homerun.

Location: Atlanta, GA

Bulldogs: Katherine Mason (ABJ ’12), Co-Founder; Jennifer McKissick (ABJ ’12), Co-Founder

The Coffee Connoisseur

Some guys live for sports or woodworking. Others know all about wines or the latest tech gadget. Your dad’s obsession is coffee. He knows all the baristas at the local coffee shop by name, and they always know his usual. When the family goes on vacation, he gets souvenir mugs to add to his already overflowing collection. His day is planned around his next cup. For these fathers, Rev Coffee Roasters and Three Tree Coffee Roasters will be able to satisfy his cravings. Both offer a variety of coffee blends they can ship and storefronts where you can purchase food and other merchandise.

Location: Smyrna, GA

Bulldog: Jenn Bimmerle (AB ’02), Marketing Director

Location: Statesboro, GA

Bulldog: Philip Klayman (BSA ’11), Founder

The Gameday Fanatic

Does your dad have a tailgating spot that’s been “in the family for generations” (aka since he was in school in ’85)? Does he have four generators, three televisions, a speaker system, and 20 assorted food staples to create the ultimate game day experience? Has he spent a small fortune supporting the Dawgs at away games? Then your pops is the ultimate Georgia fan and knows that game day isn’t complete without boiled peanuts. Show your father you’ve learned a thing or two and give him some delicious boiled peanuts from Hardy Farms Peanuts. He will enjoy the gift of this “country caviar” and might even let you yell the orders at the next tailgate set-up.

Location: Hawkinsville, GA

Bulldogs: Brad Hardy (BSA ’96), President; Ken Hardy (BSA ’93), Co-CEO

There you have it, Dawgs! 10 gift ideas from 11 different businesses that will negate last year’s debacle and put you in your dad’s good graces. Gifts from any of these places are sure to make any father proud to have a child as caring, thoughtful, and all-around awesome as you. Congrats in advance on the gift. You have set yourself up nicely for your next birthday.

Browse other Bulldog 100 honorees Nominate a business for Bulldog 100

UGA grad in NYC saves the (birth)day for young bulldog in ATL

June 8, 2020/by Erin Geoghan

Frances (BS ’06) and Thomas (AB ’08) Beusse met Jacob Moats (AB ’01) at the NYC Dawgs’ Auburn game-watching party at American Whiskey last November. When former UGA Alumni Association board member Barbara Woods (BFA ’81) introduced the trio, they quickly bonded over their mutual love of Georgia football. At the end of the game (which UGA won 21-14), they went their separate ways; the Beusses back to Georgia and Jacob to his home just across the East River in Queens.

Jacob Moats (left) and Frances Beusse (center) were introduced during a game-watching party in NYC by Barbara Woods (right).

A few months later, the COVID-19 outbreak brought a whiplash of change to everyone’s lives–especially for those living in the Big Apple, a hot spot during the pandemic. In Atlanta, it was also carrying a great toll. Amid the upheaval, it was a particularly disappointing situation for the Beusses’ son, Quinton, who found himself sheltering at home and facing the prospect of a fifth birthday without a key ingredient: friends and grandparents.

But like many other kids his age, Quinton loves superheroes and, of course, the Georgia Bulldogs. That got Frances and Thomas thinking about creative ways to make sure the day was still special for Quinton.

Frances saw on Instagram that Jacob and a few friends did superhero cosplay for conventions and photo shoots, so she messaged him to ask if she could hire him to record a superhero video for Quinton’s birthday.

Jacob was happy to help a fellow Bulldog and didn’t shy away from a chance to get into character. He not only refused to accept payment for his participation, he even enlisted his friends to help.

“It was just something small that we could do to help out,” Jacob says. “With all that’s going on right now, we need to help each other, especially if it’s something easy to do.”

Jacob and his friends donned their superhero gear and recorded several videos from their homes. When compiled together, the videos of Batman, Robin, The Flash, Batgirl, Wonder Woman and Spiderman assigned Quinton ‘missions’ to complete in his backyard. Those missions ranged from “leaping buildings” (ie: a cardboard Gotham City created by Frances), to battling villains by shooting at their photos with silly string—the Beusses’ fence taking the bulk of the pain. Quinton executed each activity decked out in his own Batman costume—complete with padded muscles and a cape—and enjoyed every minute of his mission to save Gotham from the likes of Joker, Catwoman and Two-Face.

“Jacob was beyond generous to help me when, in all honesty, the only thing he knew about me was that I was a Bulldog,” Frances says. “I was so thankful that he gave his time and energy to lift my son’s spirits. It just shows what the Bulldog community does for one another.”

Despite facing limits on social gatherings to halt the spread of COVID-19, Bulldogs around the world are, like Jacob and the Beusses, finding inventive ways to connect and care for one another. In our book, that’s a one-two punch … KA-POW!

Do you know a Georgia Bulldog helping others during the COVID-19 outbreak? We’d love to hear their story!

A message on recent events

June 5, 2020/by UGA Alumni

From the desk of Alumni Relations Executive Director Meredith Gurley Johnson:

Fellow Bulldogs,

I write today to share in the grief and frustration of continued racial discrimination and injustice in our country. My heart aches for the countless African American victims of violence and for their loved ones. The UGA Alumni Association exists to bring together Bulldogs–from all walks of life, cultures and beliefs–year-round, worldwide and lifelong. This moment calls for us to come together. We are taking this week to pause, listen and reflect on ways we can strengthen the bonds between our alumni. The Bulldog spirit is stronger because of our diversity and as one powerful voice, we can overcome today’s circumstances. Together, we can build a better world and move forward. We are UGA Alumni, and we Never Bark Alone.

Our Black Alumni Leadership Council president, Ericka Davis, shared a heartfelt message earlier this week, and it eloquently expresses what we’re feeling.

Meredith Gurley Johnson (BSFCS ’00, MED ’16)
Executive Director, Alumni Relations
University of Georgia

From the desk of Black Alumni Leadership Council President Ericka Davis:

UGA Community,

These are unprecedented times in our country right now. The recent tragic, violent and inhumane deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor has shocked, angered and hurt us to our core. It has left many of us feeling helpless and powerless as we cry out and steadily wait for the wheels of justice to turn. But that doesn’t mean that we are helpless or powerless.

As protests take place around the country, this is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those who peacefully advocate for justice, one of the pillars of the Arch. We can support programs and initiatives that uphold the tenets of our best and defining historical legacy of nonviolent social change exhibited by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Hamilton Holmes and Mary Frances Early. We can advocate for public policies that will truly create that “more perfect union” we all strive for.

Part of our motto is to serve and inquire into the nature of things so it is incumbent upon us to take that charge and find better solutions to address equity and inclusion for current and future generations to come both on and off campus. Never has there been a more critical time than this to affirm and support each other, students and alumni alike through both words and actions that express our humanity, compassion, understanding and empathy.

You are not alone. You do matter. Your value is immeasurable and your contribution can never be diminished.

Stay safe, stand for what is right and never lose hope.

Ericka Davis (AB ’93)
President, Black Alumni Leadership Council
University of Georgia

Artists in quarantine: Q&A with Ryan Sichelstiel

June 5, 2020/by Laura Nwogu

Ryan Sichelstiel (AB ’15) is a senior hybrid graphic designer based in New York City. He has experience with both print and digital media and has worked with clients ranging from Walmart and T-Mobile to the University of Georgia. Ryan recently celebrated his one-year anniversary working for Celtra, a creative technology company. However, COVID-19 has seen all of us adjusting to a “new normal,” and for Ryan, that includes working remotely from his hometown of Perry, Georgia. We caught up with Ryan to better understand an artist’s experience in quarantine.

How have you adjusted to moving back home?

After graduation, I worked in the Disney College Program for six months and then moved to New York. I’ve been up there since. It’s definitely different to be back, but the thing that’s been somewhat reassuring is that everyone else is going through this, too. It’s not like you’re missing out on things, but it feels weird to know that life is on pause indefinitely.

Where are you on the quarantine spectrum?

I’m ready for things to get back to normal. I’m a raging extrovert, so I miss people, my walks to work, and my local coffee shop. It’s been a bit of an adjustment, but I’m trying to enjoy being home.

How are your ‘creative juices’ handling the pandemic?

They have been flowing. For me, walking around in New York, you get inspiration everywhere. Here, it’s difficult because you’re sitting in the house for 66 days — not that I’m counting. A joke became a tradition in that I find memes and videos and save them. I then create a diary of the previous day using those videos; I post, like, 15-20 every day. That’s a fun thing to push my creativity a little bit and think, “Well, how does this video fit into the scenario where Grandma told me to put some more sunscreen on?”

How has the pandemic affected your flow of work?

Some clients have pulled back, but it’s still been pedal to the metal. A lot of retail clients have taken advantage of this time to offer sales since people are online shopping all the time. We’ve been working with them to recreate ads specifically for the pandemic and changing their messaging. For example, the creative features a lot more loungewear now.

What is one of your favorite projects that you’ve created?

As a student, I worked at the UGA Visitors Center and our boss, Eric Johnson, always said, “Awaken the possibility in others.” He allowed me to paint one of the bulldog statues in the Visitors Center with my own design. I also painted a mural on the back wall of the space. It was a cool experience because, as a college student, you’re trying to figure out what you want to do and to have someone let you paint something like that is the coolest thing. He instilled confidence in me and gave me the opportunity to prove my worth.

What do you hope students, alumni, and faculty are reminded of when they view your Athens- and UGA-centric paintings?

Everyone’s [perspective on] Athens is different. I hope what people see when they look at my work is that they don’t see that specific artwork. They see Athens and try to envision: what do I think of when I think of Athens?

Do you think it’s artists’ responsibility in quarantine to create works that reflect what we’re going through during this pandemic?

I don’t want to say it’s a responsibility. It’s a weird time, and no one’s been through anything like this. With creatives, everything we do is expected to be “chef’s kiss” — brilliant. What’s nice about this period is that you’re on your own. You’re kind of locked up and it’s nice to be able to reflect for more self-fulfillment. I have more room in Perry, so I have my old paint supplies, sketchbooks, and pens and can just create for my own mental health; to chill out, relax, explore, and create. It’s nothing that’s been paid for or needs to be done by tonight.

Since you’re a self-proclaimed Disney aficionado, which Disney movies do you suggest people watch during the quarantine?

Good Dinosaur, Onward, and Peter Pan.

If you’re an artist in quarantine, consider sharing your story with the UGA Libraries.

Write a letter to an incoming student in your old residence hall

June 2, 2020/by Erin Geoghan

Some of the fondest memories for UGA alumni come from living in the residence halls, and in just a few short months, the Class of 2024 will begin its journey on campus.

What if you could write a letter to the incoming residents of your old residence hall? What advice or memories would you share with them? University Housing is collecting and distributing letters written by students and alumni to deliver to residents’ mailboxes for them to open when they arrive in August. You can even see a letter counter for each dorm!

“The Class of 2024 will arrive on campus with many doubts about what the year will look like,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson (BSFCS ’00, MED ’16), executive director of alumni relations. “These letters show incoming students all they have to look forward to, and that there’s a Bulldog network around the world to support them. My first-year roommate and I are best friends to this day because of the bond we formed in Brumby Hall. We can’t wait to write letters to new students.”

To write a letter, use the online form and share a short message–250 words–with an incoming resident. University Housing will print, package and deliver it for you. Here’s an example letter:

Dear resident,
Welcome to your new home! My name is Taylor and I graduated from UGA in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. During my first year at UGA, I lived in Mary Lyndon and had the best time. Some of my favorite memories included staying up late with friends to watch American Idol in the basement and Snellebrating after finishing a really difficult exam. I hope that this year brings you lots of fun memories in Mary Lyndon, it is such a special place to live. My one piece of advice for you is to not underestimate the amount of time it takes to walk to the bus stop – I spent many a morning sprinting to make it to the stop in front of Soule Hall. Also, don’t worry if it takes you a while to find your ‘people;’ I found mine later than expected, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Wishing you the absolute best year at UGA!
Go Dawgs! Taylor, Class of 2007

Long after they are sent, letters are read, appreciated and kept by recipients. These letters will leave a lasting memory for incoming students that shows that Bulldogs Never Bark Alone — especially during uncertain times.

“The residence halls have always been and will continue to be a place where memories are made, friendships are built, and communities are formed,” said Jessica Keever (BS ’18), University Housing public relations specialist. “By submitting a letter, past residents provide a physical reminder of how strong the Bulldog community is both inside and outside the halls. We’re excited to facilitate this initiative and hope all past residents will submit a letter to welcome the next generation of Bulldogs.”

Please submit letters via the Key Notes Submission Form until Wednesday, July 15. Visit University Housing for more information and contact housing@uga.edu with any questions.

Send a Key Note

Finding humor in the little things during shelter-in-place

May 21, 2020/by UGA Alumni

By Ericka Davis (AB ’93), president of the UGA Black Alumni Leadership Council

This pandemic took us all by surprise.

One minute, I was celebrating the naming of the Mary Frances Early College of Education and returning from a great weekend at the Alumni Leadership Assembly. It seems like the next minute, I was back on campus in a mask moving my daughter out of her dorm two months early.

These are unprecedented times and they can easily be overwhelming. The good news is that there is a light at the end of this tunnel and it burns in our hearts as bright as Sanford Stadium at the start of the fourth quarter. The light inspires us to persevere, never lose hope, stay strong and be encouraged. I have found that light shining in the most unexpected places like Zoom meet-ups, FaceTime conversations and GroupMe chats. I have found that light within the Bulldog Nation where, even in a pandemic, we Never Bark Alone.

I have especially found it in daily adventures with my favorite Bulldog as we shelter-in-place together. I’m hoping that wherever you are as you read this and watch our vlog (below), you’re finding that light as well and that you never lose sight of it.