Meet Tonya Freeman, Fundraising Committee Co-Chair for 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. Tonya Freeman is the fundraising committee co-chair 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 of Georgia.

Tonya Henderson Freeman<br />(AB ’86)</br>

Tonya Freeman

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

I graduated in December 1986, and my degree is in statistics. I was already working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so I went back to work at CDC. That is where I’m still working 31 years later!

 

Which Black Alumni Affinity Group event are you most proud of?

I’m really proud of the UGA Black Alumni Brunch and Learn: A Discussion of Finance and Wealth we hosted in April. We invited former UGA football player Mohamed Massaquoi (BS ’08) and UGA professor Kenneth White, Ph.D. to speak about finances and wealth in the black community.

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

[The Black Alumni Leadership Council] has helped me express to fellow alumni how important it is to still be a part of UGA. Getting black alumni to understand that it’s important to stay connected to UGA, to give back to UGA, and showing them some of the programs and scholarships for the students is important. I’m actually enjoying the generations that I’ve come in contact with. It’s not just about my generation, it’s about the generations behind us and ahead of us.

Tonya with members of the Black Alumni Leadership Council at the 2016 Black Alumni Scholarship Fundraiser.

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

How important college is, but also how fun college can be! You’re building relationships that last for a lifetime, and I really feel like anybody that hasn’t had the opportunity to experience college is really missing a great opportunity in life.

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

If you need studying habits, always go to the library first! Go to the library before you go back to your dorm. For me, that’s how I made it. I’d always do my homework before going back to the dorm. Another thing I’d say is to never underestimate your networking opportunities; not just with students, but with your professors and staff at UGA.

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

My commitment is to give back financially to UGA, to support UGA and to be a good steward for a school that I’m really proud of.

Meet Raymond Phillips, President 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. Raymond Phillips (BS ’12) is president of the Black Alumni Leadership Council. In this role, Phillips leads strategy and determines how best to engage graduates and connect them back to the university and its mission. We recently interviewed Phillips to learn more about his UGA experience and what drives him to stay connected to the University of Georgia.

Raymond Phillips<br />(BS ’12) </br>

Raymond Phillips

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

I graduated from UGA with a bachelor of science in computer science in 2012, and immediately began working for an IT consulting firm, CTS, in Atlanta. In fall 2016, I returned to UGA to pursue my MBA through Terry College of Business’ Professional MBA program in Buckhead.

How did you get involved with the Alumni Association?

After graduation, I met Realenn Watters, associate director of alumni outreach, for a birthday dinner. While there, I expressed that I wanted to be more involved with the university, particularly, since I was so heavily involved as an undergraduate.  She explained that the UGA Alumni Association had a multicultural steering committee, which was the catalyst for the Black Alumni Leadership Council, and asked if I would like to join. I jumped at the chance, and I am so happy that I did. The work I have done with the UGA Alumni Association has been one of the best things to happen to me.

Which Black Alumni Affinity Group event are you most proud of?

This is the hardest question you could ever ask. I would have to say it was our fundraising event at American Spirit Whiskey. It was a great way to learn how whiskey is made, interact with fellow alumni and university staff, as well as raise funds for the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund. Additionally, it was great to support a business owned by a UGA alumnus.

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

Although I am in my career, I believe that everyone needs a mentor at every stage of life. Serving on the Black Alumni Leadership Council has provided me with mentors that have provided guidance in my personal and professional life. The council has reconnected me to the university and reinforced my love of the University of Georgia, which prompted me to enroll in the Terry Professional MBA program.

Raymond with members of the Black Alumni Leadership Council at the 2017 Atlanta Minority Admitted Student Reception.

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

The importance of time management! It may be a cliché, but it is true. I had many interests and had a habit of committing to things without thinking twice. I have always gotten through it by managing my time. During undergrad, I used my Google calendar to keep track of where I needed to be, events that I wanted to attend, and tests for which I needed study. It really helped me to stay organized.

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

Do not be afraid to expose yourself to opportunities that place you outside of your comfort zone. Those opportunities will provide growth and help you identify a passion, or apathy, that you didn’t know you had for something.

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

My commitment is to support and mentor UGA students in whatever way that I can— I have made monetary donations, sat on panels and served as a mentor. I am involved because I want students to be able to connect with alumni that can provide guidance– something I wish I had as I completed my undergraduate studies.

University of Georgia Fundraising Skyrockets

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In the first year of the public phase of the Commit to Georgia Campaign, UGA donors set a new record in fundraising, contributing $227.8 million in new gifts and pledges. This marks the fourth consecutive year that UGA donors have set a new record in fundraising and the first time in the university’s long history that the annual total has surpassed $200 million.

“When we launched the public phase of the campaign last fall, we called on our alumni and friends to help us expand the impact of this great university on the world,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Clearly, they are answering that call with extraordinary generosity and support, and it is with the deepest sense of gratitude that I say ‘thank you’ for making gifts that are changing lives.”

The goal of the Commit to Georgia Campaign is to raise $1.2 billion by 2020 to increase scholarship support, to enhance the learning environment, and to solve the grand challenges facing society. More donors than ever contributed this year—another all-time record—to reach an overall total of $827 million toward the campaign goal.

“I am not surprised to hear that more donors gave to UGA this year,” said Ruth Bartlett, immediate past president of the UGA Alumni Association. “Our alumni believe strongly in UGA’s vision for the future, and they are eager to help make it a reality.”

Through the UGA Alumni Association, 14 students are currently receiving $37,000 of support from the Alumni Association’s general endowed scholarship, Black Alumni Scholarship and study abroad scholarships. The Women of UGA affinity group was also able to endow the Women of UGA Scholarship in March, which will be awarded next year. We asked some of our alumni volunteers why they give to the university. Here is what they had to say:

Emily Hammond CookEmily Hammond Cook (AB ’07), President of the New York City Chapter “I love UGA and am so deeply grateful to it for all the ways in which it shaped and molded me into who I am today. Those four years in Athens were the most formative years of my life and I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for UGA and the experiences and relationships formed there.”

 

Brian DillBrian Dill (AB ’94), UGA Alumni Association Board Vice President, “Financial aid was a key component in my attending and graduating from the University of Georgia. My degree has allowed me to travel the world and I cannot think of a better way to honor this blessing than to assist others in the same endeavor.”

 

 

Dominique Holloman (BS ’01, AB ’01, MED ’04, JD ’04), Black Alumni Leadership Council Immediate Past President, “I was blessed during my time as a student to only have to worry about my next assignment or exam. There are students who are hungry and who are unable to purchase needed books and supplies. That is disappointing and unacceptable to me, and I hope it is to other graduates as well. My commitment is scholarships.”

 

Joshua W. Jones (AB ’08, ABJ ’08, MBA ’16), Young Alumni Leadership Council Fundraising Chair, “I give to empower tomorrow’s leaders. Current students will be the ones who will shape our future at the local, state and national level.”

 

 

 

Rubina Malik (PHD ’15), Women of UGA Leadership Council Mentorship Chair, “The ability to give is a privilege. To be able to support those who might not have the opportunity, or means, to get a formal education without support allows me to fulfill my purpose to cultivate leaders.”

 

 

Bill ThomasBill Thomas (AB ’88), UGA Alumni Association Board Secretary, “I have found that staying connected with the university will provide you great opportunities beyond the few years that you spend on campus earning your degree. I give back to the university to ensure that it remains a world class institution, and that it can attract, and retain, deserving students.”

A Sweet Taste of Athens in Atlanta

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The following was written by Elizabeth Powell (BS ’06, ABJ ’06), a member of the Young Alumni Leadership Council. 

Sounds of live music, laughter, and clinks of pints rang through Atlanta’s SweetWater Brewing Company as a packed house of UGA young alumni gathered for a fun evening on Friday, June 23.

The threat of a summer thunderstorm couldn’t dampen the excitement of what became the largest turnout of the annual Young Alumni Night at SweetWater, with nearly 600 attendees coming out for an evening of sipping SweetWater tastings, enjoying Jim ‘n Nick’s BBQ, grabbing some goodies from Onward Reserve (a Bulldog 100 business!), listening to tunes from the Atlanta Wedding Band, and reminiscing about their time in Athens.

The event marked the first led by the newly-created UGA Young Alumni Leadership Council, formed in February 2017. The evening was an excellent opportunity for the members to meet some of the nearly 40,000 Atlanta young alumni who they will represent while serving on the council.

The council will be working to plan events to bring this group together throughout the year and share ways for all young alumni to find their passion at UGA and give back to those areas.

“What a turnout…nearly 600 people, even in the pouring rain,” TJ Callaway (BBA ’07), the president of the UGA Young Alumni Leadership Council, said, “It was a great opportunity to bring together UGA alumni for a fun night with a purpose.  Events like this are a great reminder of how strong our alumni base is, and how important it is for us to find ways to stay involved and connected with each other in the Atlanta community.  Hats off to the UGA Alumni Association staff for all of the work that went into building what has become an annual UGA tradition in Atlanta.”

Check out photos from the event here and learn more about the UGA Young Alumni Leadership Council here.

Announcing the 40 Under 40 Class of 2017!

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The University of Georgia Alumni Association has unveiled the 40 Under 40 Class of 2017. The program began in 2011 and celebrates the personal, professional and philanthropic achievements of UGA graduates who are under the age of 40.

This year’s class includes alumni from a variety of industries ranging from law to agriculture. Among the honorees are ESPN’s Maria Taylor, Georgia Teacher of the Year Casey M. Bethel, state Rep. Sam Watson, who represents Colquitt, Thomas and Tift counties, and Maritza McClendon, the first woman of color to represent Team USA on the Olympic swim team.

The honorees will be recognized during the seventh annual 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon on Sept. 14 at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead. Ernie Johnson, a 1978 UGA graduate, will serve as keynote speaker for the event. Johnson is a co-host on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” and is the lead announcer for “Major League Baseball on TBS.” He delivered UGA’s 2017 undergraduate Commencement address in May. Registration will open for the awards luncheon at alumni.uga.edu/40u40 in the coming weeks.

“We are excited about this year’s 40 Under 40 class,” Meredith Gurley Johnson, executive director of alumni relations, said. “These young alumni are making a difference in the classroom, boardroom, operating room and everywhere in between.”

Nominations for 40 Under 40 were open from February to April, and nearly 400 alumni were nominated for this year’s class. Honorees must have attended UGA and aspire to uphold the Pillars of the Arch. Additional criteria are available on the UGA Alumni Association website.

“We received hundreds of nominations, and our graduates have made some incredible accomplishments,” Johnson added. “It is more difficult every year to narrow the list down to 40, and that is a testament to the caliber of our alumni. We are so proud.”

This year’s 40 Under 40 honorees, including their graduation year from UGA, city, title and employer, are:

  • Casey M. Bethel, 2005, Lithia Springs, Georgia Department of Education Teacher of the Year, New Manchester High School
  • Travis Butler, 2009, Athens, president, Butler Properties and Development
  • Eric Callahan, 2005, Griffin, owner, Callahan Industries
  • Mariel Clark, 2001, Knoxville, vice president, Home + Travel Digital, Scripps Network Interactive
  • Andrew Dill, 2006 and 2007, Marietta, director of government affairs, Lockheed Martin
  • Amelia Dortch, 2006 and 2012, Auburn, Alabama, state public affairs specialist, U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Katie Dubnik, 2003, Gainesville, president, Forum Communications
  • Rebecca Evans, 2010, Savannah, equine veterinarian, Evans Equine LLC
  • Rebecca Filson, 2005, Roswell, regional vice president of operations, BenchMark Rehab Partners
  • Matt Forshee, 2000, Evans, region manager for community and economic development, Georgia Power
  • Nicholas Friedmann, 2006, Washington, D.C., private client relationship manager, Citibank
  • James Gates, 2001 and 2004, Atlanta, partner, Bell Oaks Executive Search
  • Christine Green, 2002, New York, general counsel, Leadership for Educational Equity
  • Lauren Griffeth, 2005, 2008 and 2013, Athens, administrative director of agricultural leadership, education and communication, UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
  • Destin Hill, 2002, Phoenix, physician, Arizona Sports Medicine Center
  • Dominique Holloman, 2001 and 2004, Atlanta, independent consultant
  • Katie Jacobs, 2005, Athens, owner, Cheeky Peach Boutique
  • Jonas Jennings, 2000, Athens, director of player development, UGA Athletic Association; president, JJ 75 Properties LLC
  • LeRoya Chester Jennings, 2001, Atlanta, managing partner, Chester Jennings & Smith LLC
  • Adam C. Johnson, 2016, Atlanta, senior consultant, Cognizant
  • Joshua Jones, 2008 and 2016, Atlanta, president/CEO, Red Clay Communications Inc.
  • Marcus Jones, 2009, Detroit, president, Detroit Training Center
  • Kasey Knight, 2005, Quitman, pharmacist/owner, Lee & Pickels Drugs
  • Matt Koperniak, 2002 and 2004, Sugar Hill, director of bands, Riverwatch Middle School
  • Dorian Lamis, 2003, Atlanta, assistant professor/clinical psychologist, Emory University School of Medicine
  • Dan Ludlam, 2004 and 2007, Atlanta, senior manager, real estate attorney, Chick-fil-A Inc.
  • Gordon Maner, 2004, Charleston, South Carolina, managing partner, Allen Mooney & Barnes
  • Maritza McClendon, 2005, Atlanta, senior brand marketing manager for OshKosh B’gosh, Carter’s Inc.
  • Behnoosh Momin, 2015, Chamblee, health scientist, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Travis Moore, 2003, Kirkwood, Missouri, senior brewmaster, Anheuser-Busch InBev
  • Wes Neece, 2000, Atlanta, merchandising vice president for lighting, The Home Depot
  • Julian Price, 2000, Watkinsville, physician/partner, Athens Orthopedic Clinic
  • Tim Puetz, 2006, Silver Spring, Maryland, operations manager, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
  • Tucker Berta Sarkisian, 2000, Atlanta, director of public relations, SweetWater Brewing Co.
  • Maria Taylor, 2009 and 2013, Charlotte, North Carolina, sports broadcaster, ESPN
  • Alissa Vickery, 2001, Mableton, senior vice president for accounting and controls, Fleetcor Technologies Inc.
  • Sam Watson, 2002, Moultrie, managing partner, Chill C Farms/Moultrie Melon Co. ; state representative House District 172
  • Laura Whitaker, 2007 and 2010, Watkinsville, executive director, Extra Special People
  • Whitney Woodward, 2000, Covington, vice president for total rewards, RaceTrac Petroleum Inc.
  • Alex Wright, 2008, Byron, overseas research fellow, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Allison Moran (MED ’91) named 2017 Retailer Executive of the Year

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Allison Moran (MED ’91), CEO of the University of Georgia’s long-standing partner RaceTrac Petroleum Inc., has been selected as 2017 Retailer Executive of the Year by Convenience Store News.

The award recognizes a retailer executive who exemplifies leadership, business acumen, dedication to the industry and commitment to community service.

Allison joined her family’s 83-year business in 1994, working in the operations department. She is responsible for the creation and development of RaceTrac’s human resources department, which she oversaw for six years before being promoted to senior vice president in 2005. She assumed the role of chief executive officer from her father, Carl Bolch Jr., who now serves as chairman of the company.

In addition to her work at RaceTrac, Allison serves on the executive committee for the Family Business Network, is on the board of trustees for the Westminster Schools, the board of trustees for Rhodes College, and is a member of the board of directors for the Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing (NACS).

RaceTrac Petroleum is one of the Southeast’s largest and most successful businesses. Headquartered in Cobb County, the company runs more than 700 stores in the region and is Georgia’s third largest privately held company. RaceTrac was also one of the top 20 chains in CSNews’ annual Top 100 list. Founded in 1934, RaceTrac Petroleum is now worth more than $7 billon and is one of America’s largest private companies.

The University of Georgia is a proud partner with RaceTrac. In February, Allison graciously served as a panelist during the University of Georgia’s Inaugural Women’s Leadership Forum, and UGA’s Real Estate Society hosted RaceTrac employees. Her company employs 55 UGA alumni, and six out of 18 interns participating in RaceTrac’s All Star Internship Program this summer are UGA students.

Allison was recognized as Woman of the Year in the 2014 CSNews Top Women in Convenience awards program, and was also recognized as the 2016 Woman Executive of the Year by Shelby Report.

Alumni Chapters give back on Dawg Day of Service

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On April 8, Alumni Chapters from Nashville to New York hosted community service events as a part of Dawg Day of Service. This initiative encourages Bulldogs all across the world to pay it forward. These events strengthen the connection between the chapters and their communities.

The following chapters hosted events: Jacksonville, Fl. (Humane Society); Dallas-Fort Worth (Habitat for Humanity); Southwest Florida (Bowditch Park); Metro Atlanta (Atlanta Community Toolbank); New York City (Concern Spring Run); Charlotte (Levine Children’s Hospital); Emerald Coast (St. Andrews Park); and Nashville (Nuci’s Space Benefit).

Check out photos from some of the service projects below.

The Charlotte Chapter visited Seacrest Studios to raise money for Levine Children’s Hospital.

 

The Emerald Coast Chapter hosted a beach clean-up at St. Andrews State Park.

 

The New York City Chapter participated in the Concern Spring Run in Central Park, benefiting people living in extreme poverty.

 

The Southwest Florida Chapter hosted a beach clean-up day at Bowditch State Park. The chapter picked up trash, spread mulch and cut down an invasive vine called the coin vine.

 

 

 

Outgoing Board Members Offer Career Advice to Graduates

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The UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors serves in an advisory capacity to promote, support and advance the programs and services provided by the UGA Alumni Association to the UGA Community. Each board member demonstrates a strong commitment to furthering the university’s legacy.

We recently asked outgoing board members for their best career advice after graduating college. Here’s what they had to say!

Ruth Bartlett (BBA ’76)

“Best piece of career advice may have been to hold out, within a reasonable timeframe, for the job you think is best for you. Do not rush into the first offer you receive if it is not what you think you want to do. Once you do accept a position, work hard and stay at that job at least a couple of years so your resume does not look like you are job hopping.”

Maureen Clayton (ABJ ’80, MA ’84)

“Be 10 minutes early. I wish someone had drilled this into my head when I was younger. You can always count on traffic to be heavy when you need to be at an important meeting, so start earlier than you need to. When you’re late, it looks like you don’t value others’ time and they don’t forget it. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Even if it doesn’t work out, you learn more from your failures than from your successes. The most interesting people constantly reinvent themselves.”

Brian Fuller (BS ’98)

“My career advice, especially early in your career, is choose a manager, not a title, role or organization. You want a manager that has a track record of, and desire to, mentor and grow his/her people and ensure they get every opportunity possible within the organization. My other advice would be to always raise your hand, regardless of if it’s completely comfortable or not. Stretch yourself and build a personal brand within your organization of being the one who is always ready and willing to dive in and do what it takes to ensure success.”

Tim Keadle (BBA ’78)

“My advice … Never allow yourself to lose connection with the university; reconnecting is always a lot harder than maintaining a connection. Visit campus early and often, it soothes your very soul.”

Trey Paris (BBA ’84, MBA ’85)

“It is an age old adage, but my best career advice: find a purposeful job you truly enjoy and are passionate about and you will never work another day in your life. As the late Katherine Graham, the influential and admired publisher of the Washington Post, once said, ‘To love what you do and feel that it matters, what could possibly be more fun?’ I would also recommend that you seek out a mentor, someone who can provide advice, insight, feedback and an honest assessment of your strengths and development needs as you pursue your career goals and objectives. I have been extremely fortunate to have had several mentors during my career, and it has made all the difference. And, pay it forward as you advance in your life’s pursuits– become a mentor to those who follow you!”

Barbara Woods (BFA ’77)

“Flexibility and a ‘make it happen’ attitude have served me well in work environments. I’ve been in quite a few situations similar to ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ film or ‘Survivor’ TV show and somehow, usually by contacting every person I know, I’ve found what was needed for the event or for the person requesting what appears impossible. Finding a bagpipe player to open a ceremony over the Labor Day weekend is a request that many people I work with still remember.”

Martha Zoller (ABJ ’79) (on right)

“Finish your education and then go through the open doors. You might get an opportunity to do something you’ve never dreamed of. Also, once you accept a position, ask for help when you need it and get (and take) advice from more senior people in the office. Keep every contact, because you never know when you’ll come across that person again. And finally, be pleasant and compassionate. You never know what people have gone through before they get to you. Work is about doing a good job but a career is about relationships.”

 

Alumnus Profile: Ira Bershad

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University of Georgia graduates end up in a wide array of careers and in every state and many countries. Ira Bershad, a Terry College graduate from the Class of 1987, has forged his own path as a small business owner in Texas using the skills he learned at the University of Georgia.

We spoke with Ira about his experience as a Georgia Bulldog and how he stays connected to his alma mater.

Where are you from and what made you decide to attend UGA?
I was born in Brooklyn and moved to Georgia as an 11-year old. I looked at a lot of schools, but UGA offered the best combination of business school, campus activities, sports, social and location for me.

You studied business at UGA – what drew you to that subject? Did you always want to own your own business?
I was always interested in business and specifically marketing and branding. We had a great high school business program where I grew up.  I am still to this day in touch with the program’s coordinator. Growing up in Atlanta, I wanted to be president of Coca-Cola when I grew up. I was hired by Procter & Gamble when I graduated and I got the best training there was. I still use things every day that I learned at P&G.

Tell me about your business and what you do, your experience as a small business owner and how UGA prepared you for that.
I have been recruiting in the area of sales and marketing in the consumer packaged goods industry for the past 21 years. I started Bulldog Search Group in 2011. After all those years working for other companies, I was more than ready to open my own business. I learned a lot from the various places I worked, but wanted the ability and the flexibility to build the business I wanted to run. When I first opened in 2011, it gave me the flexibility to be super involved with my daughters—coaching them in soccer and softball and having a flexible schedule. As the business grew, I had the ability and skills to grow with it. UGA was a fantastic foundation for business learning.  I was involved heavily in campus leadership as president of the business school student council, president of Leadership Resource Team (LRT), president of Freshman Council and a member of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) Fraternity. Being involved during college teaches, amongst other important things, time management. I have found the busiest people I know are also the most productive and reliable.

Describe your time at UGA in three words.
Rewarding. Fulfilling. Endearing.

What was your most memorable college experience?
I have too many. My most memorable college experience is the total experience—activities, leadership, social, sports and oh yeah, academic.

What is the most valuable piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Work hard and be nice to people.

How do you stay connected to UGA out in Texas?
I am probably as connected to my UGA friends as anyone. With text and social media, it’s no different than being in Atlanta but beyond driving distance. I am in constant contact with UGA and FIJI friends. I’ve organized an annual road trip to a Georgia game for nearly a decade.  There are a lot of UGA graduates here in North Texas and this area sends a number of freshmen to Athens.

The Class of 2017 just graduated – what message do you have for those new alumni?
Take your career seriously from the very beginning. Work hard and be smart about your career. Don’t be afraid to detour and take a calculated risk, but have a plan. Always remember you never know when you will meet up again with a former boss or coworker.  Your resume is everything you do in business—both your accomplishments and how you treat people. Nothing is off the record.

A Bulldog in the Golden State: Rachel Hundley

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In early June, the University of Georgia traveled to California for a series of alumni receptions in San Francisco and Los Angeles. While there, we caught up with some of our outstanding Bulldogs on the West Coast. Rachel Hundley, a member of the Class of 2005, moved to California after leaving a career in law, started a food truck and is now mayor of Sonoma, California.

We spoke to Hundley about what led her to the University of Georgia and how her time as a Bulldog prepared her for an unexpected career in politics, and what advice she would give to the Class of 2017.

Where are you from and what made you decide to attend UGA?
I was born in Charleston, South Carolina and went to Wando High School in Mt. Pleasant. As high school was coming to an end, I wasn’t sure where or what my next step would be. A few friends were already committed to UGA, so I took a closer look. The wide variety of classes, programs and activities at UGA were the perfect fit for a soon-to-be high school graduate who had many interests to explore.

You studied journalism, speech communications and political science – what drew you to those subjects? Did you always initially plan to attend law school?
My “first” major was political science. I had taken AP Government as a high school senior and was utterly fascinated by the subject. Little did I know the significance this area would have in my life 15 years later when I was elected to the city council and later named mayor. I added journalism to exercise the creative side of my brain and seriously contemplated a career in that field until I eventually decided to attend law school. I was minoring in speech and communications and loved the classes so much I upgraded it to a major. Looking back, I put together the perfect program of thinking, writing and speaking to build the skills I regularly use today as a mayor, attorney and business owner.

Describe your time at UGA in three words.
Challenging, memorable and fun!

What was your most memorable college experience?
My semester with SPIA@Oxford was life-changing. The coursework deepened my understanding of policy and law, and eventually lead me to law school. The experience of living in another country while engaged in those studies and living in a house full of political science students permanently shifted the way that I saw the world and how people fit together.

You left a career in law to start your own food truck and are now in politics. What is one piece of career advice that has been valuable to you across all of these careers? What would you say to someone who is looking to change career paths and start something new?
You don’t need to know where you will end up. You only need to pick a direction and start moving. Opportunities will present themselves to you along the way that you never could have imagined when your journey began.
Sometimes making a big decision — such as what you should study or which job offer you should take or in what city should you live — is paralyzing because we can’t see how the story ends. My experience has been that the most exciting, interesting and satisfying opportunities I’ve had have only presented themselves to me while I was hard at work toward a different goal.

It was a big jump for me to leave the South and move to New York City after law school. I had never considered living there before I got the job offer, but it seemed like an adventure. Not only did I gain experience in the legal field and have a lot of fun, I also met the person who would later become my business partner in California.
Working in the corporate legal world was educational and interesting, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do forever. In my spare hours, I started exploring other paths I could take and eventually settled on moving to California and starting a food truck business. The decision wasn’t made overnight and involved a lot of due diligence. It took a year to make the official move and then another year to launch the business.

My understanding and appreciation of local government was quietly growing in the years after I graduated from UGA. I knew I wanted to be more involved “one day,” but when 2014 rolled around, “one day” turned into “right now.” I had only been living in Sonoma for a year, and, to be honest, didn’t think I had a shot at winning a spot on city council. On advice from some of the current council members at the time, I saw the experience as a practice round. I didn’t know the first thing about campaigning, and, most of all, I wanted to immerse myself in my new community. I spent the summer drinking an excessive amount of coffee as I met with community leaders one by one to learn more about the issues facing the community. In the afternoons, I’d go door to door, and every Tuesday night I set up a table at the big farmer’s market.

By the time election night rolled around, I was proud that I tried something bold and put myself out there. Whether its moving to a new city, pivoting to a new career path, or running for office, it can be scary to take the first step in a new direction, but the opportunities waiting for you out there are beyond your wildest dreams.

How did your time at UGA prepare you for “the real world?”
UGA gave me so many opportunities to grow. I still remember and use a lot of the substantive knowledge and practical skills I learned. Outside of class, the extracurricular activities and clubs introduced me to my closest friends and gave me opportunities to build leadership skills. By the time I left UGA, I was more than prepared for my next step of attending law school.

What did getting into politics teach you about yourself?
Running for office takes “putting yourself out there” to a whole other level. The closest way to describe running for local office is like going on a first date with everyone in your city. I was pretty shy growing up and have a history of stage fright, so having to publicly market myself to thousands of people was challenging. Now that I am mayor, I really enjoy talking to people about city issues because those are the things I care the most about and have a deep understanding of.

Being a public figure, particularly mayor, has also been illuminating. My constituents are passionate and opinionated, and they are never in perfect agreement. Sometimes the decisions are tough, but I’ve learned the only right answer is the one in which I truly believe… even when I know people I respect and admire will be disappointed or that I will face sharp criticism. I’d rather keep my integrity and lose a reelection than cast a vote I didn’t wholeheartedly believe in.

How do you stay connected to UGA out on the West Coast?
I am thankful for all of the magazines and online news coming out of UGA, but I need to work on my UGA west coast network!

The Class of 2017 just graduated – what message do you have for those new alumni?
The world is yours to shape! Pick a direction, start moving and keep an eye out for unexpected opportunities.