UGA News

3rd Annual TEDxUGA is Friday, March 27

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UGA is hosting its 3rd Annual TEDxUGA event in Tate Grand Hall on Friday, March 27 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. What is TEDx? TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxUGA, where x = independently organized TED event. At the TEDxUGA event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized. Several UGA alumni will present at this year’s TEDxUGA event:

  • Lemuel LaRoche (BSW ’02, MSW ’03)
  • Michelle Blue (BBA ’13)
  • Julie Rushmore (PHD ’13, DVM ’17)
  • Chris Dixon (ABJ ’89, MMC ’95)
  • Lisa Taylor (JD ’01)

Won’t be in Athens or missed out on tickets for the event? TEDxUGA will be livestreamed begining at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. This will be a great opportunity for alumni and friends to participate and engage from across the country. You can also interact with the event on Twitter.

2015 Alumni Seminar: Food for Thought

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The University of Georgia will host its second annual Return to the Arch Alumni Seminar, a three-day educational gathering for UGA alumni and friends, from May 1-3, 2015. This year’s theme is “Food for Thought” and will feature lectures, tours and interactive seminars that showcase the best that UGA has to offer. Come prepared with open minds and empty stomachs as you experience a fun, food-filled weekend on campus.

Seminar highlights include:

  • A reception and dinner with Food Network star and alumnus Alton Brown (AB ’04)
  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of campus
  • Presentations from leading UGA faculty members
  • Address by Peter Dale (ABJ ’99), owner/chef of The National in Athens, 2012 Food & Wine’s “People’s Best New Chef-Southeast”
  • A farm-to-table dinner under the stars on Herty Field

View the complete seminar schedule.

The registration fee for this three-day seminar is $290 per person, which includes all meals, beverages, transportation, seminars and special activities. It does not include hotel accommodations.

A supplemental dining package for non-attendee spouses/guests may be purchased for $115. This includes the Friday reception and dinner with Alton Brown, the Saturday reception and Ffarm-to-table dinner on Herty Field, and a local lunch market on Sunday.

Register today!

EXTENDED DEADLINE: Dawg Trot 5K for Scholarships

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Registration for the Dawg Trot 5K for Scholarships has been extended to Monday, March 16.

Join hundreds of UGA alumni and friends for one of Athens’ largest 5K races on Saturday, March 21! This year, the UGA Alumni Association is proud to announce the Dawg Trot 5K for Scholarships will raise awareness and funds for student scholarships at UGA. Your participation ensures a bright future for students!

  • Individual: $25 (without T-shirt)
  • Individual: $40 (with T-shirt)
  • Family of Four: $65
  • Team of Ten: $155
  • UGA Student Organization Team of Ten: $110
  • UGA Student: $15

Griffin-Spalding County is UGA’s 12th Archway Partnership community

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Griffin-Spalding County is the University of Georgia’s newest Archway Partnership community, bringing to 12 the number of counties across Georgia to participate in the unique community development initiative.

“Griffin-Spalding County has progressive visionary leadership, a key ingredient to a successful Archway program,” said Mel Garber, director of Archway, a unit of the Office of Public Service and Outreach. “I commend community leaders for their unified effort.”

Founded in 2005, the Archway Partnership builds on UGA’s land-grant mission by taking a grassroots approach to address community and economic development needs, as identified by that community. Community leaders in Griffin-Spalding County have demonstrated a commitment to working together on community needs and the partnership with UGA will enhance those efforts, said Garber.

“The Archway Partnership represents the culmination of a community initiative undertaken as far back as 2008, to identify an efficient means of bringing our elected officials and their constituency groups together for the purpose of collaborative strategic planning, and the development of solutions to community challenges,” said Chuck Copeland (AB ’83), a Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce volunteer.

Representatives from Griffin-Spalding County take place in the Archway Partnership MOU signing. From left to right, front row, James Westbury (BBA ’64), Rita Johnson, Doug Hollberg; back row, Chuck Copeland (AB ’83), Regent Tommy Hopkins (M ’79), Stephanie Windham and Angel Jackson.

In the Archway Partnership, the community drives the priority-need process through an executive committee made up of local citizens and community leaders. An Archway professional, based in that community, identifies resources at UGA, as well as other institutions, that can be tapped to address those needs. Since the program began in 2005, more than 850 UGA students and 158 UGA faculty members, and 25 non-UGA faculty members have engaged in an Archway Partnership project.

As the Griffin-Spalding County Archway Partnership becomes established, residents will have opportunities to participate in listening sessions and town hall meetings during which the community’s most critical needs will be identified.

“I am pleased that Griffin-Spalding County will be the next Archway Partnership community,” said Jennifer Frum (PHD ’09), vice president for public service and outreach. “We are excited about strengthening the ties between UGA and Griffin-Spalding and partnering with the community to help it grow and prosper.”

For additional information about the Archway Partnership, see www.archwaypartnership.uga.edu.

UGA unveils 2015 UGA Day Tour schedule

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The University of Georgia is once again hitting the road to bring the Bulldog spirit to alumni, friends and fans around the Southeast.
From April to July, UGA coaches and administrators will travel to seven cities, sharing their insights into UGA’s upcoming athletic seasons and the latest news from campus. Attendees will also learn more about local UGA Alumni Association chapters and how to become involved.
Each stop on the UGA Day Tour will bring delight to UGA fans of all ages – you won’t want to miss out on the action.
Registration for each stop on the tour will open in March at www.alumni.uga.edu/ugaday.
If you are interested in serving as a sponsor for UGA Day, click here for more information.
See you on the tour – Go Dawgs!

UGA names new DC facility in recognition of $5 million grant from Delta Air Lines Foundation

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Exciting news for UGA in Washington was released today. The full announcement can be read on UGA Today.

The University of Georgia has received a commitment for a $5 million grant from the Delta Air Lines Foundation to support UGA in Washington. In recognition of the gift, UGA will name the university’s new residential facility in Washington, D.C., Delta Hall. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia formally approved the naming at its meeting today.

Funding UGA in Washington has been a priority for UGA President Jere W. Morehead (JD ’80) and the UGA Foundation board of trustees as they seek to elevate the university to greater national stature. Delta’s gift also establishes a lecture series that will feature prominent speakers each year as well as five internships.

The new facility, which was purchased by the UGA Foundation in 2014, has undergone extensive renovations to transform the 20,000-square-foot space from a commercial office building to a residence hall and learning community. The renovated building provides living quarters, classroom and study space for UGA students and faculty who participate in UGA’s experiential learning programs in the nation’s capital. The facility is located on Massachusetts Avenue in the heart of Capitol Hill. The inaugural class of students moved into the house in January, and the dedication of Delta Hall is planned for February 26.

UGA has a long history of promoting and sponsoring internships in Washington, D.C. The Washington Semester Program and the Honors in Washington Program, along with several schools and colleges, have offered opportunities for students to intern and study in the nation’s capital for more than a decade.

Happy New Year, Bulldogs!

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The UGA Alumni Association and the University of Georgia are well on the way to a great 2015. 26,882 undergraduate students have returned to campus for the spring academic semester, 1,113 whom are calling UGA their “home” for the first time. It is impressive to have such competitive students choosing UGA to further their educations.

This year marks the 230th celebration as the nation’s first state-chartered institution of higher education. In honor of the signing of UGA’s Charter on January 27, 1795, the UGA Alumni Association hosted the annual Founders Day Lecture. This lecture was held in the UGA Chapel and featured Paul Kurtz, UGA School of Law J. Alton Hosch Professor of Law and Associate Dean Emeritus.

The New Year brings opportunities to get more involved with the university and your local alumni chapter. Check out our upcoming events calendar online. If you are interested in chapter leadership, several chapters will be holding interest meetings in coming weeks and months.

Bulldog 100 is right around the corner! This event will take place on Saturday, February 7 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. If you were unable to nominate someone this year, the nominations for 40 Under 40 and next year’s Bulldog 100 open in mid-February.

Also, be on the lookout for UGA Days. The tour will visit 7 cities throughout Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina.

The UGA Alumni Association will keep you informed about UGA events and happenings. Simply keep your contact information up-to-date so that we include you in all the exciting things planned for 2015. You can also stay informed of events and news on Facebook and Twitter.

This year holds great potential for growth on campus and within our Alumni chapters. Let us come together as the Bulldog nation in embracing all that 2015 has to offer.

Sincerely,

Meredith Gurley Johnson (BSFCS ’00)
Executive Director
UGA Alumni Association 

Student Alumni Association celebrates UGA’s birthday

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UGA students, including members of the Student Alumni Association, have been wishing UGA a happy birthday throughout the week as the university community celebrates Founders Week and the 230th anniversary of the university’s establishment as the first state-chartered institution of public higher education.

On Tuesday, students gathered in Tate Plaza to receive 2015 Founders Week T-shirts, enjoy a few birthday treats and learn more about the university’s founding and what it means to be the first state-chartered institution. Even the guide dogs got into the Founders Week spirit!

That evening, students watched the men’s basketball team defeat the Vanderbilt Commodores 70-62 at Stegeman Coliseum. Other Founders Week activities taking place this week include a Greek Life banner contest, the Spring Career Fair and a special Dawgs After Dark on Friday night.

Another exciting part of Founders Week is the annual 100 Days Until Graduation Celebration. This one-stop-shop provides seniors with an opportunity to meet with alumni representatives from their schools and colleges, learn more about the Young Alumni Football Ticket Program, order a UGA ring, make their mark on the Senior Signature plaque, and order caps and gowns for commencement. All members of the Class of 2015 are invited to attend this special event.

And if you haven’t seen it, be sure to check out the video of UGA students wishing UGA a happy 230th birthday.

Thank you to the Student Alumni Association and the Student Alumni Council for making Founders Week another exciting time for students on campus.

It’s not too late to send UGA your own happy birthday message. Simply use #UGATurns230 on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

UGA to celebrate 230th anniversary on January 27

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Each year, the UGA Alumni Association proudly celebrates the signing of the University of Georgia Charter that took place on January 27, 1785. In recognition of the university’s 230th anniversary as the nation’s first state-chartered institution of higher education, the UGA Alumni Association and the UGA Emeriti Scholars present the annual Founders Day Lecture. The lecture is held in the UGA Chapel and has become a Founders Day tradition, drawing alumni, students, faculty, esteemed guests and members of the community. This year’s lecture will be held on Monday, January 26 at 1:30 p.m. The lecture is free and open to the public.

The 2015 Founders Day Lecture will be presented by UGA School of Law J. Alton Hosch Professor of Law and Associate Dean Emeritus Paul M. Kurtz, and will be titled, A New York Yankee in Abraham Baldwin’s Court: (Almost) Fifty Years Behind ‘Enemy’ Lines. 

Paul M. Kurtz

Student Bar Association President Carey Miller (AB ’12, JD ’16) will provide the student response.

Carey Miller (AB ’12, JD ’16)

Can’t attend the lecture? It will be livestreamed, so you can join in the celebration from your home or office.

And don’t forget to wish UGA a happy birthday on social media using #UGATurns230. 

The UGA Student Alumni Association will sponsor a series of free events in advance of and following the lecture. For more information about these events, please email Assistant Director of Student Programs Evan Tighe (BSED ’08, MA ’11) at eptighe@uge.edu.

  • Monday, January 26: Founders Day Lecture at 1:30 p.m. in The Chapel
  • Tuesday, January 27: Founders Week T-shirt Giveaway and Birthday Party in Tate Plaza; Men’s Basketball Game vs. Vanderbilt at 7:00 p.m. in Stegeman Coliseum
  • Wednesday, January 28: Career Fair from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at The Classic Center
  • Thursday, January 29: 100 Days Until Graduation Celebration; birthday cupcakes in the dining halls
  • Friday, January 30: 100 Days Until Graduation Celebration and Dawgs After Dark
  • All week: Greek Life Banner Contest

Flavor of Georgia celebrates tradition of artisan and craft foods

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From cheeses to chutneys, craft chocolate to chorizo, the 2015 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest—sponsored by the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development—will celebrate Georgians’ creativity and craftsmanship by finding the best products in the state.

“Flavor of Georgia is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain publicity and exposure for their products,” said Sharon P. Kane, a UGA food business development specialist and the contest’s coordinator. “It’s also a chance for them to network with other food entrepreneurs and industry experts.”

Nearly 90 percent of the finalists in the 2014 Flavor of Georgia Contest reported seeing increased interest in their products following the contest, and many others benefitted from increased sales, profits, publicity and website traffic, she said. Some also indicated an increase in full- and part-time employees.

More than 50 percent saw an increase in new contracts within one month of the contest.

A follow-up survey of past finalists, from the 2007 through 2012 contests, found that they attributed about 11 percent of their business revenue to their participation in Flavor of Georgia.

Finalists and winners will be eligible to participate in a number of high-profile industry showcases throughout 2015, including the Georgia Grown Symposium, the Georgia National Fair and showcase days at the Buford Highway Farmers Market. They also will receive industry feedback and use of the Flavor of Georgia finalist logo for their product’s packaging.

Winners will be featured in the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Georgia Grown magazine, a statewide publicity push, a booth at the Georgia Food Industry Association conference, a spot at the Sherwood Food Distributors annual food show and use of Flavor of Georgia winner logo for their packaging.

Contest finalists will be invited to participate in the final round of judging and a public tasting March 9-10 as part of the Governor’s Agricultural Awareness Day in Atlanta.

Food marketing experts, grocery buyers, chefs and Georgia agricultural experts will judge each product based on flavor, Georgia theme, unique or innovative qualities and commercial appeal.

Registration runs through Jan. 30 and includes commercially available products or market-ready prototypes. Product categories include barbecue sauces; beverages; confections; dairy products; jams and jellies; marinades and sauces; meat and seafood; salsas, chutneys and condiments; snack foods; and miscellaneous products. There is no limit to the number of products an individual can submit.

Register and learn more.