2016 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon: Recap

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On September 8, the University of Georgia came together to recognize 40 outstanding young alumni, the Class of 2016 40 Under 40. The Class of 2016 included graduates from several schools and colleges, majors and backgrounds. While several hail from the state of Georgia, some live as far away as California or New York. The list included current and former NFL players, a country music artist, entrepreneurs, lawyers and more.

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Before being presented with their awards, the honorees and other guests were treated to a keynote speech from alumna and former Gym Dogs member Leah C. Brown, MD (BS ’98). Brown is a medical corps commander in the United States Army Reserve.

This event would not have been possible without Verizon, our platinum sponsor. Julie Smith (AB ’00), one of this year’s honorees, is vice president for external affairs for the southern region for Verizon. 

Alumnus Christian Edwardson (PHD ’15) Leading the World in Microorganism Research

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Christian Edwardson recently joined the staff at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago as a post-doctoral associate at the Microbial Ecology Lab. Dr. Edwardson graduated with his PhD in microbiology in 2015.

Christian Edwardson

Christian Edwardson (PHD ’15)

Dr. Edwardson’s research will be centered around learning more about the different types of microorganisms that live in aquariums. Dr. Edwardson’s research will take place inside the Shedd Aquarium which houses the world’s first lab dedicated solely to studying microorganisms in aquariums. Through his research, scientists hope to better understand how the microorganisms affect the lives of other animals in the aquarium.

The Shedd Aquarium is known for their pioneering research in the aquarium world. Dr. Edwardson’s previous experience in working with microorganisms in nature and his work with UGA’s own Dr. James T. Hollibaugh made him a great candidate for the job at Shedd Aquarium.

If you would like to learn more about the Shedd Aquarium and Dr. Edwardson’s advancements, read the entire press release here.

“Whisperin” Bill Anderson (ABJ ’59) Autobiography Release

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Before becoming a country music song writer, Grand Ole Opry member, Country Music Hall of Fame member and now author, Bill Anderson (ABJ ’59) was a journalism student at the University of Georgia. Anderson grew up in Commerce, Georgia, then moved to Nashville to pursue a career in song writing after graduation. Once in Nashville, Anderson found his success. Anderson has now released more than 40 studio albums, written nearly 30 Top 10 hits and had seven of those become No. 1 singles. Some of these hits include “Whiskey Lullaby” (Brad Paisley/Alison Krauss), “Give It Away” (George Strait) and “A Lot Of Things Different” (Kenny Chesney). He also won Songwriter of the Year six times. Anderson was the youngest song writer to be named as Songwriter of the Year at age 23 before Taylor Swift appeared many years later and won the same award at 21. Anderson recently celebrated 55 years of membership in the Grand Ole Opry. Anderson is the only song writer to have affected generations and have a Top 40 hit in seven different decades.

Bill Anderson book

Recently, Anderson visited UGA’s campus to promote his new autobiography, Whisperin’ Bill Anderson, An Unprecedented Life In Country Music. His book became available to the public on September 1. In the book, Anderson recounts memories from his childhood in Commerce, Georgia, and his time at UGA. The book allowed for Anderson to describe some of his favorite memories, like meeting Elvis Presley. The book recounts a period in Anderson’s life when he thought he was going to stop writing songs. Anderson struggled with the feeling of not have anything relevant to say to the younger generations. Thanks to a friend who encouraged Anderson to continue writing, Anderson found his purpose and passion again. Following this lull, Anderson produced one of the most notable songs of his career, “Whiskey Lullaby” for Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss. Anderson’s book can be purchased nationwide.

Get to know U.S. Army Captain Andrew Murphree, Class of 2009

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Alumnus Andrew Murphree (AB ’09) is a captain in the United Sates Army. Capt. Murphree was recently deployed to Senegal, a west African country, to command and lead 140 troops and work along side his fellow Senegalese troops through the African Readiness Training Program. Emily Middleton ’18, digital communications intern, had the chance to ask Captain Murphree about his life in the United States Army and the African Readiness Training.

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Captain Andrew Murphree

When did you graduate from UGA and how long have you served in the Army?

I graduated in 2009 and have served in the Army for more than seven years.

What made you want to complete the ROTC path at UGA?

I wanted to serve our country and protect our way of life. The ROTC program afforded me the opportunity to train to become an Army Officer so that I could put my leadership skills to good use.

What is the purpose of the Africa Readiness Training program and when did the program begin?

African Readiness Training 2016 provided our unit the opportunity to train alongside the Senegalese Army in combat operations to develop interoperability and strengthen our country’s firm partnership with Senegal. It began on July 10 and ended on July 27. This training also allowed us to practice expeditionary deployment operations to the continent of Africa.

Capt. Andrew Murphree (left) Senegalese troops on a practice exercise.

Capt. Andrew Murphree (left) works with Senegalese troops on a practice exercise.

What is your daily schedule like as a captain during the Africa Readiness Training Program?

My daily schedule was dependent on the training we did. I would wake up, eat breakfast, and then the Senegalese would drive us out to the training area where I would evaluate my subordinate units on how well they conducted their training exercises. It would usually last all day, and then we would conduct movement back to the training center and prepare for the next day.

What do you hope comes out of the Africa Readiness Training Program?

I hope  relations between the United States and Senegal were strengthened, as well as the partnership between our armies. Furthermore, I hope the soldiers in my company learned what a deployment to another country was like so that if they were to deploy to a combat zone they would have what they need to survive.

Capt. Andrew Murphee watches over a squad-level exercise.

Capt. Andrew Murphree (left) watches over a squad-level exercise.

What is your favorite memory from your time as a student at UGA?

I have a lot of good memories, but I would have to say game day in Athens is by far my fondest. Given my job, I have not attended a Georgia game since 2010. However, I have the memories from four full seasons of Georgia Football. You will seldom find a place so vibrant, just brimming with excitement like inside Sanford Stadium.

If you could give a current student one piece of advice, what would you tell them?

Enjoy your time at school and follow your passions. Develop lasting friendships, get involved on campus, and make memories, because in my case when you’re in austere environments with very little, your memories will be all that you have.

Capt Andrew Murphee walks along side leadership of the Senegalese Army.

Capt Andrew Murphree (center) walks along side leadership of the Senegalese Army.

Humans of New York’s Brandon Stanton (AB ’08)

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“Humans of New York is built on discipline, it’s built on routine, it’s built on habit and all of these habits I formed during those four years at the University of Georgia.”

 

Bob Hughes (BLA ’77) and Bill Caldwell (BLA ’97) are changing the scenery around Atlanta

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Two decades and different landscape architecture firms can’t keep Bob Hughes (BLA ’77) and Bill Caldwell (BLA ’97) from making a permanent impact on not only Atlanta’s parks, but also the regional economy, together.

Bill Caldwell (left) and Bob Hughes (right) Dean Nadenicek of the College of Environment and Design.

Bill Caldwell, Dean Nadenicek of the College of Environment and Design and Bob Hughes

HGOR Principal Bob Hughes and Harrison Design Director Bill Caldwell graduated 20 years apart, and now work together to achieve the same goal in Atlanta, to elevate the economic and social impact of the many parks that help give Atlanta the nickname, “the city in a forest.” Thanks to their joint efforts, Buckhead now boasts Charlie Loudermilk Park, a plot of green space in the heart of the city.

Though their professional endeavors don’t cross often, their commitment to the community creates a tie between them. Bill serves on the board of Chastain Park Conservancy, while Bob serves on the board of Piedmont Park Conversancy. Bill, with the Chastain Park Conservancy, recently opened Play Chastain, a world-class playground, and is undertaking the Powers Ferry path widening. Bill also serves as a member of the UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors. One of Bob’s many projects includes creating a new master plan for Memorial Park that proposes a transformational overhaul of the use and functionality of the park.

To these two urbanists, parks are about getting people out of their cars and into public spaces while creating a tremendous social, economic and environmental benefit to the community, residents and environment.

“These two men are visionary thinkers who look toward the future. They are committed to improving social spaces and adding green spaces to Atlanta,” said Park Pride Executive Director Michael Halicki. “Places where people want to take their children and where people want to live.”

Bill and Bob encourage their respective teams and all UGA alumni to leave the office confines to make a difference in their neighborhoods.

“Unless you put yourself out there, you don’t experience the great opportunities, potential and people that exist in your community. The best opportunities aren’t in your office,” remark Bob and Bill.

 

Interview with Morgan Lee (ABJ ’01), Chapter President of Hall County Chapter

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Ever wonder who helps organize alumni events in your town? That’s one of the many jobs a chapter president juggles. Emily Middleton ’18, digital communications intern, recently interviewed Morgan Lee, a 2001 Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication graduate and president of the Hall County Chapter.

Morgan Lee

What did you study at UGA and what do you do now?

I studied journalism and graduated from Grady in 2011. I am currently the sports editor for Jacobs Media’s web publication, AccessWDUN.com

What made you want to become a chapter leader?

I am a second generation University of Georgia graduate and while I only lived in Athens for a relatively short period, I feel like the town and the university have always been a crucial piece of my life. I wanted to do what I could to help promote and bring a positive light to the university here in my hometown in the hopes that maybe I could bring a little bit of what Georgia has brought to me to the Hall County area.

Why do you feel like it is important to stay connected to your alma mater after graduation?

For so many people, the time spent at a university or college is pivotal — not only because of the ideas and new experiences to which they may be exposed but because of the age in which it happens. And I believe that by staying connected to your alma mater it will help remind you of that learning experience and keep you open-minded about future learning experiences. Plus, I feel that it is important to give back, if at all possible, to the people and places that have helped mold you as a person.

How do you create a sense of unity inside your chapter with other UGA alumni in your city?

We are constantly working on improving that very thing and have begun to work on increasing our chapter gatherings and awareness within the community. Our chapter was re-invigorated fairly recently by our most recent president, Ron Fritchley (MED ’72), and we are starting to fully establish ourselves as a presence in Hall County. The main reason we have been able to do so is via increased communication and maintaining a modicum of informality. Certainly there are times to be officious, but the best way to keep people engaged is by keeping it fun.

What is your favorite event your chapter has planned?

How could it not be the Bulldog Caravan stop that we hosted in 2014? President Jere Morehead (JD ’80), former football coach Mark Richt and a number of others were both impressed and, I believe, a little surprised by the impressive turnout of area Bulldog fans and alumni, who crowded in to the Gainesville Civic Center to listen to their discussions. I actually covered the event for work and was able to take it all in from an overview perspective — which, while not as fun as being there as a fan/booster, was in fact more eye-opening.

What is your favorite UGA memory as a student?

There are so many it’s hard to pick — My proudest moment, without a doubt, is surviving former Grady professor/legend Conrad Fink. He could cut to the quick, but if you could handle it, it was beyond educational. As far as fun, it would be hard to beat finally defeating Florida in football in 1997 — and watching Steve Spurrier suffer through it.

If there is one piece of advice you could give to a current student, what would it be?

Get involved now. Don’t think that life is something that happens once you graduate. Your time at the university — and certainly after graduation — will be so much more enhanced by doing new things and meeting new people. Whether it’s an intramural team, club, Greek life, student judiciary, working for the Red and Black or just talking to the folks next to you in class… Athens offers so much to do, and while it’s great to find your niche, challenge yourself and occasionally get outside of your comfort zone — as long as you can balance it all with your studies.

Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars Fall 2016 Welcome Reception

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The University of Georgia’s newest cohort of Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars was introduced on Wednesday, September 7th, at an on-campus welcome reception in the Miller Learning Center. These 12 first-year students proudly join 37 current Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars who each receive $5,000 annually in scholarship support from The Coca-Cola Foundation. Funding for this scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, provided that the student maintains a 2.8 GPA during his or her first year of enrollment and a 3.0 GPA in subsequent years.

2016-2017 First year scholars

2016-2017 First year scholars

The Coca-Cola Foundation has provided $3 million and funded scholarships for 126 students since its inception at UGA in 2007. The program is housed in the Office of the Vice President for Instruction, and scholarship recipients are selected by the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students selected for this scholarship have already been accepted to UGA and do not apply for the awards.

In addition to providing annual scholarship support to students, the program also connects the newest cohort of scholars with other Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars and to a UGA faculty or staff mentor. A total of 16 mentors are available this year for first-year scholars to choose from as they begin their college career. Many of these mentors were in attendance at the reception on Wednesday evening.

Two Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars, senior marketing major Shanteria Hines (Hinesville, Ga.) and sophomore international affairs major Gina Ford (Loganville, Ga.), provided brief remarks and “words of wisdom” to the newest class of scholars at the event. Ford encouraged students to take advantage of all opportunities and experiences in college, while Hines made a strong case for pushing outside of one’s comfort zone and befriending peers in areas all across campus.

“Being a Coca Cola First Generation Scholar has been a tremendous honor,” said Hines. “I have been able to explore opportunities on campus that I wouldn’t have even known about, like the Student Affairs Academic Advisory Board, thanks to the support and mentorship from this wonderful fellowship. From the fun socials to the informative workshops to an amazing cohort, I can definitely say that being a Coca-Cola First Generation Scholar has been an important and impactful part of my college career.”

All scholars

 All scholars

UGA strives to provide a program environment where Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars will experience support and encouragement in college which paves the way for a successful transition into post-graduate career plans. Previous UGA alumni of the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars program have utilized their collegiate degrees to pursue careers in areas such as software engineering, research, certified public accounting, editing and blogging, and marketing. Alumni Scholars have also pursued post-graduate studies in law, engineering, international affairs, and clinical social work.

UGA jumps to 18th in U.S. News & World Report ranking

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The University of Georgia moved up three spots to No. 18 in the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking of Best Public Universities, released on September 13.

“I am pleased that the University of Georgia continues to be recognized as one of the very best public research universities in the nation,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “I want to thank our outstanding faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters for this achievement. UGA’s upward trajectory is a testament-above all else-to their hard work and dedication to excellence.”

Outstanding performance on key measures of student success contributed to the university’s strong position in the national rankings: UGA’s first-year retention rate increased from 94 percent to a record 95 percent during the rating period, and its six-year graduation rate remained at an all-time high of 85 percent.

Increases in student selectivity measures also led to the top 20 ranking. UGA’s acceptance rate decreased from 56 percent to 53 percent during the rating period; the percentage of students in the top 10 percent of their high school class increased from 52 percent to 53 percent, and test scores for the 25th-75th SAT/ACT percentile increased as well.

These measures reflect the continuing rise in the quality of the student body at UGA as well as a steady increase in the number of applications for admission. This fall marked the fourth consecutive year in which the incoming class of first-year students set a record for academic quality, and applications for fall admission reached an all-time high this year at nearly 23,000, surpassing last year’s record total.

“It’s no surprise that demand for a UGA education continues to surge,” said Pamela Whitten, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Our long tradition of excellence and bold new academic initiatives have created an unparalleled learning environment that fosters the highest levels of student success.”

Read the rest of this story.


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Catching up with D.C. Dawgs president Maeve Szambelan (ABJ ’11)

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While Maeve Szambelan (Connolly) was studying telecommunications at UGA, the most valuable lesson she learned was not about writing scripts or editing videos– it was about success. The Sandy Springs native attended Marist High School, and came to UGA with dreams of becoming a broadcast news anchor. But, toward the end of college, she realized that the passion for service that she developed through involvement with her sorority was pulling her in a different direction. Instead of resisting, she followed that urge, and today she works in Washington D.C. helping higher education institutions secure federal funding for scholarships and other initiatives. The lesson she learned– “You’re ultimately in charge of shaping your own future. Be proactive, be determined and get involved.”

Washington D.C. Maeve Connolly (1)

Describe UGA in three words. 

Community, football and excellence.

What was your most memorable college experience?

In general, it was the opportunity to be involved in leadership positions. I was president of Phi Mu and president of the Panhellenic Council. My UGA experience was the most memorable four years of my life. My husband also went to Georgia, and when I got married on July 30, we got married in Athens. We wanted to show our family and friends our favorite place.

What are you up to now?

I am the managing director at McAllister & Quinn, a government relations consulting firm in Washington D.C. that helps colleges and universities secure federal funding for a variety of scholarships, research projects and programming. I recently worked with a college to apply for, and secure, a $2 million grant through the Department of Education that will be used to implement a five-year plan to strengthen the institution, with a focus on improving retention of at-risk students.

What is your favorite thing to do in D.C.?

I feel like I should say something related to politics or history, but in my spare time I like to explore new restaurants. New neighborhoods are popping up all over D.C., and Bon Appetit named D.C. “Restaurant City of the Year.” I also love walking past the White House on my way to work everyday, and exploring the city on foot.

How did you get involved with your local chapter? 

I started meeting up with other grads to watch football games and then I started asking how I could get involved. I started small with philanthropic events, and then eventually stepped into my current role as president. There are so many grads here that I didn’t know when I went to Georgia.

The D.C. Chapter leadership attended the annual Alumni Leadership Assembly in Athens last spring.

The D.C. Chapter leadership attended the annual Alumni Leadership Assembly in Athens last spring.

What is your favorite event that you have done with the D.C. chapter?

That’s a hard one. I would probably say an event that we did with the Terry grads called Bowling with Veterans. We did it at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. About 30 people came, and it was really fun. We got to spend time with older veterans. It was a great day, a lot of fun and a nice way to feel like we were making an impact.

What advice would you give to recent graduates?

Everything happens for a reason. Do your best. Show up and try hard. Have a strong work ethic and produce solid work product, and things will happen for you in your career. I didn’t know that I would end up where I am– I showed up as an intern. The grunt work pays off in the end.