Alumnus Spotlight: Ryan Fogelgren (BBA ’08)

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Meet UGA alumnus Ryan Fogelgren (BBA ’08), co-founder of Arches Brewing, a small-batch craft brewery located in Hapeville, Georgia. The craft brewing industry is one that has grown exponentially in recent years—both in prevalence and popularity. Ryan was introduced to the craft beer concept while living in Athens as he would often volunteer at Terrapin Beer Company, a Bulldog 100 business, or study local beer menus, fascinated by the varying flavors and styles. Ryan claims, “My girlfriend at the time, now wife, Lauren (BS ’08) would always get frustrated because I would spend so much time analyzing the beers that it would take me 20 minutes to pick one!”

ryan fogelgren

Despite his entrepreneurial spirit, Ryan graduated with a degree in management, moved to Atlanta, and began working in technology sales. However, with a long-standing love affair with the brewing concept, he began to dig into the possibilities of opening a brewery of his own. After connecting with a few lawyers and biochemists-turned-brewmasters, Ryan and his business partners took a leap of faith to develop what is now known as Arches Brewing. With a combined 12 years of home-brewing experience already under their belts, the team spent a year developing a business plan and mastering an efficient brewing process with over 30 recipes.

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The founders then spent a year building the Arches Brewing tasting room themselves— start to finish. Designed to feel like a Bavarian tasting hall with reclaimed and repurposed wood and fixtures, this UGA alumnus and his team proudly opened the doors of their commercial craft brewery in April 2016. Arches Brewing’s focus is to bring the best of old-world and modern brewing practices together to deliver beer styles never commercially brewed in Georgia. “We continue to have visitors from all over Georgia and the Southeast.  It has been an amazing journey and it’s only the beginning. We look forward to seeing where this story goes.”

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UGA’s Olympic History

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With August finally here, one of this year’s most exciting events is about to begin, the 2016 Summer Olympics. This year’s games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Twenty years ago, the Summer Olympics were held in Atlanta, Georgia. While the majority of the events were held in Atlanta, some events were held on the UGA campus. Soccer matches were held in Sanford Stadium, while rhythmic gymnastics and indoor volleyball were held in Stegeman Coliseum.

Stegeman Coliseum during the 1996 Summer Olympics

Stegeman Coliseum during the 1996 Summer Olympics

UGA has had many students-athletes and former students compete in past Olympic Games. Since 1936, UGA has had eighteen students win gold medals in many events. The first student to win a gold medal was Forrest ‘Spec’ Towers in the 1936 summer games. Towns won a gold medal in the 100 meter high hurdles while also setting a world record that would go untouched for the next fourteen years. The famous Olympic torch was run through campus before the 1996 Summer Olympics by former head football coach Vince Dooley. Dooley ran the torch from inside Sanford Stadium through campus before passing it off. Little known fact? In addition to being a football player and MMA fighter, Herschel Walker was an Olympic athlete! He was a member of the U.S. bobsledding team in 1992 Winter games. See the complete list of UGA’s former Olympics athletes and coaches here.

The Georgia Athletics Museum, located in the Butts-Mehre building on South Campus, has a display year-round showcasing the UGA Olympic athletes. The display showcases the official 1996 match volleyball used in Stegeman Coliseum. The display also holds four of Teresa Edwards’ (BSED ’89) medals, three gold and one bronze. Edwards competed on five different U.S. Olympic women’s basketball teams during her career. Edwards’ first medal was won while she was a student at Georgia. The display lists every UGA student, along with their event, that has ever competed in any Olympics. Butts-Mehre is open for any visitors to walk through and tour all displays, including the Olympics display. For more information about the Georgia Athletics Museum, visit the Athletics website.

Former UGA swimmer Allison Schmitt

Former UGA swimmer Allison Schmitt

At this year’s Olympic Games, many current or former UGA athletes will be competing along with UGA Swimming Coach Jack Bauerle who will be the U.S. assistant men’s swimming coach. UGA’s track coach, Petros Kyprianou will coach the Estonian track team at the games. Chase Kalisz ‘17, Jay Litherland ‘18,  Olivia Smoliga ’17, Brittany MacLean ’17, Chantal Van Landeghem ’17, Matias Koski ’16, Melanie Margalis (BSFCS ’14), and Allison Schmitt (BS ’14) will be competing in swim. Kendell Williams ‘17, Keturah Orji ‘18, Maicel Uibo ‘16, Leonti Kallenou ‘16, Cejhae Greene ‘18, Karl Saluri ‘18, Levern Spencer (BSHP ’08), Quintunya Chapman ’16, and other former athletes will compete in track and field. All athletes will be representing their home country. The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication is sending two students, Jaylon Thompson ’17 and Nicole Chrzanowski ’16, from the Sports Media Certificate Program to cover the Olympics in Rio. Grady College will also send nine students to cover the Paralympics in September.

You can watch the opening ceremonies this evening at 7:00 p.m. ET on NBC.

Summer Send-Off for Corporate Chapter Interns

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As summer comes to an end, UGA student interns will soon head back to Athens equipped with a summer’s worth of experience from a variety of companies and organizations. Two of the UGA Alumni Association Corporate Chapters recently hosted events to honor their UGA student interns before they begin the fall semester. UGA alumni working at The Home Depot (above) and Chick-fil-A headquarters organized networking and panel discussion gatherings to bid farewell to the young adults who dedicated time and talents over the summer.

The UGA Alumni Association would like to extend its gratitude to the following panelists and organizers for making these Corporate Chapter Student Send-Off events a success:

The Home Depot
Panel discussion on Friday, July 22

Moderator: Wes Neece (BBA ’00)
Ryan Zupancic (MBA ’15)
Rob Thomas (BBA ’08, MACC ’09)
Michelle Pyne (BSED ’07, MBA ’11)
Matthew Pitts (BSA ’11)
Andrew Sexton (BBA ’15)
Tommy Ryan (BBA ’96, MED ’98)

Chick-fil-A Intern Send-Off

Chick-fil-A Intern Send-Off

Chick-fil-A
Panel discussion on Monday, July 25

Moderator: Todd Phinney (BBA ’88)
Allison Duncan (BBA ’09)
Amy Ohde (MBA ’02)
Wayne Hoover (ABJ ’83)
Robin Hoover (BSED ’83)

UGA Alumni Association Corporate Chapters foster networking, fellowship and camaraderie among UGA graduates in the workplace. To learn more, please email alumni@uga.edu, call (404) 814-8820. If you or your company are interested in hiring UGA students or alumni, please click here to learn more from the UGA Career Center.

The legendary Jack Davis (1924 – 2016)

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On July 27, news of comic artist and longtime Bulldog fan Jack Davis’ passing spread among the Bulldog Nation. Known for his distinctive style and love of celebrating the Georgia Bulldogs, Davis’ artwork graces the walls and offices of many Bulldogs. One of the founding editors of Mad Magazine, Davis’ influence extended far beyond Athens, Georgia.

When asked about Davis’ legacy and involvement with the UGA Alumni Association, former executive director Dave Muia (AB ’74, MED ’79) said, “Jack was a true gentleman and loyal alumnus. He was always pleased to serve the university and share his talent. While he is immortalized by his famous Bulldog caricatures that he did annually for the Georgia Bulldog Club, he also did a variety of special projects for the Georgia Fund and the UGA Alumni Association. Each and every time his illustrations were used, whether on the cover of the Georgia Magazine or given as a commemorative print, alumni and friends were filled with pride.”

A Jack Davis original from the Hargrett Library collection

Born Dec. 2, 1924, in Atlanta and raised in Georgia, Davis studied with artist Lamar Dodd at the University of Georgia, which he attended on the G.I. Bill. Davis honed his skills at UGA drawing for The Red & Black, the student newspaper, and Bullsheet, an Athens humor publication. He later moved to New York, where he attended the Art Students League before working with William Gaines’ EC Comics. He later supplied covers for Time and TV Guide, created album cover art and designed movie posters.

Jack Davis' self-portrait

Jack Davis’ self-portrait

He endeared himself to Georgia Bulldog fans over decades with his famous caricatures of a bulldog usually pummeling opposing team mascots and/or celebrating after UGA victories.

His long relationship with the UGA athletics program began in 1948 when he drew head football coach Wally Butts for the front and back of that year’s media guide.

UGA alumnus Ryan Scates (AB ’10, JD ’13) penned a heartfelt thank you note to Jack Davis in Bulldawg Illustrated.

“Aside from his kind and giving personality, how Jack Davis painted UGA came to be how we all saw the Red and Black. Colorful. Loud. Intense, but not without a healthy dose of self-awareness and fun. From the private chambers of the Georgia Supreme Court to South Georgia Barber shops, his work is displayed across the “Bulldog Nation” as a reminder of the best parts of what it means to be a part of the University of Georgia.

In my book, Jack Davis is UGA. What Munson did for our ears, Davis did for our eyes. As Jeff Dantzler said, we were so lucky to have him.

May we all aspire to live a life like Jack Davis – taking the time to use our talents and abilities to remind others about the best in themselves.”

In memory of Jack Davis’ life, please consider making a gift to the Lamar Dodd School of Art’s Jack Davis Scholarship. This scholarship will provide support for an undergraduate student(s) majoring in art who has a passion for illustration, and the demonstrated talent and dedication to succeed as an illustrator.

Athens Named One of the Most Affordable Cities in America

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When people hear Athens, Georgia, they think of a college town. But what many don’t know is that Athens is one of America’s most affordable towns in which to live.

Using data from Data USA and the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator, MintLife determined which cities in the United States would qualify for the title of most affordable. The list was narrowed down to 17 cities using average property value and cost of living.

With a housing cost 12 percent lower than the national average cost, Athens is the only city in Georgia to have made the cut. Athens reported an average property value of $156,700 and a $27,787 yearly budget for personal living. A few other cities from border states made the list too, including Huntsville, Alabama and Dunedin, Florida.

Along with having a low cost of living and average property value, Athens also offers a lot of free and low cost activities around the city. Days can be filled with trips to the State Botanical Garden, walks around the UGA campus, or a stroll down historic Milledge Avenue. The Georgia Theater has events throughout the year, including free movie screenings in the summer and inexpensive tickets to local band performances. Once a month, the University of Georgia’s Observatory, located in the Physics building on South Campus, is open for public star gazing, weather permitting. All of these activities reinforce Athens’s reputation as one of America’s most affordable cities.

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University of Georgia Observatory

For the full article, click here.

Scholarship recipient visits Spain on study abroad

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Charles Orgbon III, a repeat recipient of the Black Alumni Scholarship and member of the Class of 2017, took advantage of UGA’s incredible study abroad opportunities and traveled to Spain this summer. Charles wrote about his trip for Huffington Post in “3 Learned Lessons from Studying Abroad in Spain.”

By choosing to study abroad in Spain, I agreed to be open-minded about the people and the place where I would be living. Yet, when I landed in Spain this past May, I was mentally unprepared for the many differences between American and Spanish culture. Having grown up in the South, I am familiar with fried green tomatoes, wide open spaces, pick-up trucks, and a slow-talking drawl. Seemingly, everything I could have imagined was different in Spain.

Language was of course the most profound difference between America and Spain. One must understand that Spanish is not uniform from one Spanish-speaking country to another, and often times, Spanish, or language in general, can be spoken with multiple distinct accents within a country’s borders. At times, I would be corrected for using a word that was popular in South American Spanish, but not popular in European Spanish, and many times my American way of pronouncing words became a roadblock for comprehension.

In the city of Seville and the surrounding community of Andalucía, the culture were more noticeably influenced by Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula between 711 and 1492. This Muslim influence has also created a sweeping effect on the Spanish language around the world. Words such as tarea (task) come from the Arabic word ṭaríḥa, taza (cup) comes from Arabic’s tasa, and zumo (fruit juice) comes from Arabic’s zum.

Another fascination of mine was the similarities between European English and European Spanish for common phrases. For example, in Spain, the signs for the bathrooms would translate directly to toilets. Similarly, in England, the English signs for the bathrooms had also read toilets. Yet, in America, we label bathrooms as bathrooms, and use the Spanish translation for bathrooms (baños). Moreover, in America, if we must order food and we do not want to dine at the restaurant, we usually order to-go or take-out, but in England, they say to carry and in Spain, the English translation is the same: to carry (para llevar).

When it comes to cultural differences, you may be wondering: what are some tips for navigating a new world?

Embrace the difference. When I first arrived in Spain, I could not stop thinking about how everything was better in America, and by the time I had come back to America, I could not stop thinking about how everything was better in Spain. Better is not the best word to use when traveling abroad. Different is the more appropriate word. The sooner you can embrace this difference, the sooner you can begin the process of learning and feeling more like a global citizen.

People are different, but sometimes they really aren’t. While in Spain, you may wonder why people are dining so late in the evening, why fewer people own Apple products, why restaurants rarely provide indoor seating, why the men enjoy wearing jeans and closed-toed shoes in 100-degree summer heat, why WhatsApp is more popular than GroupMe, why the milk and eggs are left unrefrigerated, why they use two-pronged sockets instead of three-pronged sockets, and so much more. Instead of getting caught up in the human condition of always asking why, sometimes it can just be comforting to just recognize that we are all humans. We are motivated and influenced by very similar desires, ideas, and even fears.

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Separate yourself from American culture. It was remarkable that I had traveled 4,000 miles away from home, and on a 2-hour bus ride from Seville to the beach, the Spanish motor coach played a 2003 DVD of “Destiny’s Child – World Tour.” If you’re looking to find Americans, you’ll find them in Spain, but why would you choose to study abroad and then not fully immerse yourself in the culture? Beware of when you are judging or even rejecting the culture, and understand when to remind yourself of the purpose for the trip.

Having lived with a family that does not English, taken classes with professors who do not know English, and made many friends with Spanish speakers and learners, my Spanish language proficiency greatly improved. I was changed insofar that now I feel more confident and resilient when placed in situations where nothing feels familiar. I have a greater respect for individuals who immigrate to America, and English language learners, because they have to also overcome the same potential barriers I had to overcome.

This experience would have been impossible for me without the support of my university, the University of Georgia, the Gilman International Scholarship, and my language program partners, Spanish Abroad, CLIC (el Centro for Lenguas and Intercambio Culturas), and Brookhaven Community College’s Multinational Academic Program (MAP).

Interested in learning more about how you can support students like Charles through the Black Alumni Scholarship? Email Realenn Watters (AB ’04).

This article originally appeared on the Huffington Post.

Two Brothers, One Booming Pecan Business

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Rob (BSA ’96) and Eric Cohen (BSA ’00), two University of Georgia graduates, have uncovered one of Georgia’s best kept secrets – the pecan. The roots of the pecan in Georgia originates from Savannah, Georgia. The tree nut has been a staple item for Georgia landowners since the late 1800’s, which has led to the state becoming one of the country’s top pecan producers.

The brothers developed farming skills at an early age while working on their family’s farm in Brinson, Georgia. They learned the tricks of the trade from their father, who farmed pecans part-time. Throughout college, both brothers used the knowledge that they gained from their agriculture courses to assist on their family’s pecan orchard. Ultimately, Rob received his degree in plant protection and pest management, while Eric pursued agriculture economics.

The Cohen brothers would have never imagined that they would be running a successful business when they purchased their first pecan orchid back in 2000. Their farm, Pecan Ridge Plantation, spans across five counties, encompassing land in Thomasville all the way to Lake Seminole. Along with selling to international markets, both brothers began to expand their pecan knowledge by working on their own projects within the industry. Rob offers pecan consulting services, while Eric runs Truffles by Tate, a pecan truffle business.

Photo: Garden and Gun

Photo: Garden and Gun

Eric’s business is unique, in that his trained dog, Tate, finds concealed pecan truffles. After Eric realized that pecan truffles were difficult to find, but were a hot commodity, he turned to Dr. Tim Brenneman for assistance. Dr. Brenneman, a University of Georgia plant pathology professor, served as a mentor, and helped Eric find markets for his product. Now, Eric sells his product to both local and non-local high end restaurants, as well as food enthusiasts, who are looking to experiment with the truffles.

The limits for their pecans are endless. In 2014 the Cohen brothers started their own pecan oil business, and in 2016 became the first business to sell pecan truffle oil on the market. Recently, Eric was named to the UGA Alumni Association’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2016.

Read more about these Bulldog brothers in Garden and Gun.

Dawg Camp Fusion

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The transition from high school to college life can be daunting for incoming students. This is why the Dawg Camp program was created. Dawg Camp is an extended orientation program designed to assist students with their transition into the University of Georgia community. These programs allow participants to meet other incoming students and connect with current campus leaders in the spirit of UGA’s history and traditions over the course of multiple days. Dawg Camp provides a foundation for a successful college experience by exposing participants to student life, exploring common transition topics, and engaging in fun and dynamic activities. This is also an opportunity to develop close friendships and meaningful skills to thrive in the first year of college.

Dawg Camp Fusion, held in mid-June, is one of four Dawg Camps held throughout the 2016 summer. Fusion immersed incoming students into the diverse culture of UGA and Athens and taught them about the history of the Classic City. Life beyond the UGA campus influences a student’s time at the university, and thanks to Fusion, these students will enter freshman year with an extensive knowledge about the local community.

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Dawg Campers enjoying Your Pie

During Fusion, students toured some of the Classic City’s most historic locations, including the Morton Theater, the Georgia Theatre, 40 Watt Club and Nuci’s Space. They also enjoyed a visit to the State Botanical Gardens and had breakfast by Athens’ favorites Jittery Joes and Ike and Jane’s Donuts. On June 23, the students volunteered as ushers at the Morton Theater for the Flagpole Music Awards. Students concluded the week with AthFest, an Athens tradition that many alumni will fondly remember!

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Hearing from Athens Bagel Company owner David Asman

It wouldn’t be a trip to Athens without great local food! Stops included breakfast at Athens Bagel Company, owned by alumnus David Asman (BS ’08), lunches at Sauce House and Your Pie, and dinners from Tazikis, the Georgia Theatre rooftop, and Cali & Tito’s . Two of these restaurants, Athens Bagel Company and Your Pie, have been honored on the UGA Alumni Association’s Bulldog 100 list in previous years. During these meals, students met with local alumni to talk about their time in spent in Athens, their businesses, and other spots that are unique to Athens. While eating at Your Pie, met owner and alumnus Drew French (BBA ’05). In addition to owning a Bulldog 100 business, Drew was a member of the 40 Under 40 Class of 2015. After talking to the students about his experience Drew said, “I really enjoyed meeting with the Dawg Camp Fusion campers at Your Pie.  I’m glad to see that incoming freshmen have the ability to see a different side of Athens than what most experience in their time at UGA.  It is good to see that they are already focused on things that they are passionate about, and that UGA supports this passion by providing access to what makes Athens a great place.”

Want more information on Dawg Camp Fusion and the other Dawg Camps? Visit their website or Facebook page to learn more!

 

Gifts to UGA surge to historic heights

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For a third consecutive year, the University of Georgia has set a record in fundraising, bringing in $183.8 million in new gifts and commitments during fiscal year 2016.

This year’s historic total represents a 28 percent increase over the previous year’s record of $144.2 million. Gifts were raised from a record number of 67,435 contributors.

Private funding supports the university at every level. During the 2015-16 academic year, private donations helped to fund more than 6,100 scholarships for UGA students. Donations to UGA also help the university recruit and retain outstanding faculty, enhance the student experience and expand the research enterprise.

“This major accomplishment speaks to the unyielding commitment of the UGA community to elevate our great university to new heights of excellence,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “I am deeply appreciative of everyone who generously contributed their financial resources. I also am grateful to our development team; the UGA Foundation trustees; leaders of our schools, colleges, and other units; and to our outstanding faculty, staff and students. The hard work and dedication of all of these individuals-and many others-made this significant achievement possible.”

 

View the complete release.

University of Georgia among Forbes’ top public colleges

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The University of Georgia moved up one spot to rank No. 17 on the Forbes “Top 25 Public Colleges 2016” list released this week.

Forbes ranked 660 public and private colleges and universities using factors that the publication says favor “output over input. Our sights are set directly on return on investment: What are students getting out of college.”

“As the University of Georgia continues to gain recognition as one of the nation’s top public universities, students and alumni can be more confident than ever in the value of a UGA education,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Significant investments to enhance the learning environment and provide students with the support they need to succeed are clearly paying dividends, and the future of this institution is very bright.”

The only other SEC school on the public school list was the University of Florida at No. 13. Georgia Tech also was ranked in the top 25 at No. 15, followed by the University of Texas at Austin at No. 16.

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