Meet Bailey Maxwell, Member of the Women of UGA Leadership Council

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Women of UGA’s mission is to foster a lifelong commitment to the University of Georgia by creating opportunities for personal and professional development, instilling a spirt of giving, and investing in the future of the university, its students and alumnae. We recently got the chance to interview Bailey Maxwell (ABJ ’09), member of the Women of UGA Leadership Council in order to learn more about her experience at UGA and what drives her to stay involved with her alma mater. Here’s what she had to say!

Tell me about your time as a student here at the University of Georgia and what role the university played in preparing you for your future.

My 4 (and an extra football season) years at UGA are some of my fondest memories. The university did a great job of encouraging students to connect not only with peers but with faculty and staff. It was these relationships that I feel had a true impact on helping me realize my true self and what I wanted out of not only my time in college but life in general. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged like never before which I feel opened my mind and heart and has everything to do with who I am today.

Do you have a cause that you are passionate about? If so, how do you pursue this in your personal and professional life?

I am extremely passionate about giving back to my community and I try not take anything I have for granted. I volunteer with numerous organizations in the Atlanta area and take every chance I get to give back to a community that I feel gives me so much. I am extremely lucky in that I was chosen to serve as president of the Bennett Thrasher Foundation, a not-for-profit that is funded by the company I work for. We devote our time and resources to making the greater Atlanta community a better place.

Why is the Women of UGA Leadership Council important to you?

The Women of UGA Leadership Council is important to me for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it is an opportunity to put my skill set to use for the greater good of the university and my fellow alumnae. I think it is important for us to foster relationships and encourage continued connection beyond the day we walk under the Arch for the first time. Secondly, I love seeing women empower each other and encourage each other to reach our full potential.

How do you hope to make an impact with Women of UGA, and what excites you most about your future with the council?

It is really exciting for me to connect with fellow alumnae that I didn’t have the opportunity to meet during my time at UGA. They came before me, after me and  are a diverse representation of all areas of campus. I think we all have a lot to offer each other as well as the council and UGA alumni group as a whole. The biggest impact I think we will make as a council is continued awareness and funding of the Women of UGA Scholarship. The academic rigor of attending the University of Georgia is hard enough without wondering if you will be able to afford attending semester to semester. If we are able to lighten that burden for even one student, I feel like our time and talent will have been well spent.

What parting advice do you have for students who are trying to determine the best career path for them while at UGA?

The best advice I can give students is to attend career fairs and networking opportunities, ask questions of people you know in professions you have an interest in and keep an open mind.

To learn more about Women of UGA, visit alumni.uga.edu/womenofuga and connect with the council on Instagram.

Tasty Tailgating: Peter Dale’s Chicken Chili

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Peter Dale (ABJ ’99), a member of the UGA 40 Under 40 Class of 2012 and chef/owner of Condor Chocolates, The National and Seabear Oyster Bar, has always held true that the best plates have a story to tell. This week, his tasty storytelling will leave everyone wanting more. Not only was Dale born and raised in Athens, but he also apprenticed with Top Chef’s very own Hugh Atcheson – the two eventually opening up The National together in downtown Athens.

My dad was a professor in the UGA Poultry Science Department, so I am always looking for new ways to cook chicken.  This chili is perfect for those first cool Saturdays and doesn’t weigh you down like more traditional chili recipes.  Hot chicken is all the rage. Jump on this trend and top your chicken chili with lots of your favorite hot sauce; you won’t regret it.

Peter Dale’s Chicken Chili

Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 poblano peppers, seeded and white ribs removed, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more if you like it spicy
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 3 (15.5-ounce each) cans navy beans
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Your favorite hot sauce
 Optional garnishes: chopped scallion, cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges
Instructions
Heat the oil in large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, poblano peppers, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander and cayenne and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink. Add the white beans, broth, and oregano. Cook, partially covered, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes. Remove two cups from the pot, puree in a blender, and return puree to the pot, stir well. Continue cooking for 10 minutes longer. Season to taste with salt and additional cayenne if desired. Ladle into bowls or mugs, top with hot sauce, and optional garnishes.

Things got “happy” in Palo Alto

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Writer: Elizabeth Elmore

It was an enjoyable evening – cool temperatures, great conversation and plenty of introductions between Bulldog Faithful in the Golden State.

On October 17, the University of Georgia hosted a networking happy hour for UGA alumni and friends in the Palo Alto, California, area. Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Kelly Kerner and Director of Alumni Relations Meredith Gurley Johnson (BSFCS ’00, MED ’16) joined the spirited crowd for an evening filled with Bulldog fun and fellowship.

The event was held at The Patio, a lively pub setting for a lively group of more than 75 alumni who were eager to connect with each other and with Kelly and Meredith.

Shari Andrea Hope (ABJ ’13) attended the networking event. It was well-timed for the senior analyst in communication and change management at Willis Towers Watson – she and her husband recently relocated to the West Coast from Atlanta.

Shari Hope, Meredith Johnsona and Kelly Kerner are all smiles at happy hour in Palo Alto!

“As a newcomer to the West Coast, it was a pleasant surprise to see the prevalence of alums in this part of the country,” Shari said. “So many of us are doing amazing work in one of the most competitive markets in the world. It made me proud to go home to my husband, a Georgia Tech alum, and express how much I appreciated being a Bulldog. Knowing that UGA makes efforts such as this to connect with grads in different parts of the country only makes me want to continue that spirit of giving back and building a sustainable network of alumni support.”

We’re glad that Shari and so many other alumni and friends were able to join us for this special gathering. We look forward to meeting up with you again, California Bulldogs!

VIEW EVENT PHOTOS

Are you missing the Bulldog spirit in your life? Visit the Alumni Event Calendar to see what happenings are taking place in the coming month – it just might be in your neck of the woods!

Meet Rachel Webster, Member of the Women of UGA Leadership Council

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Women of UGA’s mission is to foster a lifelong commitment to the University of Georgia by creating opportunities for personal and professional development, instilling a spirt of giving, and investing in the future of the university, its students and alumnae. We recently got the chance to interview Rachel Webster (ABJ ’08), member of the Women of UGA Leadership Council in order to learn more about her experience at UGA and what drives her to stay involved with her alma mater. Here’s what she had to say!

Tell me about your time as a student here at the University of Georgia and what role the university played in preparing you for your future.

UGA prepared me in so many ways for life after graduation, not the least of which was the community that the university fosters. I graduated from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, and I was very fortunate to be in the Honors program and a member of the Red & Black newspaper staff. Grady College taught me the habits of being a professional person, the Red & Black helped me practice those habits and the Honors program helped me form relationships with a diverse group of people. The ability to communicate will always be helpful in any professional setting, and many of the people I met at UGA are my best friends today.

Do you have a cause that you are passionate about? If so, how do you pursue that in your personal and professional life?

I am passionate about girls and women having equal educational, professional and vocational opportunities. Besides the Women of UGA Leadership Council, I’m also a member of a young women’s professional leadership group, and I’m a mentor to a current college student. I had many opportunities presented to me when I was younger, and I hope to help other women find opportunities that suit them as well.

Why is the Women of UGA Leadership Council important to you?

First of all, I would say that finding a group of dedicated alumnae like the council is just so rare. These women are so inspiring and hard-working, and I mentioned before how much I value community and relationships. I always enjoy being involved at the university, and through the council, I am able to have a larger impact via the Women of UGA scholarship fund.

How do you hope to make an impact with Women of UGA, and what excites you most about your future with the council?

I am most excited about the Women of UGA scholarship fund, which is endowed as of this year. The endowment means that the scholarship will continue to help deserving students with their educational costs in perpetuity, which seems like a pretty fantastic legacy for any group of alumni to leave. I am excited by the prospect of spending time with students who receive the scholarship and seeing the difference it makes in their lives to be at the University of Georgia.

What parting advice do you have for students who are trying to determine the best career path for them while at UGA?

This is the best career advice I got, and I got it from my hairdresser. He is a very smart man, and I was struggling in a career that I did not really enjoy. He told me to think about the actual activities that I want to do all day, and then work backwards into finding a job that allows me to do those activities. I literally thought about what I’m good at, and what I think would be valuable to others, and started networking through my communities to find opportunities. I have been in my new career as a public relations professional for about five months now, and it was such a good move for me professionally.

To learn more about Women of UGA, visit alumni.uga.edu/womenofuga and connect with the council on Instagram.

MasterChef’s Elizabeth Cauvel: Red & Black Quesadillas

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Not only was Elizabeth Cauvel (ABJ ’04) a runner-up on Fox’s hit show MasterChef, but she’s also a UGA alumna! Today, she works as a creative director in New York City. If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious tailgating recipe, look no further. We’ve got you covered with Elizabeth’s Red and Black Quesadillas!

“This recipe is ideal for tailgates because, first of all, everyone loves quesadillas. They’re great melty and hot, but they’re just as delicious at room temp. They’re perfect for holding with one hand, they’re portable, and best of all, they’re super easy, so you can throw them together on a Saturday morning and be out the door in time to start tailgating ASAP.”

Red & Black Quesadillas (makes 4 quesadillas/ 16 quesadilla triangles; can easily be doubled)

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil for the vegetables
  • Drizzle of olive oil or vegetable oil for the quesadilla pan
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed well
  • 1 red bell pepper, stem removed, seeded, and diced
  • 1/2 a large yellow onion, diced
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Mexican chili powder
  • 4 burrito-size flour tortillas
  • 16 oz. pepper jack cheese, grated
  • Sour cream, avocado/guacamole, cilantro, salsa, and fresh jalapeno for serving

Elizabeth Cauvel’s Red & Black Quesadillas

Directions

  1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil, then add the onion and bell peppers. Season with salt, cumin, and chili powder, and cook for 5-6 minutes, until onions and peppers are getting soft, and there might be a few pieces beginning to get a little color. When the veggies are soft, add the beans and cook for a few minutes more. Remove and keep handy in a bowl. Wipe out the skillet.
  2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Give it a good 4-5 minutes to achieve even heating, then add the oil and let that heat up for another minute. Place one tortilla in the skillet, and sprinkle a 1/8 of the grated cheese over one half of the tortilla. Spoon some of the bean/onion/pepper mixture over the cheese, then sprinkle another 1/8 of the cheese over the beans/onion/pepper. Cook for a few minutes, until the cheese begins to begins to melt. When that happens, fold the quesadilla over and let it continue to cook until the cheese is completely melted. The bottom half should be brown; flip the quesadilla over carefully and let it get brown and crisp on the other side, about 2-3 more minutes.
  3. Repeat with the remaining 3 tortillas and fillings until all your quesadillas have been cooked. Slice each quesadilla into 4 triangles. If you’re bringing these to a tailgate, I recommend leaving them folded and uncut until you arrive at your tailgate; slice them into triangles right before serving. Serve with sour cream, salsa, and any other toppings you like. Go Dawgs!

Meet Rubina Malik, Mentorship Chair for the Women of UGA Leadership Council

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Women of UGA’s mission is to foster a lifelong commitment to the University of Georgia by creating opportunities for personal and professional development, instilling a spirt of giving, and investing in the future of the university, its students and alumnae. We recently got the chance to interview Rubina Malik (PHD ’15), mentorship chair for the Women of UGA Leadership Council in order to learn more about her experience at UGA and what drives her to stay involved with her alma mater. Here’s what she had to say!

What do you value most about your time spent at the University of Georgia?

What I value most about my time spent at UGA is the education that I received and the friendships that I made. I was taught and molded into the world of being an academic. My professors did this through their rigor in teaching and modeling what they were teaching. Having professors that were and are on the top of their field in publication and practice gave me inspiration and bravery to enter a world that was new to me. The friendships that I made along the way are and were another value that was afforded to me during my time at UGA. My friendships that were developed are still intact. We continue to stay connected personally, and professionally we support each other’s goals and ideas. Currently, we are working on publications together.

Were there any particular professors that had a significant impact on you?

There were many who impacted me –

My dissertation committee (Chair – Dr. Laura Bierema, Drs. Karen Watkins, Kecia Thomas and Juanita Johnson Bailey) and others in the department like Drs. Wendy Ruona and Kathleen DeMarrais. The wealth of knowledge that was imparted on me crossed my department and colleges as well – There were others across campus, like at the Terry College of Business who also mentored me, like Dr. Dawn Bennett-Alexander. All those named and others have impacted me significantly during my tenure at UGA as well as presently.

Why is Women of UGA Leadership Council important to you?

The council is important to me for several reasons. One, I like to surround myself with like-minded individuals so being on the council allows me to be around women who are committed to making an in impact in their community as am I. Secondly, I am a believer of giving back whether that is monetarily or in service. I do both and being of service is where my heart is, it is where I feel like I can make the biggest difference – hands in the dirt – arranging opportunities for graduates to engage and develop through the mission of the council.

As Mentorship Chair, what do you hope to accomplish during your two-year term?

I am a product of successful mentoring, so this is something very close to my heart. In the next two years I hope to set up an effective mentoring program that will connect alumnae with the best of the best who have taken their education from UGA and are now making an impact in their chosen fields. This is a two-way street to me – being able to give and being able to take – the perfect formula for learning and developing. I want the young alumnae to know that they too can make an impact, run companies and have their dreams come true as many of the mentors will share in our mentoring program.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job as a professor at Morehouse College?

I am so blessed to be living my purpose in my professional life. Being an assistant professor at Morehouse is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. I get to cultivate our future leaders! It is not about just teaching them theory of business in the classroom, it is also about grooming them to be global minded leaders – teaching and modeling for them ethics and integrity as well as being of service. I get to create projects that allows them to take their learning in the classroom and put it into practice – we do projects for non-profits, they volunteer with me at Tedx events, or volunteer in one of the local schools – all to create a well-rounded leader who is ready to impact the world around them! Nothing is more rewarding for me than hearing from a former student about that one project or event they did that helped them discover what they are passionate about. As a mentor to some of my students – the ultimate reward is to get a call being told that I am now a “grandmentor!”

Do you have any parting advice to offer students or recent graduates?

BE A YES! Be engaged, never stop learning and never give up. Always pay it forward. There is so much happening around you, be a yes to take the time to attend events, meet new people and learn from opportunities that are presented to you. Take the time to develop your mind and your skillset, to not let someone say no to you because you do not have something – be well-rounded enough to be able to be considered or at least have a learning attitude so that they will give you a chance!

The Dawgs converge on Music City

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The University of Georgia marked the Vanderbilt game weekend with a reception for alumni, friends and supporters in the Nashville area on Friday, Oct. 6. Georgia first faced off against Vanderbilt in 1893, and the teams have played every year since 1968. Georgia leads the series 55-20-2.

A large crowd attended the reception at The Country Music Hall of Fame. The event gave President Jere W. Morehead, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Kelly Kerner, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, Meredith Gurley Johnson, and other administrators and staff an opportunity to connect with UGA supporters who live and work in the city.

“Whenever we travel to cities across the country, I am more impressed by the wonderful work that our graduates are doing in their professions and their communities,” Johnson said. “Our alumni in the Nashville area are eager to remain involved with and support their alma mater. They make us proud!”

Nearly 2,800 alumni live in Nashville, working in fields ranging from law to healthcare to music. There is an active chapter in Nashville, and they will be hosting a special book signing with Vince Dooley after the Vanderbilt game as a part of the weekend’s festivities.

“We want our graduates to remain connected to the university year round, and one of the easiest ways to do that is through involvement with our chapters,” Johnson continued. “Our dedicated volunteers keep the UGA spirit alive in more than 80 cities across the country. We encourage all of our alumni to get connected with your local chapter and build your Bulldog network.”

In Tennessee, there are also chapters in Chattanooga and Memphis. These chapters and others across the nation host events for local alumni throughout the year. Connect with your local chapter today!

Meet Ali Gant, Member of the Women of UGA Leadership Council

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Women of UGA’s mission is to foster a lifelong commitment to the University of Georgia by creating opportunities for personal and professional development, instilling a spirt of giving, and investing in the future of the university, its students and alumnae. We recently got the chance to interview Ali Gant (AB ’01, MPA ’11), member of Women of UGA Leadership Council in order to learn more about her experience at UGA and what drives her to stay involved with her alma mater. Here’s what she had to say!

Tell me about your time as a student here at the University of Georgia and what role the university played in preparing you for your future.

I moved away from the Georgia when I was in 8th grade, only to return to attend UGA five years later, not really knowing anyone that well. This was before Facebook, so I didn’t have too many connections! I pledged Phi Mu and to this day there are 12 of us in my pledge class who go on an annual girls trip, most of us with young children and jobs and responsibilities that we vow to always leave behind for a weekend to reconnect. My involvement in Greek Life was the first domino not only in student activities, but set me up for the life I lead today.

The national charity for Phi Mu is Children’s Miracle Network, and as freshmen we got involved with Dance Marathon (now UGA Miracle). I went on to serve on the Executive Committee for three years. My second  year was the year we broke $100,000! What a long way they have come. After my junior year, I interned at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in the Foundation, which launched my non-profit fundraising career, and I now work for the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta with 16 years of non-profit work under my belt. It all started at UGA.

In 1999, I was selected to be an Orientation Leader. I was #11, and this guy from Rossville, GA named Chris Gant was #12. We met the same day that we met the team. I married Chris Gant in 2004, and another couple – Gretchen D’Huyvetter Cobb and James Cobb – were also on that team, and we are godparents to their fourth son. We ourselves have three sons  who are already big Georgia Bulldogs.  It all started at UGA.

UGA gave me the opportunity to test the waters in my extracurricular life, and I learned that I love hospitality. Whether that was welcoming campus visitors as an OL or as a Visitors Center employee or doing admissions sessions with GRT — I was given those experiences and that has continued in my life. I love to help people find their own little spot where they feel comfortable, and I LOVE it when they happen to love UGA, too!

Do you have a cause that you are passionate about? If so, how do you pursue this in your personal and professional life?

I care very much about children and literacy. Exposing children to books and words before age 5 is critical, and I also care deeply about what happens to kids in 3rd grade when school turns from learning to read to reading to learn. I have an English degree from UGA and I have always been a lover of books. I have involved myself in a number of organizations that are working to improve the children of our state in this area. Some of those organizations include the Junior League of Athens, the Junior League of Atlanta, Ferst Foundation and my place of employment — the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

Why is Women of UGA Leadership Council important to you?

I bleed red and black. UGA gave so much to me. I love mentoring women and connecting with women with similar passions. I love scholarships. It’s a perfect match!

How do you hope to make an impact with Women of UGA, and what excites you most about your future with the council?

I hope to remind alumnae that just because we have our group of friends and experiences at UGA that it is not a thing of the past. We are always Bulldogs, we are always a part of the school – past, present, future – even though we aren’t on campus anymore. It’s our duty to connect, give back, and show up.

What parting advice do you have for students who are trying to determine the best career path for them while at UGA?

In my spare time, I help people revamp their resumes. I hear a lot of “I want to do something I feel passionate about.” Doing something you feel passionate about is good. But passion does not ALWAYS equal FUN. You may feel good at the end of the day, but it doesn’t mean that it’s going to be easy, joyful and carefree. Non-profits have budgets and policies and boards and problems just like corporations do. Realistic expectations will protect from disappointment. I think it’s a great thing to remember.

To learn more about Women of UGA, visit alumni.uga.edu/womenofuga and connect with the council on Instagram.

Benson Family recognizes 100-year relationship with Athens and UGA

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This feature originally ran on page 47 of the Fall 2017 issue of Georgia Magazine.

Three generations of the Benson family are recognizing their 100-year relationship with Athens and the University of Georgia by making a transformational gift to the Terry College of Business.

One of Athens’ most community-minded families contributed significant support for the second and largest phase of the Terry College Business Learning Community at the corner of Lumpkin and Baxter streets.

An artist’s rendering of all three phases of the Business Learning Community.

Benson Hall is one of three buildings that will be dedicated Sept. 15. It is named for patriarch W. H. “Howard” Benson, son H.E. “Ed” Benson (BBA ’42), and grandson Larry R. Benson (BBA ’74).

Howard, who passed away in 1971, founded Benson’s Bakery in 1918.

Benson’s Bakery was founded in 1918 by W.H. “Howard” Benson and was formerly located in downtown Athens.

Today, Benson’s Inc. is the parent company of Benson’s Bakery, which distributes cake products to retailers across the country, and Benson’s Hospitality Group, which operates four—soon to be five—hotels in the Athens area.

Howard’s son, Ed, graduated from UGA in 1942 and is now chairman emeritus. Under Ed’s leadership, Benson’s grew its Old Home Kitchens cake line by hiring UGA students to drive to each state during summers to sell fruit cakes as fundraising opportunities.

“During our 15-year partnership, UGA students would literally cover the country selling Benson’s Old Home Fruit Cakes to civic clubs, church groups and other nonprofits,” Ed says. “During our peak years, we sold to over 7,000 organizations for the holiday season.”

A clipping from the Athens Daily News in 1966 that features the “Benson Fleet” heading out for the summer sales trips across the country.

Well-known UGA alumni, including former U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (BBA ’66), are among those who participated in the sales experience as students. It was Ed’s keen interest in management and logistics that ultimately led him to diversify the company into the hospitality business.

Larry, Ed’s son, graduated from UGA in 1974 and is now chairman and CEO. His business acumen and financial expertise has grown the family business to unprecedented levels, including an expansion of the baking facility and the construction of new hotels. He has also continued his family’s strong town and gown relationships.

The Bensons’ latest contribution to UGA will leave a lasting landmark on campus that reflects the connection between the family’s Athens-based company and the university. Larry and Ed’s decision to support UGA is in recognition of the symbiotic relationship from which Benson’s Inc. has benefited over the past century—and in recognition of the future of that relationship.

“My dad and I received a wonderful education from Terry, which rewarded us with the opportunity to build our Athens-based business. Hundreds of UGA students and graduates have become valued associates of Benson’s Inc.,” Larry says. “On behalf of my grandfather, father and more than 600 associates and their families, we are pleased to honor our 100-year relationship with UGA. We are especially pleased that Benson Hall will play a prominent role in educating business leaders for the next 100 years and beyond.”

Writer: Elizabeth R. Elmore, eelmore@uga.edu

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As Benson’s Inc. celebrates its centennial in 2018, the company hopes to locate former students in the Benson’s Bakery Summer Old Home Fruit Cake sales program. If you played a role in the bakery’s success, please email Benson’s Bakery.

Meet Melonie Thomas, Member of the Black Alumni Leadership Council

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In October 2015, the UGA Alumni Association launched the UGA Black Alumni Affinity Group, which is led by the Black Alumni Leadership Council. The council seeks to connect with black alumni and students through shared experiences, and to continue building a welcoming and supporting campus community. Melonie Thomas (BBA ’86) is a member of the Black Alumni Leadership Council, and we recently interviewed her to learn more about her UGA experience and what drives her to stay connected to the university.

When did you graduate from UGA and what did you do after college?

I graduated in 1986 with a degree in marketing, and after a brief stint in retail management, I moved to LA and earned my MBA at Pepperdine University. As of 2000, I’ve been in the business of public health. Today, I live in Dunwoody, Georgia.

How did you get involved with the Alumni Association?

I met Realenn Watters at a faculty and staff organization event and was asked what could be done to encourage more black students to apply to and attend UGA. I asked her what was being done in that area, so she told me to get involved with this other group that had the same ideas, and the group eventually became the Black Alumni Leadership Council.

L-R: Yvette Daniels, Melonie Thomas and Randy Groomes

Which Black Alumni Event are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the Admitted Students Reception because so many people come together to form a really great environment of caring and sincere interest. It serves as a reunion for a lot of the alumni. The students are glad to hear about the different programs that interest them, and the parents are relieved to hear from people that look like them and found a home at UGA.

How has serving on the Black Alumni Leadership Council benefited you?

It’s allowed me to work with many passionate and caring people who have the same goals that I do. It provides a little extra purpose in life – we can do things in this organization that have a meaningful, lasting impact for centuries to come.

What is the most important experience you learned as a student?

You’re not on an island. Ask for help if you need it – there’s help at UGA for just about any kind of challenge, or any kind of change that you want to make. Reach out to other people and ask for help.

L-R: Kevin Aycock, Bill and Melonie Thomas at the 2015 Bulldog 100 Celebration

What is one piece of advice you would give to UGA students?

Don’t be afraid to step out and try something. Even if you aren’t sure that it will be a great fit for you, you’ll never know until you try. Don’t be afraid to take that step into a different career path. Also, maintain your relationships with your professors and friends beyond what’s expected in the curriculum. Stay in touch with those professors – they have a lot of insight and can help guide you, both in your career and in life. Many of the friends I made at UGA are still my friends today.

UGA is committed to its students and mission as a land and sea grant university. What is your commitment?

I’ll go back to the BALC and our mission to recruit and retain qualified black students and faculty, to engage with students and other alumni, to encourage other alumni to donate to the university, and to encourage alumni to serve, in whatever capacity they can. If I can get corny for one second, I’m a GIRL (imagine the Power G). Giving to support scholarships, involving myself wherever and however I can, returning to the university and leaving a legacy through the work I do.

Melonie and her husband Bill (AB ’88), a member of the UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors, were also featured on the blog in Spring 2017.