Keep the main thing the main thing

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This post was written by Clarke Schwabe (ABJ ’08), a true Bulldog fan and the proposal writer for the UGA Division of Development and Alumni Relations.

It’s been an unforgettable season for UGA’s football team. Despite how we felt Tuesday morning, there’s still plenty of reasons to be proud of the Georgia Bulldogs.

This year’s squad demonstrated what it means to give it your all, to work together, and to play with heart. The results speak for themselves.

Roquan Smith became the first Georgia player to receive the Butkus Award, a trophy given to the nation’s best collegiate linebacker.

Roquan Smith accepting the award for Most Valuable Player for the SEC Championship game. Photo Courtesy of Reann Huber, www.reannhuber.com

Nick Chubb and Sony Michel’s combined career rushing yardage surpassed the famed Southern Methodist University “Pony Express” tandem of Eric Dickerson and Craig James, a Football Bowl Subdivision record that stood for 35 years.

And UGA’s Rose Bowl performance stamped the Bulldog name firmly into the lore of “The Granddaddy of Them All,” setting records for the longest field goal in bowl history (Rodrigo Blankenship’s 55-yarder), most points scored by both teams (102), and the first overtime in the game’s 104-year history.

These groundbreaking achievements, along with dozens of others from 2017 (Terry Godwin’s one-handed touchdown grab, Lorenzo Carter’s sky-high field goal block) now indelibly written into UGA history, lifted Georgia into territory it has not traversed in recent years. But there is little reason to think the Dawgs will only get a brief taste of this rarefied air.

Terry Godwin’s impressive one-handed touchdown catch against Notre Dame. Photo Courtesy of Icon Sportswire, Getty.

Of the team’s freshmen and sophomores (a group that includes Freshman All-Americans Jake Fromm and Andrew Thomas, as well as Blankenship, Ben Cleveland, D’Andre Swift and Mecole Hardman), 30 players played in 10 or more games and the group has more than 90 starts among them.

An experienced group of underclassmen will also be bolstered by what is widely considered UGA’s most elite football recruiting class—a class, according to 247 Sports’ composite ranking system, that ranks in the top 10 since the turn of the century. Of the seven five-star recruits signed to SEC rosters for 2018, six are coming to Athens.

Sophomore Wide Receiver Mecole Hardman jumps through the Georgia G before a victory over Mississippi State. Photo Courtesy of Blane Marble Photography, www.blanemarble.com

The Bulldogs have a handful of new national and school records, a stable of proven, young players ready to take the reins, and one of the best recruiting classes coming to campus.

So, how ‘bout them Dawgs?

With more than 200 days to go before the Dawgs are back between the hedges, here are some other ways you can stay connected to the University of Georgia!

The Dawgs are going to the ‘Ship!

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The Bulldogs are on a relentless pursuit to win the National Championship for the first time since 1980. No matter where you are on Monday – Bulldogs never bark alone!

Continue reading below for the most up-to-the-minute information about activities in Atlanta and across the country during the National Championship.

Game Watching Parties
Whether you’re near or far from Atlanta, chapter game watching parties are free, fun and attended by passionate Bulldogs. Graduate, parent, student or friend – all are invited to these events. Find my party!

Men’s Basketball vs Alabama
Before they meet in Atlanta, the Dawgs and the Tide will face each other in Stegeman Coliseum on Saturday, January 6 at noon. Get tickets now!

Pre-Game Tailgate
Monday, January 8
3:00 to 6:30 p.m.
The Southern Exchange
$150/person
Register Here

Playoff Fan Central
January 6-8
Georgia World Congress Center
Family-friendly event incl. games, clinics, pep rallies, performances, signings
$8/person in advance, $10/person at the door
Children 12 and under are free with ticketed adult

AT&T Playoff Playlist Live
January 6-8
Centennial Olympic Park
Free live music, including performances from Jason Derulo, Darius Rucker and The Chainsmokers, throughout the day

Media Day
January 6
Phillips Arena
Free and open to the public
Fans are invited to watch as both teams and coaching staffs participate in media interviews prior to the national championship game

View the complete list of official National Championship activities

Gameday Tips + Logistics
Visit collegefootballplayoff.com for National Championship logistics, including maps, directions, public transportation guides, parking tips and stadium policies.

ATL Recommendations: Eat, Shop, Visit
Traveling to Atlanta for the National Championship? Members of your Young Alumni, Women of UGA and Black Alumni leadership councils have suggestions on the best places to visit, eat, shop and more before you prepare to cheer the Dawgs to victory against the Crimson Tide!

Get Social
Show us how you’re watching the Dawgs and celebrating the National Championship by using #AlwaysADawg or #BAMAvsUGA on social media! We’ll post throughout the day, so you can follow along from wherever you are.

Giving Back to UGA: How Sweet It Is

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This post was written by Rachel Webster (ABJ ’08), a member of the Women of UGA Leadership Council.

On a cold December evening, there is nothing better than getting out of Atlanta traffic and walking into a warm, fragrant pie shop. That is, there is nothing better unless you are also greeted by the Women of UGA Leadership Council and plenty of other alumnae when you get there.
This was the scene in two locations of Southern Baked Pie Company on December 14 as they hosted the Women of UGA groups for a percentage night to support the Women of UGA Scholarship Fund, along with networking and sweet treats.
Locations in Alpharetta and Buckhead offered pie samples, like the delicious streusel-topped apple cranberry pie, and complementary beverages as alumnae mingled in the cozy shop atmosphere. In Alpharetta, alumnae browsed offerings from vendors Jaco Jewelry and Hands of Life Massage Therapy. In Buckhead, Establishment Home and Custom Bling by Charlotte joined the networkers with tables full of beautiful gift ideas.
The event embodied the two main tenets of the Women of UGA affinity group – giving alumni opportunities to create relationships within the University of Georgia network, and raising money to support education initiatives. In this case, 20 percent of Southern Baked Pie Company’s sales of their signature savory and sweet baked goods will support the Women of UGA Scholarship Fund.
Thank you to all of our event partners and attendees! With you, giving back is sweet.

UGA Alumni Family: 310,000+ Strong

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When I graduated from the University of Georgia, the prospect of leaving Athens had me like:

 

via GIPHY

 

I imagine that there are plenty of other alumni who felt the same way – excited to enter the next chapter, but sad to leave the Classic City and UGA’s beautiful campus that had been home for four years.

Well, the best part about graduating from the University of Georgia is that you are never far from a fellow Bulldog. There are more than 310,000 of us around the world, and our varied passions and career pursuits take us far and wide:

 

via GIPHY

 

We’re also not terribly shy about making it known that we bleed red and black, and that we love our alma mater:

 

But if you really need proof, check out the photos below that illustrate the geographic diversity of the UGA alumni network. These images were shared with the UGA Alumni Association in early December and came to us from all corners of the world!

 

Do you have a photograph you’d like to add to this mix? Email it to eelmore@uga.edu.*

*Please note, we may not be able to respond to every photo submission email, and by submitting, you are giving us the right to use your image in UGA marketing indefinitely.

Announcing Women of UGA’s Mentorship Mondays

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Join Women of UGA for Mentorship Mondays, a professional development initiative featuring notable graduates. In this intimate breakfast series, participants will have the opportunity to hear from alumnae at the top of their fields, connect with fellow graduates, and gather tips to take their careers to the next level. Get ready to be inspired and build a network that will offer new perspectives and share things they’ve learned along the way.

All events take place from 7:30-9 a.m. on the following dates:

    • January 29
    • March 26
    • May 21
    • July 30
    • September 24
    • November 12

Speakers and panelists include Kim Bearden (BSED ’87), co-founder of The Ron Clark Academy, Kappy deButts (BBA ’97), executive director of The Zeist Foundation, Inc. and Maritza McClendon (AB ’05), Olympic medalist and senior brand marketing manager at Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh.

There are only 50 slots available, so be sure to register today!

The complete series of events costs $125 per person. Breakfast is included in all sessions and $35 of each registration supports the Women of UGA Georgia Commitment Scholarship.

Events will be held at Carr, Riggs & Ingram in Atlanta, Georgia.

More speakers will be announced soon. There are only 50 slots available, so be sure to register today!

REGISTER NOW

Questions about Mentorship Mondays or the Women of UGA affinity group? Email Luke Massee!

The Dawgs are invading Pasadena!

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After an exciting SEC Championship victory against the Auburn Tigers, the Georgia Bulldogs will travel to Pasadena, California, to battle the Oklahoma Sooners in the Rose Bowl on January 1. No matter where you live, we hope you will join the Bulldog Nation as we cheer for the boys in the silver britches!

Official Pre-Game Tailgate Information

Join fellow Bulldogs in Pasadena for the official pre-game tailgate at the Rose Bowl! This event will take place at Brookside Golf Club (located on the north side of the stadium) from 10:00 to 1:00 p.m. PST. Registration costs $150 per person and includes food, beverages, entertainment and Bulldog festivities. Registration is $129 for all those under 21 years of age. Walk-ups are welcome until capacity is reached.

LEARN MORE

The Rose Bowl is also offering a free FanFest for the public, which will include entertainment, music and other festivities. Tickets for FanFest are not required. 

Rose Bowl Game Watching Parties

Can’t make it to Pasadena? Alumni chapters across the country are furiously planning and are excited to host game watching parties for the Rose Bowl!

FIND YOUR CHAPTER

 

Other Rose Bowl Activities and Details

SOLD OUT: Parade Viewing Party + Brunch
Hosted by the SoCal Dawgs Alumni Chapter
Barney’s Beanery in Old Town Pasadena
$38/person
Includes buffet, juice, coffee, soft drinks, cash bar
Enjoy a reserved spot on the parade route and look for the Redcoat Marching Band
Space is limited; reserve your spot now!

Gameday Tips + Logistics
Visit tournamentofroses.com for Rose Bowl logistics, including maps, directions, public transportation guides, parking tips and stadium policies.

#RoseBowlUGA
Show us how you’re ringing in the New Year watching the Dawgs! We’ll post throughout the day, so you can follow along from wherever you are.

75 Years Later, UGA Returns to the Rose Bowl
When UGA’s football team played in the Rose Bowl in 1943, halfback Frank Sinkwich commanded the field. Now 75 years later, fullback Frank Sinkwich IV, great-grandson of Frank Sinkwich, will join his teammates in Pasadena when the Bulldogs play Oklahoma in the 104th Rose Bowl game. Continue reading.

https://www.facebook.com/universityofga/videos/10154904241151682/

UGA Vet Med horse to be featured in Rose Bowl Parade
Three years ago, a horse owned by David Helmuth of Milledgeville, Georgia, was referred to the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital for a broken bone in his front leg. Today, Rusty is preparing to lead the first–ever six-horse stagecoach team for Wells Fargo in the 2018 Rose Parade New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California. Continue reading.

The National Championship Experience Pre-Sale
The UGA Alumni Association and UGA Athletics will offer National Championship hotel and tailgate packages (game ticket not included) through Georgia Sports Travel. You can reserve your spot today for $99, which is fully refundable. Your reservation will be confirmed automatically *when* Georgia wins the Rose Bowl.

Kicking off the holidays with Hairy Dawg

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In early November, Women of UGA kicked off the holiday season with Cookies and Cocoa with Hairy Dawg.

The following recap was written by Rachel Webster (ABJ ’08), a member of the Women of UGA Leadership Council.

Here’s a recipe that’s sure to get any Dawg fan in the holiday spirit: start with hundreds of freshly-baked sugar cookies, and don’t forget red and black sprinkles for decorating. Add some hot cocoa, with whipped cream and plenty of fixings. Top it off with Hairy Dawg, dressed in his holiday best and ready for family photos.
This is the guide to the first annual Cookies and Cocoa with Hairy Dawg event, hosted by the Women of UGA alumni affinity group on November 5 at the Hyatt Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina. There were a few surprises as well! Guest readers David Greene (BBA ’04), Rennie Curran (BBA ’17), and Bonney Shuman (BBA ’80), president of the UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors, stopped by to read stories to the children. There was even a holiday market with products for sale from UGA alumni and supporters, such as Jittery Joe’s and Lily Wrap. Although Uga X was not in attendance, he felt the love from all the fan mail little fans created to send to him in Savannah.
A portion of the money raised from this sold-out event went to the Women of UGA Scholarship Fund, which was endowed this year through the fundraising efforts of the Women of UGA Leadership Council.
“One of the guiding tenets of Women of UGA is to connect alumni to the university on an ongoing basis,” said Teri Cloud (ABJ ’94), Women of UGA Leadership Council president. “We had a huge response to Cookies and Cocoa with Hairy Dawg, and nearly 500 people attended! We loved engaging the alumni community and look forward to making this our signature event in the years to come.”
Thank you to all the attendees, sponsors and partners who helped with this year’s Cookies and Cocoa with Hairy Dawg event. For more information or to donate to the Women of UGA Scholarship Fund, click here. To see photos from Cookies and Cocoa, click here.

Five reasons the University of Georgia is an academic powerhouse

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As the Bulldogs head into the SEC championship, see why UGA is winning both on the field and in the classroom.

This story was originally published by the Division of Marketing and Communications..

1. Our students love it here. Four students apply for every spot in our first-year class and 96 percent return for their second year, well above the 61 percent return national average rate. Oh, and for those four out of every 100 who don’t return, we wish them well because that’s the kind of place we are.

2. Our students love it even when they do leave. A whopping 95 percent of our graduates are either employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation, well above the national average (that makes moms and dads happy, too!).

3.  We’re a trend-setter in higher education. We’re the largest public university nationwide to provide every undergraduate student a hands-on learning experience and we’ve launched more than 100 “Double Dawgs” degree programs where students earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years or less and save money.

4. Our students are smart and they thrive. This year, our enrolling first-year students averaged a straight “A” GPA (yes, that’s 4.0), a 1344 SAT score, and 30 ACT score (there’s really nothing average about any of that). In the past 20 years, we’ve been one of the top three public universities producing Rhodes Scholars because of our dogged focus on enhancing the learning environment — for all our talented students.

5. We’re strong academically and athletically. Forbes ranked us No. 17 in its 2017 list of top colleges that dominate academically and athletically.  We’re ranked as the 16th best national public research university by U.S. News & World Report. We are one of only 10 public universities ranked in the top 20 among Division I schools in both academics and athletics.

Meet Lisa Conley, 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. Lisa Conley (MED ’09, EDD ’20) 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 attended UGA as a working graduate student. After completing my degree in 2009, I continued to work in the Professional Education Department at Georgia Tech. To expand my teaching skills, I obtained a part-time job at Literacy Action Incorporated in 2010. That was one of the best experiences I’ve had as an educator.

How did you get involved with the Alumni Association?

I received an email and showed up to a meeting.  The rest is history.

Which Black Alumni Event are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the Brunch and Learn: In the Black, A Discussion of Wealth and Finance in the Black Community event we had in March. I attended the new faculty tour last summer, and we met Dr. Kenneth White from the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, and talked with him about his work. I was thinking we have to find a way for him to come and speak about his research about financial planning in the black community. To be able to include a new black faculty member and a black alumni entrepreneur — Mr. Mohamed Massaquoi (BS ’08) — at our event was amazing. We had a great turnout and hit several of the goals of the Black Alumni mission. I feel like that event helped us reach a great cross-section of alumni.

Image result for lisa conley uga

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

It is difficult to engage graduate students at any school, as most people have an affinity to their undergraduate institution. It is also tough to engage the working/commuter graduate student who is there to get the degree and move on. My engagement with the university has increased a great deal being involved with the Black Alumni Leadership Council, plus it feels great to know people that went to UGA! They help me understand more about the background of certain things and provide a deeper insight. I no longer feel like an “outsider” as an alumna. More than once, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with the President and the Dean of the College of Education. I am not sure I would have been able to do that as often as I have as a non-serving graduate. For me, that is a cool perk.

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

I would say the most important experience I gained was confidence. I emerged from graduate school confident in my abilities. I was also more confident in my intelligence. It was as if I forgot somehow, but doing the rigorous work (and doing it well) was such a boost for me. I had that “I actually know what I’m doing and what I’m talking about” epiphany. It was great.

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

My advice is to succeed anyway. There may be mean people that call you names or treat you unfairly. It isn’t about them, it is about you. Find a way around them and succeed despite their efforts to hold you back.

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

I stumbled across this picture the other day from our winter event, and it says it best; I want to help the next generation at UGA to achieve their goals and dreams.

 

Tasty Tailgating: Virginia Willis’ Slow-Cooked Barbecue Pulled Chicken and Slaw

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Virginia Willis (AB ’88), revered chef and James Beard Award-winning cookbook author, has quite a treat for us on this week’s edition of Tasty Tailgating. Read on to learn how to make her Slow-Cooked Barbecue Pulled Chicken and Sassy Slaw!

My slow-cooked barbecue pulled chicken and sassy slaw are the perfect combination for fall tailgating. The tender, juicy chicken can be cooked ahead in the oven or slow cooker and simply held in a insulated container or even reheated in a pot on a portable stovetop. My homemade Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce is made of wholesome ingredients and not filled with sugars and syrups — or things you can’t pronounce! The slaw is packed with fresh vegetables and dressed with an apple-cider vinaigrette  so there’s no food safety worries about a mayonnaise-based dressing. These awesome recipes are both good and good for you — keeping you at your best as you cheer for the red and black! Go Dawgs! 

Chef Virginia Willis’ Slow-Cooked Barbecue Pulled Chicken

Serves 8

  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 pounds)
  • Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Sauce (recipe follows), for accompaniment

Slow cooker method: Combine the tomatoes, vinegar, honey, paprika, soy sauce, mustard, and red pepper flakes in the insert of a medium slow cooker. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cover with the lid and cook on low until the chicken is falling apart, about 5 hours. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.

Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the tomatoes, vinegar, honey, paprika, soy sauce, mustard, and red pepper flakes in a medium Dutch oven. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover with the lid and transfer to the oven. Cook until the chicken is falling apart, 1½ to 2 hours. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Pulled Chicken

Calories 167 Fat 3 g Carbs 9 g Fiber .7 g Protein 25 g

Chef Virginia Willis’ Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Sauce

Makes about 3 cups

  • 1 teaspoon canola oil
  • ½ sweet onion, very finely chopped
  • 1¼ cups reduced-sodium ketchup
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and simmer until soft and melted, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, decrease the heat to simmer, and cook until flavors have smoothed and mellowed, about 10 minutes.Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for months.

Barbecue Sauce (per tablespoon)

Calories 25 Fat .2 g Carbs 6 g Fiber .1 g Protein .2 g

Chef Virginia Willis’ Sassy Slaw

Makes 4 cups to serve 6

I suggest making the dressing first, then setting it aside so you can chop your vegetables.

  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon celery seed
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • ¼ large green cabbage 
(about 1 pound), cored and finely shredded (about 3 cups)
  • ¼ large red cabbage
 (about 1 pound), cored and finely shredded (about 3 cups)
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 1 stalk celery, thinly cut on the diagonal
  • 1 green onion, trimmed and chopped
  • ½ jalapeño chile, cored, seeded, and chopped

Reprinted with permission from Lighten Up, Y’all by Virginia Willis ©
2015. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Penguin Random House,
Inc. Photography © 2015 by Angie Mosier. For more information please
visit www.virginiawillis.com