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.

VIEW COMPLETE LIST


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UGA’s Must-See Campus Upgrades

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The University of Georgia is rapidly changing and the results are coming sooner than most think. After cheering on the Dawgs in Sanford this fall, head on over to these spots to see what you’ve been missing.

1. Bolton’s (photo above) lightning strike gets a little something extra

Classic Bolton – you know the one that was adorned with neon signs and a bright lightning bolt – is no more. Don’t worry! There is still an abundance of staff waiting to greet every patron with a smile, and the endless options will soon make you forget about old Bolton. The new facility boasts an upgraded sandwich line, a milkshake bar, all-day breakfast options and a beloved pasta line. After a long day of cheering on the Dawgs in Sanford, patrons can cross the Tate Plaza and find a spread of classic game day foods in Bolton’s main line – hot dogs, hamburgers and more!

Rendering of the Science Learning Center

2. Being studious has never been so exciting

The Miller Learning Center (aka the SLC/Student Learning Center for some of you), which has become a popular late night study location for students, has a new rival. Science majors are getting a little love with a brand new Science Learning Center, which will be conveniently located near Snelling and the Stegeman Coliseum. Visitors and students alike will be amazed with the facility’s technological advances, as well as its much needed Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels combination store. As UGA Food Services put it, “you can never have too many coffee options.” The new coffee shop, along with the popular bagel chain will keep the students wide awake during those late study sessions.

Ramsey Lobby

3. Hit up the gym, take a few pics and then, maybe exercise

To commemorate 20 years, UGA’s Ramsey Student Center, has just undergone a reconstruction. The project dubbed, “Ramsey Renewal,” now features a new main lobby, an updated strength and conditioning area, and renovations to the spectator’s lobby and hallways. Crowd favorites, such as the “boys” gym and “girls” gym are still intact, but there has been an addition. Ramsey now features a brand-spanking new functional training room. For now, the only way anyone can get into one of those rooms is by getting a personal trainer or attending a group fitness class. We can’t have anyone getting hurt, now can we?

Bulldog Cafe

4. More Food Options = Happier Dawgs

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it did! UGA Food Services has decided to add numerous food options around campus. Starting in Fall 2016, your game days will get a little more exciting. There will be everything from Asian cuisine to a moving Mexican-themed food truck. Take a look below to see where the new food options will be located.

  • Bulldog Café:
    • Panda Express, the popular American chain restaurant, will now be conveniently placed in the center of student life. Students and visiting patrons, will no doubt appreciate the familiar restaurant.
    • Chik-fil-A Express will be expanding to include more menu items. Who do we have to talk to, to make sure milkshakes will be added to the new menu!?
  • Tate Student Center:
    • Starbucks (located on the third floor) will now only be a bus ride away for students and visitors! Scrambling to find the nearest Starbucks to fulfill your vanilla latte cravings will no longer be a problem.
    • Bulldog Burgers (located in the Tate Café) is a new type of burger restaurant for students on campus. 100% grass fed beef burgers and veggie burgers will be served on locally produced buns!
  • Last, but certainly not least, there will be a Mexican-themed food truck that will move daily. Customers will be updated on the truck’s location via social media.

This post written by Deja White, communications intern, and member of the Class of 2017. 


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Meet the 40 Under 40 Class of 2016

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Each year, the UGA Alumni Association’s 40 Under 40 recognizes successful young graduates of the University of Georgia. These exceptional graduates are making a difference in their personal and professional lives and we are proud to call them Georgia graduates. Nearly 400 nominations from around the world were submitted for this distinction.

The Class of 2016 includes 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 includes current and former NFL players, a country music artist, entrepreneurs, lawyers and more.

Without further ado, meet this year’s honorees!

VIEW THE LIST

Please save the date and make plans to join the UGA Alumni Association at the 2016 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon on Thursday, September 8 at Flourish Atlanta. Registration will open in the coming weeks. 

#UGA40U40

Meet the Summer Interns

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This summer, the Division of Development and Alumni Relations is excited to have several UGA students on board as interns on its communications team. Throughout the summer, these students will gain valuable experience in the world of communications, applying skills learned in their classes to real world situations, like public relations, digital marketing and video production. Without further ado, meet this summer’s communications interns!

Deja White, Communications Intern

Deja White, Communications Intern

Deja White ’17 wants to live in a world where positive stories supersede the negative ones. As a senior mass media arts major and theatre minor, she’s learning how to craft these stories. In the future, she hopes to work behind the scenes and produce life-changing films and television shows. When she’s not crafting stories, you can find her going on fun adventures. Her latest adventure — attending the 2016 Cannes Film Festival— allowed her to be surrounded by intriguing stories, experience a new city, and learn firsthand what it takes to be successful in the industry. Click here to learn more about Deja’s Cannes study abroad adventure.

Emily Middleton, Digital Communications Intern

Emily Middleton, Digital Communications Intern

Emily Middleton ’18 is a third-year student pursuing a journalism degree with an emphasis on digital and broadcast journalism from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is originally from Cumming, Georgia. Emily is an active member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and is president of the DiGamma Kappa Chapter at UGA. DGK is the nation’s oldest broadcast society still in existence today. In addition to her internship with UGA, Emily also interns with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. She hosts and produces a radio show at Children’s Health Care of Atlanta for the hospital patients and their families. Emily loves to travel and has spent the previous two summers in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest building a school and teaching children English. Emily is passionate about improving other people’s lives and knows her degree from UGA will help her achieve this goal.

Meagan Alford, Multimedia Intern

Meagan Alford, Multimedia Intern

Meagan Alford ’17 is a mass media arts major in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Hailing from the tiny town of Pavo, Georgia, the Classic City was initially a big change from the corn fields and dirt roads that Meagan grew up with, but it’s become her home away from home. After graduation, Meagan hopes to obtain a job in the entertainment industry for film or television. Outside of the classroom, she plays the piccolo for the Redcoat Marching Band. Meagan looks forward to gaining hands-on experience with the Division of Development and Alumni Relations this summer.

Are you a graduate of the University of Georgia? Please take a moment and update your information to stay up-to-date with all things UGA!

 

UGA Grad designs for New York Yankees Star

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Alumnus Christopher Cawley (BLA ’99) has been making a splash in the South Florida scene since 2005. Cawley’s projects focus around eco-conservatism and providing clients with a sophisticated design service for private yards, estates, and a variety of hotels and condominiums.

Recently, Cawley had the opportunity to design a backyard oasis for famous New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez wanted a backyard to complement his modern home that is filled with spectacular art pieces in Coral Gables, Florida, while bringing inside living to the yard. Cawley designed a space that provided both a high-end design and family-friendly atmosphere. Cawley’s designs included a wet edge saltwater pool and an in-ground trampoline for the children. Sticking to Cawley’s focus on eco-conservatism, every tree uprooted in the process of the remodel was later re-planted on the property. Cawley installed artificial grass to help reserve water that would have been used for irrigation. Nothing was put to waste in the designing of the landscaping. Most items found in the process of construction were later used as design elements.

chris cawley headshot cropped

To learn more about Chris Cawley, other projects, and his business, visit www.christophercawley.com.

Learn more about Cawley’s work in Architectural Digest at http://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/alex-rodriguez-miami-home-grounds.

Are you a graduate of the University of Georgia? Please take a moment and update your information to stay up-to-date with all things UGA!

 

Prepare for the UGA Alumni Career Fair

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The UGA Alumni Career Fair on June 8, 2016, at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, GA, is an easy way for alumni to meet recruiters, network for positions, and gather company information. Below are 5 ways to help you prepare to make sure you leave a great first impression.

1. Get Your Resume Ready
Create your resume and make sure it’s updated. If you need help with updating your resume, check out a few sample alumni resumes here. Bring at least 10 printed copies to the fair to give to employers. Remember: one copy of your resume will be used as your ticket in, so plan accordingly.

2. Dress to Impress
Dress in business professional attire. Be conservative with cologne, perfume, and cosmetics. Carry a padfolio with your materials to stay organized. Be sure to turn off your cell phone and do not chew gum.

3. Do Your Homework (yes, homework!)
While it may have been quite some time since you’ve completed homework, know that doing your homework before a Career Fair is essential! Review the list of employers attending the fair and identify your top 3-5 companies. Use the internet, company website, LinkedIn, Glassdoor.com, and outside publications like Fortune, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Business Week to conduct your research.

Things you can look for when researching might include:
•    What’s the company’s mission statement?
•    Where is it located? Are there multiple locations/offices?
•    What good or service does the company provide?
•    How old is the company?
•    What is the company’s organizational structure?
•    Who is the CEO/President?
•    How many people work for the company?
•    How has the company recently appeared in the news?
•    Who is the company’s competitor?
•    What are some major trends in the industry?
•    How do they describe themselves?
•    How do you fit their profile?
•    Do you have real-life examples to demonstrate that fit?
•    How can you help them achieve their goals?
•    What are the key things they want?
•    How can you contribute to their efforts?

4. Practice Your Approach
Prepare and practice your ‘pitch’. Your pitch might go something like this:

Good afternoon [Mr./Ms. Last Name]. My name is [your first and last name]. I read on your company website that you are a leader in the tech industry, and I am looking to transition into a new role with a company like yours. I have gained experience making mobile apps and managing a website in my current role. I believe this experience paired with my MIS degree from UGA make me an excellent candidate for your software developer position. Could you tell me more about it?

Feel free to tweak the above to make it your own. It’s important to be patient when waiting to speak to employers and show enthusiasm! Above all, be confident and network independently.

5. Seal the Deal
Before leaving a booth, collect business cards from the employers. Did you have a good conversation? Jot down some of the high points on the back of the business card or in your padfolio. This way, when you follow-up, you’ll be able to tailor your correspondence and remind them of your conversation. Be sure to follow-up via email within 24 hours.

Here’s a sample Career Fair follow-up email:

Dear Mr./Ms.__________________________,
 
I recently spoke with you at the UGA Alumni Career Fair held at the Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, GA. I wanted to thank you for taking the time to speak with me, and for providing me with valuable information about the job opportunities at Company Name, Inc. I was very excited to hear that you are currently recruiting UGA alums for positions in your marketing department. My varied experience in marketing and sales, combined with my research background in psychology are my strongest qualifications for a marketing position at Company Name, Inc.

I am enthusiastic about pursuing a career in marketing with Company Name, Inc., because of its diverse product line and international scope and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications in more detail. I can be reached at _____ or by email at _____. I look forward to hearing from you soon. 
 
Sincerely,

Your Name Here

You’ll be sure to shine at that the UGA Alumni Career Fair should you put these tips into practice. Don’t forget to RSVP on the event Facebook page here. See you soon!

Are you a graduate of the University of Georgia? Please take a moment and update your information to stay up-to-date with all things UGA!

 

UGA in Texas Recap

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Representatives from the University of Georgia were greeted by severe weather and flooding in Houston as they kicked off a series of “UGA in Texas” events in mid-April. Despite the bad weather, hundreds of Bulldogs came out to support the university and learn more about the research, teaching and service taking place on campus.

The trip, designed to engage UGA alumni, donors, parents and admitted students, included stops April 18 in Houston, April 19 in Dallas and April 20 in Austin. Due to severe weather and flooding, the UGA in Houston reception was canceled for the safety of registrants and due to a ballroom flooding at The Houstonian Hotel, where the event was to be held. The university plans to return to Houston in the future.

“It is a special thing to be able to bring a little bit of UGA to loyal alumni and friends in Texas,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson, executive director of the UGA Alumni Association. “Everyone has been incredibly thankful that we are hosting these events, but we are the ones who are appreciative. It is their dedication and loyalty that makes the UGA community exceptional.”

On Wednesday at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, UGA President Jere W. Morehead welcomed more than 200 enthusiastic Bulldogs to the UGA in Dallas reception. While the president sent alumni home with three charges – to connect with UGA, to hire UGA graduates and to make a gift of any size to the university – he noted that another way alumni can support their alma mater is to encourage young people to enroll at the university. He informed the group that there are 329 students attending UGA from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He also let them know that UGA is on track, for the third consecutive year, to achieve a fundraising record when the fiscal year ends June 30. A portion of each attendee’s registration will support student scholarships at UGA.

Following the president’s remarks, attendees were introduced for the first time in person to head football coach Kirby Smart. Smart shared how much it meant for him and his wife, fellow UGA graduate Mary Beth, to return home to Athens, and for him to coach at his alma mater. He shared memories of being a student in Morehead’s class in the Terry College of Business in the late 1990s.

In Austin the following evening, local alumni, parents, friends and admitted students gathered at the Westwood Country Club to hear from Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Kelly Kerner, who echoed the president’s remarks in Dallas.

Despite a stormy start to the university’s visit to Texas, those Bulldogs who were able to participate in these receptions traveled home with cheerful news and important updates from campus.

Are you a graduate of the University of Georgia? Please take a moment and update your information to stay up-to-date with all things UGA!

 

5th Annual Thank a Donor Day

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On April 14, University of Georgia students gathered in Tate Plaza for the 5th annual Thank a Donor Day. Students had an opportunity to write cards, create posters and record video messages of thanks to donors like you. Without your generous support, the University of Georgia wouldn’t be the incredible place it is today. 

Words can’t express how grateful we are for your continued support of the University of Georgia, so we’ll let the video do the talking. 

Are you a graduate of the University of Georgia? Please take a moment and update your information to stay up-to-date with all things UGA!