Signature Events Archives

UGA Alumni signature events

2026 Alumni Awards honorees celebrated at luncheon

April 7, 2026/by Rachael Andrews

Members of the University of Georgia community gathered on April 2 in Athens to celebrate the 2026 Alumni Awards honorees, recognizing alumni, friends and faculty whose leadership, service and generosity have helped shape the university’s history. The awards, a UGA tradition spanning decades, honor those whose commitment continues to strengthen the Bulldog community. The 2026 honorees are:

Larry R. Benson | Alumni Merit Award
Nancy C. Juneau | Alumni Merit Award
Robert E. Hoyt | Faculty Service Award
Rene and Jim Nalley | Family of the Year Award
Brian E. Harman | Young Alumni Award

“The University of Georgia continues to reach new heights of excellence thanks to the generous support of our loyal alumni and friends,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “It is a tremendous privilege to recognize this year’s honorees for consistently going above and beyond, generating a legacy of lasting impact in every corner of our campus.”

2026 Alumni Awards honorees celebrated at luncheon with UGA leaders.

UGA leaders and Alumni Awards honorees, pictured from left to right: Jill Walton, vice president for development and alumni relations; Corey Dortch, alumni association president; Robert Hoyt; Larry Benson; UGA President Jere W. Morehead; Nancy Juneau; Nancy Harman, mother of Young Alumni Award recipient Brian Harman; Jim Nalley; Rene Nalley; Street Nalley; and Clay Nalley. (Photo by Justin Evans Photography)

2026 Alumni Merit Awards

Larry R. Benson is a 1974 graduate of the Terry College of Business and is the owner and chairman of Benson’s Inc., the Athens‑based parent company of Benson’s Bakery and Benson’s Hospitality Group. A third‑generation leader of the century-old family enterprise, Benson’s commitment to UGA is reflected prominently through Benson Hall in the Terry College Business Learning Community, which honors three generations of the Benson family — Larry; his father, Ed; and his grandfather, Howard — each of whom played a meaningful role in the university’s history. Larry’s father, Ed Benson, was a devoted alumnus and university leader who served in multiple roles, including on the University of Georgia Foundation and University of Georgia Athletic Association boards. In recognition of their shared impact, Larry and his father were named the UGA Alumni Family of the Year in 2018. Larry has served as president of the Rotary Club of Athens and has contributed to the boards of the Touchdown Club of Athens, the Oconee County Industrial Development Authority and Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation. In 2024, he received the University System of Georgia’s Regents’ Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award, recognizing exceptional service and support. Through personal giving and the Lawrence R. Benson Foundation, Larry has supported a wide range of UGA priorities including the Terry College Business Learning Community and the new School of Medicine’s medical education and research building, reflecting a lifelong commitment to the institution that shaped him.

Nancy C. Juneau is a 1982 graduate of the Mary Frances Early College of Education and is a trustee of the UGA Foundation and a board member of the University of Georgia Real Estate Foundation. A dedicated advocate for student success and innovation, she also serves on the advisory board for the university system’s Innovation and Entrepreneurial Strategies initiative and on the board of the Georgia Independent College Association. A sought‑after public speaker, Juneau regularly shares industry insight at conferences, panels and business forums, including engagements with UGA’s Terry College, the National Association of Women in Construction and the Engineering News‑Record Groundbreaking Women in Construction Conference. She is a committed mentor and has been named one of the Most Influential Women in Georgia Engineering by Engineering Georgia Magazine for several years and was honored as one of Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. She also received the Women of Distinction Award from the March of Dimes in 2018. In 1997, Juneau and her husband, Les, co‑founded Juneau Construction Company. With more than 200 employees, Juneau Construction ranked No. 2 on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top Women‑Owned Firms list in 2023 and 2025. The Juneaus are longtime supporters of UGA, contributing to projects such as the Russell Hall renovation, Rutherford Hall and Building 1516 residence hall. Their philanthropy includes the Juneau Construction Professorship in Civil Engineering, Georgia Women Give and multiple Georgia Commitment Scholarships, reflecting a lasting commitment to strengthening the university.

2026 Family of the Year Award

Jim, a 1965 graduate of the Terry College, and Rene Nalley are longtime champions of UGA, with decades of support that have shaped the university’s academic programs, campus facilities and athletic excellence. Their philanthropy reflects a multigenerational commitment to education, leadership and investing in institutions that strengthen communities. A third‑generation automotive leader, Jim Nalley joined the family business in 1971, continuing a legacy that began in 1918 when his grandfather opened the first Nalley dealership. The Nalley family’s entrepreneurial spirit continues through the next generation. Their sons — Clay (BBA ’03), Slater and Street (BBA ’01) — founded SONS Auto Group. Clay’s sons, Chase and Camden, now carry the Bulldog tradition forward as current UGA students. The Nalley family’s impact is visible across campus. They have been major supporters of the Terry College, athletic association, the Jere W. Morehead Honors College and the medical education and research building for the new School of Medicine. Their generosity has helped name the Marilyn Overstreet Nalley South Gallery at the Georgia Museum of Art, establish the Nalley Family Golf Championship and endow both the Nalley Distinguished Chair in Business and the Nalley Distinguished Chair in Finance. A former chair of the UGA Foundation, Jim also played a pivotal role in establishing the UGA Real Estate Foundation and has served as a practitioner and lecturer in the Terry College. He was honored with UGA’s Alumni Merit Award in 2000 and the Blue Key Service Award in 2008 and continues to serve as an emeritus trustee and alumni leader.

2026 Faculty Service Award

Robert E. Hoyt’s career spanned nearly four decades of service to UGA, leaving a lasting impact on the Terry College and generations of Bulldog students. He joined UGA as a faculty member in 1988 and retired in December 2025 after a distinguished tenure marked by excellence in teaching, leadership and mentorship. Hoyt served as interim dean of the Terry College in 2007 and led the college’s department of insurance, legal studies and real estate for 23 years. He held the Dudley L. Moore, Jr. Chair of Insurance and was a professor in the C. Herman Terry Risk Management and Insurance Program, where he taught corporate and enterprise risk management. As instructor of the program’s capstone Corporate Risk Management course, Hoyt taught every undergraduate RMI student between 1994 and 2025. For more than 25 years, he organized the RMI Careers Day that connected over 400 students annually with industry recruiters. He also oversaw student selection and mentoring for the Annual Insurance Management Seminar, where participants present to dozens of industry executives each year. Hoyt’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Terry College Outstanding Teaching, Research and Service awards, the Richard B. Russell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and the Walter H. Buce, Jr. Memorial Award for Insurance and Risk Management Professional of the Year. Along with his wife, Patti, Hoyt has supported UGA through gifts to Terry College, State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Redcoat Band and the establishment of the Hoyt Family Scholarship. Since 2021, he has served as a mentor with the UGA Mentor Program.

2026 Young Alumni Award

Brian E. Harman is a 2011 graduate of the Terry College who exemplifies excellence both on the golf course and in service to UGA. A Savannah native and former standout student‑athlete, Harman has remained deeply committed to UGA through his volunteerism, philanthropy and support of student opportunity. While at UGA, Harman was a member of the Men’s Golf Team where he lettered and earned recognition as a three-time Second-Team All-American, a Presidential Scholar and an SEC Honor Roll honoree. He turned professional in 2010 and captured his first victory at the Manor Classic on the eGolf Professional Tour. His career reached a defining milestone with his victory at the 2023 Open Championship. Harman, a four-time winner on the PGA Tour, has represented the U.S. at the 2023 Ryder Cup and the 2024 Presidents Cup, reached a career‑high world ranking of No. 8 in August 2023 and recorded multiple top 10 finishes during the 2025 season. Harman’s philanthropic journey with UGA began as a founding donor to the UGA Alumni PGA Tour Professionals Georgia Commitment Scholarship. Building on his passion for conservation and natural resources, he established the Harman Family Forestry Field Course Experiential Learning Scholarship in 2024, expanding access to immersive, hands‑on learning experiences that connect students with the forestry industry from harvesting to processing. Beyond the university, Harman founded the Brian Harman Foundation Inc., which supports organizations including the Coastal Coalition for Children and the Frederica Foundation.

“Our 2026 recipients have given so much to the University of Georgia, and it is a privilege to recognize them,” said Jill S. Walton, vice president for development and alumni relations. “Their dedication reflects the very best of UGA, and we are deeply grateful for their continued service and partnership as we build an even stronger future together.”

More information about these distinguished members of the UGA community, including video spotlights, is available at alumni.uga.edu/alumniawards.

2025 Alumni Awards celebrates UGA alumni, friends and faculty

April 7, 2025/by Rachael Andrews

The University of Georgia’s 2025 Alumni Awards honorees were recognized during a celebratory luncheon on April 4 in Athens. These awards are a long-standing tradition intended to celebrate individuals and organizations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to UGA. The 2025 honorees are:

Allison Ausband | Alumni Merit Award

Terry Brown | Alumni Merit Award

Jennifer Frum | Faculty Service Award

Cathie and John Crawford III | Family of the Year Award

John Huland Carmical Foundation | Friend of UGA Award

Lucy Pinto | Young Alumni Award

“We are honored to celebrate these outstanding recipients and their tireless support of the University of Georgia,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “Their generosity and devotion to our university continue to empower our students to lead, discover and serve.”

2025 Alumni Awards honorees pose with UGA President Jere W. Morehead at the ceremony.

Pictured from left to right: Blain Allen, Jimmy Alston, John O. Knox, Lucy Pinto, Allison Ausband, Terry Brown, Jennifer Frum, Cathie Crawford, John Crawford III, and UGA President Jere W. Morehead. Photo Credit: Justin Evans Photography.

2025 Alumni Merit Awards

Allison Ausband is a 1983 graduate of the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Currently serving as chair of the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees since 2023, Ausband began her tenure on the board in 2016. Before being elected chair, she previously served as vice chair, chair of the foundation’s nominating and trusteeship committee, and strategic vice chair. Ausband was also a member of the UGA Board of Visitors and has played a role in some of UGA’s most forward-thinking initiatives, including as one of the founding donors of Georgia Women Give, a dedicated mentor with the UGA Mentor Program and an enthusiastic supporter of the UGA in Washington program. Ausband serves as executive vice president and chief people officer for Delta Air Lines. She has been instrumental in spearheading the invaluable partnership between Delta and UGA, which has led to the creation of Delta Hall in Washington, D.C. and the Delta Innovation Hub on UGA’s Athens campus. In addition to her service at UGA, Allison serves on the Board of Directors for the Delta Air Lines Foundation. She was honored with UGA’s Blue Key Service Award in 2023, which is presented to individuals who have made a major contribution to the university, state, and nation. For her role as Delta’s executive sponsor for the company’s efforts to fight human trafficking, Ausband was awarded Reuters’ Stop Slavery Award in 2020 and Humanitarian of the Year by the United Nations Association in 2019. Ausband has also been named one of Atlanta’s most powerful business leaders by Atlanta Magazine for two consecutive years.

Terry Brown graduated summa cum laude from the Terry College of Business in 1984, but his commitment to the University of Georgia goes back to his childhood days of cheering on the Dawgs between the hedges. As a member of the Terry College of Business Pinnacle Society and an avid supporter of the Morehead Honors College, study abroad scholarships, and UGA’s School of Medicine, Brown has played an integral role in the expansion and continued growth of UGA’s campus and student resources. Brown also supports the university’s athletics program as a member of the Silver Circle in the Magill Society, in addition to his significant impact within UGA’s 1785 Society. With more than 30 years of real estate experience in retail strategy, investments, capital markets, operations, and business and organizational development, Brown has been a frequent and highly respected guest speaker and mentor within Terry College. Brown has also given his time and expertise through many high-impact volunteer roles across the University of Georgia’s campus, including serving as a member of the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees for nine years, with two terms on the executive committee as treasurer. He was also a member of the foundation’s inaugural Emeritus Trustees Leadership Committee. During his time as a trustee, Brown visited UGA study away campuses in Oxford, England; Cortona, Italy; and Washington, D.C. He was named a 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Regional Award winner and national finalist and was honored with a Terry College of Business Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013. Brown has passed down his commitment to service and philanthropy to his three children, two of whom are UGA graduates and now involved across the campus.

2025 Family of the Year Award

John Crawford III began his family’s legacy at UGA when he graduated in 1962 from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. John III and his wife, Cathie, established the Crawford Family Scholarship Fund in 2014 to support UGA students in need. Their scholarship program now supports 20 students — five per class — each year at UGA. John and Cathie routinely meet and hold gatherings for the beneficiaries of their generosity in order to build meaningful relationships with each scholarship recipient, known as “Crawford Scholars.” John III, a Mississippi native, attended UGA on a track and field scholarship and was the 1962 SEC pole vault champion his senior year of college. A well-rounded and involved student, John made the most of his time in Athens with membership in Blue Key Society, the Sphinx society and Kappa Alpha fraternity. His commitment to faith and theology is long-documented, as he was the co-founder and president of the UGA chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Members of UGA’s 1785 Society, John III and Cathie impressed upon their children — John IV, David and Andrew — the importance of philanthropy. John IV (BBA ’88), also a 1785 Society member, has been widely engaged at the university, notably as an emeritus trustee and former chairman of the UGA Foundation. His giving supports experiential learning for students as well as President Morehead’s highest priorities. He followed his father’s footsteps as a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity, as did his own son, Jack (BBA ’22). He is managing director of equity investments at Crawford Investment Counsel, Inc. David has served as president of Crawford Investment Counsel since 1992. He serves on the boards of St. Joseph’s Mercy Foundation and the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Andrew is an accomplished artist whose sculpture of a split screw near the Georgia Museum of Art has become a directional landmark. He has several other iron structures around the Performing and Visual Arts Complex and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, where he is also a member of the Board of Advisors.

2025 Faculty Service Award

Jennifer Frum earned her doctorate degree from UGA in 2009 and became the university’s fourth vice president for public service and outreach in 2012, the first woman to serve in the role. She retired in December 2024 with the title of vice president emeritus. She provided institutional leadership for the outreach, engagement and economic development efforts across Georgia led by UGA. The eight diverse units of PSO thrived during her tenure: the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Archway Partnership, State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Small Business Development Center and the Office of Service-Learning (co-managed with the Vice President for Instruction). She solidified UGA’s reputation as a national leader in public service, including recognition as a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ Innovation and Economic Prosperity University designation. She also expanded opportunities for UGA students to gain valuable workforce experience and develop their own civic engagement through service-learning and public service and outreach. She was named one of Georgia Trend’s “Power Women” in 2012 and one of its 100 most influential Georgians in 2016. The publication also named her to its list of 500 most influential leaders in 2022 and 2023. She participated in the 2014 American Council on Education National Women’s Leadership Forum and the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation Higher Education Policy Fellows program in 2017-2018. She also received the UGA Blue Key Service Award in 2022 and the Jeannette Rankin Foundation “Smart Women” Award in 2018, and she was the fall commencement speaker for the UGA Graduate School in 2022. In 2016, she cofounded the National Forum, a group of university-based senior engagement officers from around the country focused on networking and sharing best practices in the field.

2025 Friend of UGA Award

The John Huland Carmical Foundation was endowed by the estate of John Huland Carmical, a 1917 graduate of UGA and Pandora yearbook editor-in-chief. After his graduation, John became a financial analyst for J.P. Morgan & Company, today known as JPMorgan Chase. In 1922, he was recruited by the New York Times and would become a financial reporter and later an associate editor in the financial area. He retired from the Times in 1968 after 46 years and returned to Georgia. He had grown up in a farming environment before attending UGA and became involved in farming again after his retirement. Over the past 23 years, the John Huland Carmical Foundation has supported organizations that strengthen the community he called home in addition to pursuing its primary mission: perpetuating the Carmical name at UGA through philanthropy. The foundation’s giving to UGA includes a spot in UGA’s 1785 Society and the 2014 establishment of the John Huland Carmical Chair in Sports Journalism and Society at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The lobby in Moore College, which houses the UGA Morehead Honors College, is also named after John Huland Carmical. The foundation’s focus on sports media derives from a belief that sports have a unique ability to bring people together, inspire storytelling and create meaningful connections across diverse audiences. The foundation reinforced its commitment with a significant pledge in December 2020 that elevated the program to become the Carmical Sports Media Institute. The institute offers a sports media certificate and provides students with hands-on experience that builds skills in broadcasting and creating social and digital sports content.

2025 Young Alumni Award

Lucy Pinto graduated from the Terry College of Business just over a decade ago in 2012. Born in Lima, Peru, Pinto grew up in Athens. While a UGA student, she served as treasurer of the Lambda Theta Alpha sorority and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Pi National Society of Leadership and Success. After an internship with Google during her time as a student and following her graduation, Pinto began her career journey with the company and has impacted Google operations around the world. In 2015, Pinto became Google’s business inclusion manager, a role in which she grew partnerships with a range of community partners to encourage web and Google adoption. In this capacity, Pinto was able to empower small businesses that were underrepresented online to grow their digital presence through Google tools. Throughout it all, UGA has remained a focal point for Pinto. In 2021, she established the Latino Alumni Scholarship Endowment, which provides annual need-based scholarships to first-generation college students at UGA. She has also offered multi-faceted support to the Terry College of Business’ Terry Women’s Initiative. Pinto has served as a mentor for the initiative’s Sea Island Scholars program, and last December, she made a significant commitment to enhance the program. But her UGA involvement isn’t limited to giving. Pinto has served as a panelist at a Women of UGA meeting, participated in a Terry Talk, hosted two masterclasses aimed at empowering women leaders and mentored Terry College students.

“This year’s recipients have dedicated so much to this university and it is an honor to be able to recognize them,” said Jill S. Walton, vice president for development and alumni relations. “We are so appreciative of their continued service to UGA and we hope to continue our partnerships for many years to come.”

More about these distinguished members of the UGA community, including video spotlights, is available at alumni.uga.edu/alumniawards.

KBH Industrial named fastest-growing UGA business

February 24, 2025/by Rachael Andrews

The University of Georgia Alumni Association recognized the fastest-growing companies owned or led by UGA alumni during the Bulldog 100 Celebration on Feb. 21 in the West End Zone of Sanford Stadium.

The 2025 fastest-growing business, KBH Industrial, is led by Tarun Ganeriwal, president and chief executive officer. Ganeriwal received his Master of Business Administration from the Terry College of Business in 2009.

KBH Industrial is based in Smyrna, Georgia, and is an energy solutions firm offering professional, architectural, engineering, design and construction services to partners in the energy industry. This is the company’s second time on the Bulldog 100 list.

Tarun Ganeriwal of KBH Industrial accepts the Bulldog 100 award for 2025’s fastest-growing UGA business.

Rounding out the Bulldog 100 top ten are:

Ryals Brothers, LLC, Lula, Georgia
Marlin Construction Partners, Lake City, Florida
Southeastern Consulting Services, Inc., Monticello, Georgia
FleetForce Truck Driving Training, Bradenton, Florida
Barnsley Construction Group, Atlanta, Georgia
Ellsworth Cleaning and Facility Services, Atlanta, Georgia
SlicedHealth, Woodstock, Georgia
Awesome, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia
FranBridge Consulting, Atlanta, Georgia

“We are so excited to celebrate this exceptional class of honorees, who represent the Bulldog spirit throughout a variety of industries and across multiple states,” said Lee Zell, president of the UGA Alumni Association. “Over the years, we have been proud to welcome these Bulldogs back to campus and celebrate the impact they continue to have on campus and in their communities.”

The Bulldog 100 companies were ranked solely based on their three-year compounded annual growth rates. The Atlanta office of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors — a Bulldog 100 partner since the program began in 2009 — verifies the information submitted by each company and determines the ranked list. In total, revenues for companies in the 2025 Bulldog 100 grew by 136 percent from 2021-2023, showcasing tremendous economic impact and steady growth.

In this year’s class, businesses are headquartered in a total of 8 states, with 88 of the businesses located in the state of Georgia. In total, 145 alumni representing over a dozen industries, including legal, advertising, transportation, and farming, were recognized.

Ben Ross accepts the Michael J. Bryan Bulldog 100 award from Bryan’s family and UGA Alumni president Lee Zell at the 2025 Bulldog 100 Celebration.

The annual Michael J. Bryan Award was presented during the Feb. 21 event. The award, named for the co-founder and managing partner of Vino Venue and Atlanta Wine School who passed away in 2017 from cancer, recognizes a returning Bulldog 100 honoree who demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to UGA that was Bryan’s hallmark. This year’s recipient was Ben Ross, the lead pharmacist and majority partner in Ross Drug, Coastal Drug Company, and Clark Drug Company, all independent pharmacies based throughout southeastern Georgia.

To view the complete list of 2025 Bulldog 100 businesses, visit alumni.uga.edu/b100.

Nominations for the 2026 Bulldog 100 will open in April.

University of Georgia celebrates 15 years of Bulldog 100

December 11, 2024/by Rachael Andrews

The University of Georgia Alumni Association released the 2025 Bulldog 100, a list of the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UGA graduates. The program, organized by the Division of Development & Alumni Relations, celebrates 15 years of honoring alumni and their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Among this year’s class, businesses are headquartered in a total of eight states, with 87 of the businesses located in the state of Georgia. In total, 142 alumni representing over two dozen industries, including construction, pharmaceuticals, software, and entertainment, are being recognized as a part of this year’s list.

This year’s fastest-growing businesses, in alphabetical order, include:

Accelerated Leadership Group, LLC, Atlanta, GA

Alexander & Alexander Attorneys at Law, Barnwell, SC

Anchors Marina, Eatonton, GA

Architectural Fountains & Pools Inc., Atlanta, GA

ASW Distillery, Atlanta, GA

Awesome Inc, Atlanta, GA

Barnsley Construction Group, Atlanta, GA

Bay Point Advisors, Atlanta, GA

BDI DataLynk, Ball Ground, GA

Big Apple Services Inc., Conyers, GA

Biren Patel Engineering, Macon, GA

BlueBear Solutions, Atlanta, GA

BrokerHunter, Cumming, GA

Buckhead Beans, Marietta, GA

Builder’s Specialty Contractors, Boynton Beach, FL

Capital Real Estate Group, Atlanta, GA

Carl R. Varnedoe, LLC, Savannah, GA

Certified Clean Care, Watkinsville, GA

CIG Consulting, Decatur, GA

Clark Drug Company, Waynesboro, GA

Classic City Consulting, Snellville, GA

Coastal Drug Company, Midway, GA

Cruise Planners, Madison, AL

Dental Claim Support, Savannah, GA

Detritus, LLC, Savannah, GA

Eagle Christian Tours, Rome, GA

Ellsworth Cleaning & Facility Services, Atlanta, GA

enewton design, Atlanta, GA

Erica Davis Lowcountry, Savannah, GA

Extra Special People, Watkinsville, GA

FI Navigator Corporation, Atlanta, GA

FinQuery, Atlanta, GA

FirstPage Marketing, Savannah, GA

FleetForce Truck Driver Training, Bradenton, FL

FranBridge Consulting, Atlanta, GA

Friendly City Pharmacy, Tifton, GA

FTM Travel, Brentwood, TN

Full Circle Coverage, Cartersville, GA

Golden Isles Pharmacy, Brunswick, GA

Good Dog Veterinary Care, Marietta, GA

Infinite Agave, Atlanta, GA

Intown Golf Club, Atlanta, GA

J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC, Newnan, GA

Jaffe Family Law, LLC, Atlanta, GA

Jetset World Travel, Atlanta, GA

Joe Powell & Associates, Alpharetta, GA

Joe Powell Services Inc., Alpharetta, GA

KBH Industrial, Smyrna, GA

Kempt Men’s Shop, Athens, GA

Kingfish Pest Control, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

King’s Hometown Pharmacy, Blairsville, GA

Lake Pine Animal Hospital, Apex, NC

LiteWorks Window & Door, Marietta, GA

Marlin Construction Partners Inc., Lake City, FL

Martin CPA, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Milestone Construction, LLC, Athens, GA

Moore Civil Consulting Inc., Perry, GA

Morris Hardwood Distribution, Savannah, GA

Murray Osorio, PLLC, Fairfax, VA

Nimmons Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers, Augusta, GA

NXG Studio, North Palm Beach, FL

Onward Reserve, Atlanta, GA

Pace Lighting & Home, Savannah, GA

Pandev Law, LLC, New York, NY

Pathwise CPA Group, Watkinsville, GA

Puppy Haven, Sandy Springs, GA

Rebel Raw, Atlanta, GA

risk3sixty, Roswell, GA

Roam, Atlanta, GA

Root Design Studio, Atlanta, GA

Ross Drug, Sylvania, GA

Rugged Road Outdoors, Norcross, GA

Ryals Brothers, LLC, Lula, GA

Savannah Drywall Supply, Pooler, GA

Scott Construction, LLC, Macon, GA

SDA CPA Group, P.C., Dunwoody, GA

ServeScape, Chamblee, GA

Shuma Sports, Lawrenceville, GA

Siegel Construction & Design, LLC, Atlanta, GA

SlicedHealth, Woodstock, GA

Southeast Aquariums, Buford, GA

Southeastern Consulting Services Inc., Monticello, GA

Southern Commercial Roof Tech, LLC, Norcross, GA

Southern Reins Logistics, LLC, Alpharetta, GA

Stable Kernel, Atlanta, GA

Stable Waters Financial, Athens, GA

Surcheros Fresh Mex, Alpharetta, GA

SynerGrx, Atlanta, GA

Telecom Innovations, Athens, GA

teXga Farms, Clarkesville, GA

The Barnes Law Office, LLC, Atlanta, GA

The Live Oak Insurance Agency, Saint Simons Island, GA

The Sign Brothers, Bogart, GA

Tioga Capital, Atlanta, GA

Translation Station, Atlanta, GA

Whitmire Animal Hospital, Dawsonville, GA

WinGen By Swordpoint Services, Atlanta, GA

Womack Custom Homes, Cartersville, GA

Yancey Wire & Cable, Fairburn, GA

Yonder Yoga, Atlanta, GA

Each year, Bulldog 100 applicants are measured by their business’ compounded annual growth rate during a three-year period. The Atlanta office of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, a Bulldog 100 partner since the program began in 2009, verified the information submitted by each company.

“These alumni represent the entrepreneurial spirit and drive that is intrinsic to every Georgia Bulldog,” said Adam Roell, executive director of alumni relations at UGA. “We are so proud to celebrate all their hard work and to honor them as leaders and innovators of their industries.”

The university will host the annual Bulldog 100 Celebration in Athens on Feb. 21, 2025, to celebrate these alumni business leaders and count down the ranked list to reveal the No. 1 fastest-growing business.

Altera Investments named fastest-growing UGA business

February 9, 2024/by Rachael Andrews

The University of Georgia Alumni Association recognized the fastest-growing companies owned or led by UGA alumni during the 15th annual Bulldog 100 Celebration Feb. 9 in the West End Zone of Sanford Stadium.

The 2024 fastest-growing business, Altera Investments, was founded and is led by David Fershteyn, CEO, Carlos Alcala, CFO and Mitch Reiner, Board Member. Fershteyn, Alcala and Reiner all earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Terry College of Business – Fershteyn and Alcala received theirs in 2017, while Reiner received his degree in 2005.

Altera Investments is based in Atlanta and is an alternative investment firm focused on the lower middle market. This is the company’s first time on the Bulldog 100 list, although Reiner has represented previous companies that have made the list.

The 2024 No. 1 Bulldog business, Altera Investments, is led by David Fershteyn, CEO (pictured above in foreground), Carlos Alcala, CFO (pictured in background above), and Mitch Reiner, Board Member (not pictured).

Rounding out the Bulldog 100 top ten are:

Jetset World Travel, Atlanta, Georgia
Ryals Brothers, LLC, Lula, Georgia
Neighborly Software, Atlanta, Georgia
Capital Real Estate Group, Atlanta, Georgia
SynerGrx, Chamblee, Georgia
teXga Farms, Clarkesville, Georgia
Eagle Christian Tours, Rome, Georgia
Society 54, LLC, Charlotte, North Carolina
Lighting Pros, Jefferson, Georgia

“It is our privilege to recognize this year’s honorees, who truly embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that is found in every Bulldog,” said Lee Zell, president of the UGA Alumni Association. “Welcoming these Bulldogs back to campus was an honor, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate their impact on their communities and industries.”

The Bulldog 100 companies were ranked solely based on their three-year compounded annual growth rates. The Atlanta office of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors—a Bulldog 100 partner since the program began in 2009—verifies the information submitted by each company and determines the ranked list. On average, companies in the 2024 Bulldog 100 grew by 67 percent each year from 2020-2022, the highest growth rate in the 15-year history of the program.

This year, businesses are headquartered in a total of 7 states, with 88 of the businesses located in the state of Georgia. In total, 139 alumni representing over a dozen industries, including health care, financial services, agriculture, and real estate are being recognized.

The fifth annual Michael J. Bryan Award was presented during the Feb. 9 event. The award, named for the co-founder and managing partner of Vino Venue and Atlanta Wine School who passed away in 2017 from cancer, recognizes a returning Bulldog 100 honoree who demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to UGA that was Bryan’s hallmark. This year’s recipients are Jim Chasteen, Charlie Thompson, Kelly Chasteen, Justin Manglitz and Chad Ralston, the team behind ASW Distillery.

2024 Michael J. Bryan Award Winner: ASW Distillery

(L-R) Kelly Chasteen and Jim Chasteen of ASW Distillery, the 2024 Michael J. Bryan Award winner, with Michael’s wife Leila Bryan and UGA Alumni President Lee Zell.

The complete list of 2024 Bulldog 100 businesses can be viewed online at alumni.uga.edu/b100.

Nominations for the 2025 Bulldog 100 will open in late Spring 2024.

University of Georgia reveals 2024 Bulldog 100 businesses

December 13, 2023/by Rachael Andrews

The UGA Alumni Association has released the 2024 Bulldog 100, a list of the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UGA graduates.

This year, businesses are headquartered in a total of 7 states, with 89 of the businesses located in the state of Georgia. In total, 139 alumni representing over a dozen industries, including health care, financial services, agriculture and real estate are being recognized as a part of this year’s list.

This year’s fastest-growing businesses, in alphabetical order, include:

A Signature Welcome, Raleigh, NC
Abound Wealth Management, LLC, Franklin, TN
Agora Vintage, Athens, GA
Alexander & Alexander Attorneys at Law, Barnwell, SC
Altera Investments, Atlanta, GA
Art of Floors, Cartersville, GA
ASW Distillery, Atlanta, GA
Atkinson Ferguson, LLC, Monroe, GA
Ben Stout Construction, Fayetteville, NC
BIOLYTE, Marietta, GA
Biren Patel Engineering, Macon, GA
Bitcoin Depot, Atlanta, GA
Bitstream, Dawsonville, GA
BlueBear Solutions, Inc., Atlanta, GA
Builders Specialty Contractors, Boynton Beach, FL
Capital Real Estate Group, Atlanta, GA
Castleberry Veterinary Hospital, Cumming, GA
Chad Weesner Insurance Agency, Vienna, GA
Clark Drug Company, Waynesboro, GA
Classic City Consulting, Snellville, GA
Codesmith Development, Hurricane, UT
Complexion, Nashville, TN
Comprehensive Behavior Change, LLC, Duluth, GA
Consume Media, Norcross, GA
Corps Team, Marietta, GA
Culinary Solution Centers, LLC, Zebulon, GA
Dental Claim Support, Savannah, GA
Detritus, LLC, Savannah, GA
Dovetail Civil Design, Inc., Watkinsville, GA
Eagle Christian Tours, Rome, GA
Ellsworth Cleaning & Facility Services, Atlanta, GA
enewton design, Atlanta, GA
Erica Davis Lowcountry, Savannah, GA
Express Vets, Jasper, GA
FI Navigator Corporation, Atlanta, GA
Freight Control, Inc., St. Simons Island, GA
From Sir With Love, Marietta, GA
Gibson, Johnson & Company Inc., Atlanta, GA
Glass & Robson, LLC, Atlanta, GA
Good Dog Veterinary Care, Marietta, GA
Greater Athens Properties, Athens, GA
Healthcare IT Leaders, Alpharetta, GA
i9 Sports of North & Central Gwinnett County, Suwanee, GA
Imperial Fence Supply, East Point, GA
Ryan Brown Law, LLC, Newnan, GA
Jetset World Travel, Atlanta, GA
Johnson & Alday, LLC, Marietta, GA
KBH Industrial, Smyrna, GA
Kempt, Athens, GA
Kevin Patrick Law, Atlanta, GA
King’s Hometown Pharmacy, Blairsville, GA
KRG Fuel + Energy, Roswell, GA
Lake City Chiropractic, Acworth, GA
Lake Pine Animal Hospital, Apex, NC
Lighting Pros, Jefferson, GA
Macallan Real Estate, LLC, Marietta, GA
Manly Shipley, LLP, Savannah, GA
Marketwake, Atlanta, GA
Mark Spain Real Estate, Alpharetta, GA
Marlow Landscape Services, Cumming, GA
Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward, LLC, North Charleston, SC
Moore Civil Consulting, Inc., Perry, GA
Morris Hardwood Distribution, Savannah, GA
Neighborly Software, Atlanta, GA
North Forsyth Animal Hospital, Cumming, GA
Parker Executive Search, Atlanta, GA
Pathwise CPA Group, Watkinsville, GA
Pig Apple, Brooklyn, NY
Pittman & Greer Engineering, Watkinsville, GA
Powell Dentistry Group – The Georgia Smile Group, St. Simons Island, GA
Prime Time Pediatrics, Watkinsville, GA
Puppy Haven, Sandy Springs, GA
Roam, Roswell, GA
Roberts Civil Engineering, LLC, St. Simons Island, GA
Ryals Brothers, LLC, Lula, GA
Samet, Greensboro, NC
Sapelo Skin Care, Savannah, GA
Savannah Drywall Supply, Inc., Pooler, GA
Scott Construction, LLC, Macon, GA
Share the Magic Foundation, Atlanta, GA
Shore Coaching Services, Athens, GA
Siegel Construction & Design, LLC, Atlanta, GA
SimplyTRUE Automotive Group, Norcross, GA
Society 54, LLC, Charlotte, NC
Southern Luxury Homes, Greensboro, GA
Southern Reins Logistics, LLC, Alpharetta, GA
Spark A Revolution, Roswell, GA
SPG Planners + Engineers, Watkinsville, GA
Stable Kernel, Atlanta, GA
SynerGrx, Chamblee, GA
Telecom Innovations, LLC, Athens, GA
teXga Farms, Clarkesville, GA
The Baer Law Firm, Atlanta, GA
The Grant Partners, Alpharetta, GA
The Live Oak Agency, St. Simons Island, GA
The Taco Stache, Pooler, GA
Three Tree Coffee Roasters, Statesboro, GA
Tier4 Group, Alpharetta, GA
Whitemire Animal Hospital, Dawsonville, GA
Yonder Yoga, Atlanta, GA

“We are proud to recognize our incredible alumni who are leaders and innovators in their industries,” said Lee Zell, president of the UGA Alumni Association. “These individuals embody the best of what UGA stands for and represent the value of a degree from our university. We’re excited to celebrate them and the work they are doing to build better communities.”

The university will host the annual Bulldog 100 Celebration in Athens Feb. 9, 2024, to celebrate these alumni business leaders and count down the ranked list to reveal the No. 1 fastest-growing business.

To view the alumni business leaders for each company and learn more about this program, see alumni.uga.edu/b100.

Outstanding alumni, staff and friends recognized by UGA Alumni Association

April 26, 2022/by Danielle Bezila

UGA’s Alumni Association announced the seven recipients of the 2022 Alumni Awards at an event held on Friday, April 22. The annual Alumni Awards Luncheon, which dates back to 1936, recognizes individuals and organizations who demonstrate a commitment to UGA. The 2022 honorees were:

William “Bill” Griffin (BBA ’72), Alumni Merit Award.
Shirley Mathis McBay (PhD ’66), Alumni Merit Award (Posthumous).
Garth Russo, Faculty Service Award.
Michelle Cook, Faculty Service Award.
Dan T. Cathy, Friend of UGA Award.
John Winston “Jack” Rooker (BBA ’60) Family, Family of the Year Award.
Juan J. Mencias (BBA ’15), Young Alumni Award.

“The devotion of this year’s award recipients to the University of Georgia is making a positive difference in the lives of countless individuals on this campus, throughout the state, and around the world,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “They have made the University of Georgia stronger and have made all of us very proud.”

2022 Alumni Merit Awards

The UGA Alumni Association’s oldest and highest honor, the Alumni Merit Award, is presented to individuals whose outstanding community leadership and service to the university reflect UGA’s highest values.

Bill Griffin is the executive chairman of ServiceMac, the nation’s fastest-growing subservicing company providing mortgage servicing support to lenders and investors across the country. He co-founded the company and recently facilitated its sale to First American Financial, a Fortune 500 financial services firm. Griffin has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to UGA. He served on the UGA Foundation board of trustees from 2007 to 2017 and now chairs a group that focuses on maintaining strong relationships between emeritus trustees and the university. Griffin led the fundraising effort that raised $11.5 million to name the William Porter Payne and Porter Otis Payne Indoor Athletic Facility for legendary alumni Billy Payne and his late father, Porter. He served on the Building Terry Campaign Cabinet, which raised more than $125 million in private funding for new facilities, and recently co-chaired the fundraising campaign to name the Jere W. Morehead Honors College.

Shirley Mathis McBay was UGA’s first Black doctoral graduate and the first woman to earn a doctoral degree in mathematics from the university. McBay graduated five years after the university was desegregated in 1961 and dedicated the rest of her life to improving education for underrepresented students. McBay made her immense impact on education, science and society through her work as a faculty member and administrator at Spelman College, dean for student affairs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), program manager and director in the Science Education Directorate of the National Science Foundation, and founder and president of the Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network. McBay died in November 2021 at the age of 86. Her award was accepted posthumously by her son Ron McBay.

2022 Faculty Service Awards

Dr. Garth Russo received a 2022 Faculty Service Award, which is presented to a faculty or staff member who has shown remarkable leadership in higher education. Russo, who retired as executive director of the University Health Center in July 2021, helped UGA navigate the COVID-19 pandemic — one of its most trying periods to date. He began his career as a staff physician in 1991. In January 2018, he became the senior medical director of UHC. Russo became the interim executive director in February 2018 upon Dr. Jean Chin’s retirement and assumed the role permanently in August of that year. Beyond his service as a physician, Russo also improved processes, systems and the organizational structure of the UHC.

Michelle Cook, the second recipient of the 2022 Faculty Service Award, is UGA’s senior vice provost for diversity and inclusion and strategic university initiatives. Her dedication to UGA’s mission is unmatched. She recently co-chaired the Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Planning Committee, which developed a five-year plan to provide an integrated and strategic approach to UGA’s diversity and inclusion efforts. A veteran administrator in the Provost’s Office and the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, Cook has a long record of success in leading campus-wide programs and garnering external funding to advance institutional priorities. She plays a vital role in elevating the recruitment, retention and success of underrepresented and underserved students, faculty and staff on campus.

2022 Friend of UGA Award

Dan T. Cathy received the Friend of UGA Award, which is presented to a non-alumnus or organization that has devoted themselves to the greater good of UGA. Cathy is chairman of Chick-fil-A Inc., a fast-food restaurant chain headquartered in Atlanta, and is a highly engaged and generous member of the UGA community. Last fall, Chick-fil-A made a $10 million pledge to expand and enhance the Institute for Leadership Advancement, which works with students across campus to develop values-based, impact-driven leadership. The ILA program is housed in the S. Truett Cathy Leadership Suite within the Terry College’s Business Learning Community. Cathy also has partnered with UGA to support the Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and Digital Media program. In the second year of the MFA program, students move to Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, Georgia, and study in residence with working professionals at the Georgia Film Academy. Trilith Studios, owned by Cathy, is famously where Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, DC’s The Suicide Squad and a host of other blockbusters have been filmed.

2022 Family of the Year Award

The John Winston “Jack” Rooker family received the Family of the Year Award. The Rooker family history is deeply embedded in Athens and UGA. In 1907, A. P. Winston, the grandfather of Jack Rooker, came to UGA from the University of Virginia to manage the new agricultural college on campus. Over the next three generations, the Rooker family would boast a total of 10 family members graduating from UGA. Their impact on the university is boundless. Jack Rooker started serving on the UGA Foundation board of trustees in 1996, and he served as the founding chair of the UGA Real Estate Foundation. In 2005, John W. Rooker Hall and the Cindy Rooker Fireside Lounge were dedicated in the university’s East Campus Village in gratitude for Jack and Cindy’s years of alumni leadership and support. In 2014, the Rooker Family Need-Based Scholarship Fund was established. One of their most recent commitments was the opening of the Rooker Family Equine Receiving Barn at the UGA Veterinary Medical Learning Center in 2015. In 2017, Moore-Rooker Hall opened in the Terry College’s Business Learning Community thanks to significant financial support from the Rooker family and their longtime friend Dudley Moore.

2022 Young Alumni Award

Juan Mencias was this year’s recipient of the Young Alumni Award, which is presented to an individual who brings recognition and honor to UGA through outstanding leadership and service to the university, the community and his or her profession. He currently serves as chief financial officer for Georgia Diamond Corporation and its affiliate Ascot Diamonds in Atlanta. Mencias earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in finance in 2015 from the Terry College of Business and graduated cum laude from the Morehead Honors College. While at UGA, he served as president of the Goizueta Ambassador Program and promoted the importance of higher education and diversity. Mencias founded the UGA Latino Alumni Council in 2017 and currently serves as its president. The UGA Latino Alumni Council is the first and only alumni group for Latino graduates of UGA. It works to promote networking, collaboration and further development for all UGA undergraduate and graduate alumni who identify themselves as being of Latino descent (including Hispanic, Latin American/Latino and Spanish ancestry).

“This year’s recipients are campus, community and business leaders whose outstanding loyalty and support serve as an inspiration to us all,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson, executive director of the Alumni Association. “They embody the best of UGA, and it is our honor to recognize them today.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE AWARDS AND PAST HONOREES

Offbeat Media Group named fastest-growing UGA business

February 8, 2022/by Danielle Bezila

Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Alumni Association recognized the fastest-growing companies owned or led by UGA alumni during the thirteenth annual Bulldog 100 Celebration on Feb. 5 in the West End Zone of Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.

The 2022 fastest-growing business, Offbeat Media Group, boasts four UGA graduates at the helm: Shepherd Ogden (BBA ’18), CEO and co-founder, Bailey Grady (BBA ’19), COO and co-founder, Christopher Travers (BBA ’17), COO and co-founder and Kevin Planovsky (ABJ ’05), advisor.

Atlanta-based Offbeat Media Group is a leading digital influence and media company that owns, builds, and brokers the largest native social media network of publishers and virtual influencers. Now with over 1 billion followers, the concept was trailblazed by one of its co-founders when he was just a sophomore in high school. With investments from venture capitalists like Mark Cuban, this company’s clients sit at the intersection of lifestyle, culture and entertainment. Those clients include TikTok, McDonald’s, Twitch, Cameo, Netflix, Warner Music Group and more.

“We are the product of what young entrepreneurs can do here at UGA,” said Shepherd Ogden. “I expect we’ll see many more companies like ours started by students that are in school right now because of the resources being dedicated by the university. Our UGA mentors and programs like the New Media Institute and Innovation District have been incredibly helpful.”

Ogden continued, “If there’s something I can ask everyone to do, it’s to continue to help student entrepreneurs. That’s the reason we’re standing here today, because of the help we were given at UGA.”

Rounding out the Bulldog 100 top ten are:

1. Rheos Nautical Eyewear, Charleston, South Carolina
2. Roadie, Atlanta, Georgia
3. Bitcoin Depot, Atlanta, Georgia
4. BIOLYTE, Canton, Georgia
5. YouthServ360 Inc. dba 7 Pillars Career Academy, Forest Park, Georgia
6. Edwards & Hawkins LLC, Atlanta, Georgia
7. Golden Isles Pharmacy, Brunswick, Georgia
8. LeaseQuery, Atlanta, Georgia
9. inBrain, Atlanta, Georgia

“The 2022 Bulldog 100 recognizes outstanding alumni achievements, broadens those business leaders’ networks and celebrates a spirit of innovation at UGA,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson, executive director of the UGA Alumni Association. “These alumni are leading the way in business, building better communities, and are committed to their ideas, their innovations and their employees. We are proud to celebrate their successes.”

Bulldog 100 companies were ranked, regardless of size, by evaluating their three-year compounded annual growth rates. The Atlanta office of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors—a Bulldog 100 partner since the program began in 2009—verifies the information submitted by each company and determines the ranked list. On average, companies in the 2022 Bulldog 100 grew by 44 percent each year from 2019-2021.

Nominations were accepted from February to July 2021. UGA received 367 nominations for the 2022 Bulldog 100. Each organization must have been in business since 2018, experienced revenues over $100,000 for the calendar year 2019, and be owned or operated by a former UGA student who owns at least half of the company or is the CEO, president or managing partner.

During the Feb. 5 event, the UGA Alumni Association presented the fifth annual Michael J. Bryan Award to 1973 UGA graduate Rodger Breda, CEO and founder of Breda Pest Management.

Bryan, the co-founder and managing partner of Vino Venue and Atlanta Wine School in Dunwoody, Georgia, passed away in 2017 after a long battle with cancer. The award recognizes a returning Bulldog 100 honoree whose business has not only sustained growth, but also demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to UGA that was Bryan’s hallmark.

To view the complete list of 2022 Bulldog 100 businesses, visit alumni.uga.edu/b100.

Nominations for the 2023 Bulldog 100 are now open.

2022 is YOUR year.

January 1, 2022/by Danielle Bezila

These Bulldog 100 businesses are here to support your 2022 New Year’s Resolutions.

GET IN SHAPE

It’s the most popular new year’s resolution time after time. You know the one. Good news in 2022: SculptHouse has you covered! Whether you’re looking to make some healthy physical changes, or just look good trying, be sure to check out SculptHouse’s fitness classes and activewear.

SculptHouse is a fitness studio, activewear and lifestyle boutique with physical locations in Atlanta and Dallas and a robust online presence. It focuses on helping clients lead healthy, happy and confident lives through fitness and fashion.

UPDATE YOUR HOME + YARD

Maybe your resolution was to finally turn that spare room into an office or a playroom. Or was it to transform your backyard into a space you can enjoy year-round? Let Maggie Griffin Design, Root Design Studio, Cindy Lynn Dunnaway Interiors, Hager Design International and Backyard Escapes help you accomplish your home interior and exterior goals!

Maggie Griffin Design is a full-scale interior design studio creating homes evoking Southern hospitality, comfort, elegance and stylish living. The company manages every aspect of a project to create beauty and highly satisfied clients.

Root Design Studio is a boutique landscape architecture firm located in Atlanta, serving a diverse clientele in both the public and private sectors. Providing a full range of services from master planning through construction administration, Root Design has the expertise to deliver high-quality site development solutions.

CLD Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in updated traditional interiors. Based in Atlanta, they help clients across the Southeast create beautiful and perfectly livable spaces for their families.

Hager Design International Inc. (HDI) specializes in hospitality, retail and senior living projects. There are over 1,100 projects in HDI’s portfolio, including award-winning renovations of historic properties in the United States and Canada.

Backyard Escape is a full-service custom design-build company with a specialization in pools, unique garden landscapes, designer stone patios with (or without) pergolas, home barbecue centers and more.

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY

Whenever communities are looking for stronger leaders and the world cries out for better solutions, Bulldogs answer the call to service. If your resolution is to jump in and serve your community this year, consider Bulldog-led organizations such as Extra Special People Inc., Nuçi’s Space and Light from Light.

Extra Special People Inc. (ESP) exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. ESP is a growing nonprofit with 35 years of experience in serving people of all abilities. ESP carries out its mission in three ways: 360, Java Joy and Hooray.

Nuçi’s Space is focused on ending the epidemic of suicide and inspiring a culture free of the stigma attached to brain illnesses and its sufferers by supporting a community-wide effort that focuses on education, prevention and access to appropriate treatment. Their mission is to prevent suicide. With a focus on musicians, Nuçi’s Space advocates for and helps to alleviate the suffering for those living with a brain illness and fights to end the stigma of mental illness.

Light from Light is a Georgia-based nonprofit organization that provides funding, training and expertise to the Lespwa Timoun (“Hope for Children”) medical clinic in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti. The mission at Light from Light is to support lasting change in Haiti by empowering local leaders. The clinic is staffed by more than 53 Haitian leaders who provide care for more than 1,000 patients on a monthly basis, onsite and in remote villages. The pillars of Light from Light’s work include care of the malnourished and access to healthcare for the most marginalized (via mobile medicine).

TRAVEL MORE

If you’re ready to dust off your suitcase and scratch that travel itch in 2022, Cabo Luxury, Lightin RV Rentals and Double Fun Watersports are here to help you plan, relax and enjoy!

Cabo Luxury is the top provider of villa rentals and concierge services in all of Los Cabos, Mexico. Their 360-degree services make a villa rental a five-star resort experience. The company offers every service a customer desires in a luxury getaway and delivers them with Southern hospitality and white-glove service. The local staff knows Cabo inside and out and provides superior service for vacationers from arrival to departure.

Offering some of the finest recreational vehicles (RVs) on the market, Lightnin RV Rentals owns its entire fleet and continuously refreshes inventory with new models. Their luxury-loaded, top-quality motorhomes, travel trailers and pop-up campers are ideal for everything from family vacations and tailgate parties to corporate events and emergency housing.

Double Fun Watersports maintains and rents a fleet of 35 double-decker pontoon boats across six locations along Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast. The boats have been a huge hit since day one with their upper deck, dual waterslides and room for large groups. Double Fun largely introduced double-decker pontoon boats to the Destin / FWB area and has significantly helped shape the Gulf Coast’s pontoon rental industry in recent years.

The No. 1 business of the 2022 Bulldog 100 will be announced on February 5. Whatever your 2022 goals, go get after it, Bulldogs.

Betting on Bulldogs: John Shurley’s legacy of entrepreneurship at UGA

July 19, 2021/by Shannon Moran

Each year, the University of Georgia Alumni Association unveils the Bulldog 100, a list of the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. The 2021 Bulldog 100 celebrated organizations from over two dozen industries, including agriculture, construction, health care, nonprofits and software.

Powered by the expertise of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, the program celebrates Dawgs on top and demonstrates the incredible value of a degree from UGA.

There is one unforgettable member of the Bulldog 100 community: John Shurley. Without his early commitment to the program and dedicated leadership ever since, Bulldog 100 would not be possible. John has supported the program with his facts, figures and insights for over a decade.

Joining the Bulldog 100 community

John is a proud Bulldog, earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting from UGA in 1977. As a student, he was an active member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

John Shurley (third from right) with his fraternity brothers in 1977.

The UGA Office of Alumni Relations first approached John with the idea of starting a program to celebrate successful alumni entrepreneurs in 2007. John was an early backer of this startup idea. His love for UGA – and his support for hard-working business leaders – were invaluable in getting the Bulldog 100 off the ground.

John and his Atlanta office of Warren Averett have been Bulldog 100 partners since the program began in 2009. Warren Averett verifies financial information submitted by each company to determine the 100 fastest-growing, alumni-owned businesses. Bulldog 100 would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of John and his team.

Leaving his mark

From the beginning, John and the associates of Warren Averett provided pro bono accounting work, verified applications and finalized a ranked list with sound calculations. His leadership perfected the Bulldog 100 verification process and fostered development within the Office of Alumni Relations.

John values the Bulldog 100 mission to lead and serve. He appreciates the diverse backgrounds of alumni who make the list, from pharmacy to forestry resources, and always highlighted them at the annual Bulldog 100 ceremony.

“I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the trust he placed in our team and for helping us realize our vision. His dedication has touched the lives of so many and put wind in the sails of countless alumni,” said Meredith Johnson Gurley, executive director of the UGA Alumni Association.

John’s legacy

John announced his retirement from Warren Averett last year. Though this year was our last with John helping lead Bulldog 100, his voice and guidance will be evident in the legacy of the Bulldog 100 for years to come. As an alumnus, champion of students and mentor to staff, John remains an integral member of the UGA family.

David Crabtree (BBA ’04), member at Warren Averett and fellow UGA graduate, will be assuming John’s position as a leader of the Bulldog 100.

“We look forward to working with David Crabtree at Warren Averett, who has been mentored by John these last few years – and what better preparation could he have?” said Meredith.

Where is John now?

John retired with his wife in St. Simons Island, Georgia. But no matter where John calls home, he will never bark alone. From Sanford Stadium to St. Simons, we’re ringing the bell in celebration of John’s impact on UGA.