Celebrate Mentoring Month!

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January is National Mentoring Month, and the UGA Mentor Program is thrilled to host events all month long to celebrate and highlight mentorship in all its forms.

Key Mentoring Month Dates:

January 11: I am a UGA Mentor Day (Virtual) – If you are a UGA Mentor, celebrate on social media using #UGAMentor. If you’re not yet a UGA Mentor, learn more about the benefits of the program at mentor.uga.edu.

January 16: Dr. MLK Day of Service (Virtual) – Explore virtual volunteering opportunities and plan something with your mentee. Share your story using #UGAMentor

January 17: International Mentoring Day (Virtual) – Join in the fun with these UGA Mentor Program graphics and celebrate mentorship around the world using #UGAMentor on social media.

January 18: UGA Mentor Program Welcome (Tabling Event on Campus, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tate Concourse) – UGA Mentor Program Ambassadors will be out on campus recruiting new mentees. Let us know if you’d like to volunteer your time to come help us.

January 20: International Coffee Hour (Event on Campus) – Come join us from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Memorial Hall Ballroom to learn how mentorship differs from culture to culture and how mentors can support international students on their UGA journey. If you were an international student or worked/studied abroad and would like to help us with this event, please let us know!

January 26: I am a UGA Mentee Day (Virtual) – Even if you’re not yet an official UGA Mentor, celebrate students who have recognized the benefits of becoming a UGA Mentee. Don’t forget to use #UGAMentor on social media.

January 27: Black Male Mentoring Dinner (Event in Athens) – This is an invitation-only event, hosted in partnership with the UGA Office of Institutional Diversity. For more information, email ugamentor@uga.edu

January 31: Thank Your UGA Mentor Day (Virtual) – Help us thank all the UGA alumni, faculty and staff who have discovered the joys of giving back as UGA Mentors. Be sure to use #UGAMentor on social media.

Take the next step!

Joining the UGA Mentor Program is a convenient and rewarding way to provide guidance to a new generation of Bulldogs. It may surprise you how much YOU get from giving back this way! Visit mentor.uga.edu to read inspiring testimonials from program participants, scroll through FAQs and discover how easy it is to sign up.

Become a mentor

The best of the Classic City

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The fall is a busy time at the University of Georgia. With the semester underway and football season in full swing, plenty of Bulldogs find themselves back home in Athens for a weekend. There are so many reasons to love the Classic City, from the music scene to Saturdays in Sanford Stadium to the restaurants, so we put together a guide to some of our favorite things to do in Athens, Georgia.

Entertainment

Athens is known for its vibrant music scene, and a show at 40 Watt or the Georgia Theatre is always a good time. If you prefer movies, Ciné is a great stop for a flick downtown. The Georgia Museum of Art, the official art museum of the state of Georgia, showcases a permanent collection of visual art as well as rotating exhibitions.

Good Eats & Shopping

The restaurant choices are vast, so we took a 48-hour food tour to some of our favorite spots. From coffee and doughnuts to pizza and burgers, you’re sure to be well fed during your stay in Athens.

Our caffeine stop on the tour is Jittery Joe’s Downtown – they’re the perfect place for a cup of coffee or if you want to take home a Bulldog-themed coffee tin! While you’re downtown, be sure to browse the plethora of shops where you can find everything from UGA gameday gear to thrifted treasures. There’s plenty of Bulldog-owned places to shop as well, like Cheeky Peach and Fab’rik.

Another Athens staple is Mama’s Boy, a classic southern restaurant serving the best of breakfast and lunch in two locations. It’s a favorite with Athens residents, students, and visitors alike.

Get Outdoors

If you’re here for a football gameday, tailgating on campus is a must. North Campus and Myers Quad are popular tailgating destinations, but on gameday you can find people on all parts of campus. Even if you’re not headed to the game, tailgates are a great way to join in on the fun.

Walking through The State Botanical Garden of Georgia or along the Lake Herrick walking trails provides an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. If you’re traveling with kids, the Playground of Possibilities features an accessible play space and Memorial Park offers trails and a zoo.

Thanks for following along! Hope to see you in Athens soon, Bulldogs.

The Jerry Tanner Show – Week 8, 2022: Florida

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Florida’s rebuilding, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have some bite. Ignore the orange behemoth on the horizon—we’ve got Gator to cook.

The Dawgs have some great games coming up that are sure to produce some unforgettable moments. Experience those moments in the best atmosphere outside of the Hedges by going to a UGA Alumni game-watching party. Go to alumni.uga.edu/gamewatching to find a party near you.

Jerry Tanner is everyone you’ve ever met at a UGA tailgate, everyone who’s ever talked about Georgia football by your cubicle, and every message board poster who claims to have a cousin who cut Vince Dooley’s grass. He’s a UGA alumnus, he’s a college football fanatic with a Twitter addiction, and he’s definitely a real person and not a character played by Clarke Schwabe.

Fresh Express – free student market opens on campus thanks to parent and student donors

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For students, by students

“Dedicated to nourishing bodies, empowering minds, and creating a community of compassion.”

This is the mission of Fresh Express, a student-led market created to address food insecurity on UGA’s campus by providing produce and non-perishables to students.

The market, located in Joe Frank Harris Dining Commons on East Campus, is open on Thursdays and Fridays. In partnership with UGArden, Fresh Express provides produce to students who may be struggling to afford healthy meals during the semester. After serving students at tabling events during the Spring semester of 2022, the Student Government Association (SGA), with financial support from the 2021 Student Alumni Council Class Gift and Parents Leadership Council, celebrated its grand opening on August 31. Students interested in utilizing Fresh Express are encouraged to visit the Fresh Express website to register for a pick-up time.

Financial support for Fresh Express

Senior Signature

The Class Gift is coordinated by the Student Alumni Council and funded by Senior Signature, an annual giving campaign for UGA seniors to give back to campus by contributing to areas that were significant to their experience at the university. $10 of each contribution goes towards the Class Gift, which benefits one on-campus organization voted upon by Senior Signature donors. UGA student organizations are eligible to apply for the Class Gift each Spring to receive funds for the following academic year.

With the collective support of Senior Signature donors from the Class of 2021, Fresh Express is able to meet student needs across campus — but Senior Signature’s impact does not stop there. The Class of 2022 selected the UGA Chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association as the recipient of their Class Gift. During the 2022-2023 academic year, this organization will receive up to $6,000 to support graduate students pursuing careers in speech-language pathology.

Parents Leadership Council

Fresh Express also is supported by funding from the Parents Leadership Council, a group of UGA parents who give back to undergraduate student organizations. After applying for a grant from the PLC, SGA was awarded $12,750 to assist with the establishment and day-to-day operations of Fresh Express and the SGA Professional Clothing Closet. The PLC grants are awarded annually to fund scholarships, support critical undergraduate student needs, and assist registered student organizations with projects and programs that enhance the quality of life for students. Over the past 10 years, the Parents Leadership Council has awarded $4.6 million in grant support to a variety of initiatives across campus–from student life and financial assistance to well-being and service learning. Grant applications for 2023 open in October.

Because of Fresh Express and the generosity of UGA students and parents, students facing food insecurity can focus on learning and getting involved on campus. If you are interested in making a difference through Senior Signature or Parents Leadership Council, visit the pages below to learn more.

Senior Signature
Parents Leadership Council

 

 

The Jerry Tanner Show – Week 1, 2022: Oregon

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Welcome back to Georgia, Dan Lanning! Hope Oregon’s treating you well. Here, take this L on your way to the airport. Call when you get home!

UGA Alumni Chapters host the best game-watching parties around, and this year they’re going to be even better. Every time you go, you can enter to win a football signed by Kirby Smart! Find a game-watching party near you at alumni.uga.edu/gamewatching.

Jerry Tanner is everyone you’ve ever met at a UGA tailgate, everyone who’s ever talked about Georgia football by your cubicle, and every message board poster who claims to have a cousin who cut Vince Dooley’s grass. He’s a UGA alumnus, he’s a college football fanatic with a Twitter addiction, and he’s definitely a real person and not a character played by Clarke Schwabe.

UGA Alumni Association welcomes new board and council members for 2022-2023

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The University of Georgia Alumni Association has added nine alumni to its board of directors and 27 alumni to the leadership councils for the Black Alumni, Latino Alumni, Women of UGA, and Young Alumni affinity groups.

“These alumni volunteers are passionate about helping their fellow graduates sustain lifelong relationships with UGA,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson (BSFCS ’00, MED ’16), executive director of alumni relations. “I am so excited to work with each of them and to see them represent the perspectives of our diverse alumni population across the country.”

Alumni joining the board of directors July 1 include:

 

Rodney L. Brooks (MS ’03)
Beginning Farmer Regional Coordinator, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Leesburg, Georgia

Danelle Faust (BBA ’95)
Consulting Managing Director, Accenture
Deerfield, Illinois


Eddie Garrett (BSA ’06, MBA ’08)
Executive Vice President of Strategy, Current Global
Chicago, Illinois


Selby Hill (ABJ ’14)
Founding Partner / Director of Operations, Yonder Yoga
Atlanta, Georgia


Chuck Kinnebrew (BSED ’75)
Retired / Former VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Floor and Decor
Smyrna, Georgia


Christy Plott (BBA ’02)
Partner, American Tanning and Leather LLC
Griffin, Georgia


Ameet Shetty (BBA ’96)
Chief Data Officer, Pilot Flying J
Knoxville, Tennessee


Brian A. StoneBrian Stone (BSFR ’99, MFR ’01)
Director of Business Development, Forest Resource Consultants, Inc.
Macon, Georgia


Scott Williams (AB ’86)
Director of Multimedia Sales, SEC Network
Ellenwood, Georgia

 

The following alumni have joined the affinity group leadership councils to help build a community among specific alumni populations, including young alumni, women, Black alumni, and Latino alumni.

Black Alumni Leadership Council  

 

Richard Bedgood (AB ’91)
Senior Instructor, CarMax
Mableton, Georgia

 

 


Cherise Brown (MBA ’18)
Senior Manager of Services Sourcing, Salesforce
Lithonia, Georgia


Rodd Cargill (BBA ’10)
Neuroscience Senior Sales Specialist, Johnson and Johnson
Johns Creek, Georgia

 

 


Willie R. Mazyck Jr. (BEEd ’04, MEd ’06, MBA ’14)
Global Head of Talent Development, Danaher Corporation
Powder Springs, Georgia


Tinisha Parker (BEEd ’00, EdS ’07)
Executive Director of Student Services, Gwinnett Public Schools
Lawrenceville, Georgia

 


Candace M. Stanciel (AB ’02, MPA ’11)
Principal and Founder, The Common Good Agency
Atlanta, Georgia


Donjanea Fletcher Williams (ABJ ’00)
Evaluation Coordinator, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Newnan, Georgia


Tangela M. Williams (BBA ’89)
First Vice President of Capital Adequacy Management, Truist Bank
Atlanta, Georgia

 

 

 

Current council member Jacinta Smith began her one-year term as president of the Black Alumni Leadership Council on July 1.

Latino Alumni Leadership Council  

 

Wilheem Perez (BBA ’21)
Vice President, Compliance Business Control Manager, Citibank
Kennesaw, Georgia


Christopher Perlera (AB ’07)
Founder and Principal, Critical Point Consulting LLC
Chamblee, Georgia


Jasmin Severino (AB ’13, AB’13)
Associate, Chamberlain Hrdlicka
Atlanta, Georgia


Leopoldo Vargas (AB ’19)
Regional Outreach Coordinator for Northeast Georgia, Office of U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff
Fayetteville, Georgia

 

 

 

The Latino Alumni Council will continue to operate under the leadership of President Juan Mencias, who was recognized with the UGA Young Alumni Award in April.

Women of UGA Leadership Council  

 

Odufa Aburime (BBA ’02)
IT Clinical Business Analyst, Georgia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities
Decatur, Georgia


Shontel Cargill (BS ’10)
Regional Clinical Director, Thriveworks
Johns Creek, Georgia


Tunisia Finch Cornelius (BA ’04)
Owner and M.D., Divine Dermatology and Aesthetics
Atlanta, Georgia

 


Nicole R. Ingram (AB ’02)
Director of Programs and Special Initiatives, Emory University
Ellenwood, Georgia


Victoria Inman (ABJ ’08)
Director of Client Success, Jabian Consulting
Marietta, Georgia


Anna Wrigley Miller (AB ’14)
Public Service Faculty, Carl Vinson Institute of Government—University of Georgia
Watkinsville, Georgia


Karson A. Pennington (AB ’20, AB ’20, MA ’20)
Doctoral Candidate, University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia


Mandy Rodgers (AB ’08, ABJ ’08)
Founder and CEO, Mandy Kay Marketing
Atlanta, Georgia

 

 

 

Current council member Brandie Park began her one-year term as president of the Women of UGA Leadership Council on July 1.

Young Alumni Leadership Council  

 

Jay Butler (AB ’10)
Flight Attendant, Frontier Airlines
Johns Creek, Georgia


Melissa Crane (BBA ’18, MA ’19)
Associate Brand Manager, Newell Brands
Atlanta, Georgia


Jessica Davis (AB ’21, AB ’21)
Juris Doctor Candidate and Clinical Legal Fellow, University of Georgia School of Law
Athens, Georgia

 


Nash Davis (BBA ’19)
Sales Executive, AssuredPartners
Statesboro, Georgia


Bailey Dryden (AB ’20)
Juris Doctor Candidate, Georgia State University College of Law
Smyrna, Georgia


Ammishaddai Grand-Jean (AB ’19, AB ’19, MPA ’20)
General Manager, RAS Medical Solution
Jonesboro, Georgia


Cameron Keen (AB ’18, AB ’18, JD ’21)
Law Clerk to Justice Charles J. Bethel, Supreme Court of Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia


Christie Moore (AB ’10, AB ’10)
President and CEO, Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce
Valdosta, Georgia

 

 

 

Current council member Maranie Brown began her one-year term as president of the Young Alumni Leadership Council on July 1.

To view the full list of UGA Alumni Association board members, visit alumni.uga.edu/board-of-directors. To view the member roster for each affinity group leadership council, visit alumni.uga.edu/networks.

Leveling the playing field

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In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, the UGA Mentor Program is focusing on what it means to be neurodivergent and is emphasizing how asking for accommodations is not seeking an unfair advantage—it is simply gaining equal footing.

Meet Scott Frasard (BBA ’03, MED ’06, PHD ’11)

Scott’s higher education journey was atypical, even before he realized he was neurodivergent. He didn’t enroll in college until 12 years after graduating from high school–first working as an EMT and then paramedic. Even then, he went to school part time while continuing to work full time, eventually becoming a member of the first graduating class from UGA’s Gwinnett Campus. His college experience piqued an interest in adult education, so he continued to commute to the Gwinnett campus in pursuit of a Master of Education. He then moved to Athens to take courses on UGA’s main campus, eventually earning a Ph.D. in adult education.

It wasn’t until two years ago that he learned of his autism. The formal identification sent him on a journey of discovery.

“It was definitely a learning curve for me,” said Scott. “I had to become comfortable with my autism first, before sharing with others.” Scott turned to the internet. Reframing Autism, a website for an Australian nonprofit organization, has proven helpful. So has the Autism Self Advocacy Network website.

Even though he comes from a medical background, Scott found he was more comfortable with the identity-first descriptors for his autism versus the traditional medical point of view, preferring a statement like “We are autistic” to “We have autism.”

Scott says, “Autism is my identity. You can’t separate me from my autism. Saying ‘We have autism’ implies illness and disability, and that there is something wrong with us. We are not less; we are simply wired differently.”

Leveling the playing field

Learning he was autistic after nearly 30 years of teaching prompted Scott to reevaluate his teaching practices and make changes to be inclusive of neurodivergent learners. This includes creating a safe space in his classroom—an environment that is welcoming to all. He encourages students to talk about what they need up front before it becomes a problem. He shares things about himself to make students more comfortable to talk about themselves.

“I prepare others to expect ‘stimming’ or self-soothing behaviors they might see me do to help regulate my emotions,” explains Scott. He alerts people to his bluntness and explains that they should not perceive it as rudeness; he is simply getting straight to the point. Scott notes that because he interprets language extremely literally, he has learned to ask lots of clarifying questions. These advanced explanations help stem frustration on both sides of his interactions with others. Scott has learned to have these conversations not only with his students, but with his co-workers as well.

“In the hiring process for my last job, I was up front with HR and the hiring managers,” said Scott. “It helped them understand why I asked for what I needed and why these were reasonable accommodations.”

Scott is extremely sensitive to external stimuli. Sounds and movements easily distract him. They grab attention away from what he wants to focus on and create anxiety. For instance, fluorescent lights that flicker and buzz—something neurotypical people ignore or don’t even notice—are quite disruptive. So, Scott works remotely from his home. Like many autistic people, Scott is an introvert. His co-workers understand his need to block out time in his calendar to prepare for and/or decompress from meetings.

Bringing his experience to the Mentor Program

As a mentor in the UGA Mentor Program, Scott uses his experience to help students navigate their UGA journeys. He wants to empower students to ask for what they need from the start.

“Professors understand that to truly measure what someone has learned, they have to remove the barriers that disrupt the measurement,” Scott said. “If students need more time to process test questions and need a quiet environment in which to concentrate, these are not bonuses. They are not asking for extra; they’re seeking equal opportunity to perform at their best.”

Your uniqueness is valuable.

Your experiences may help a student on their UGA journey. Discover how fulfilling being a mentor can be.

BECOME A MENTOR

Learn more.

Find out what it means to be neurodivergent and how you can be an ally to the autistic community. UGA Mentor Program Ambassador Cassie Turner, Class of 2022, sat down for a discussion with Scott in an episode of RealTalk, the UGA Mentor Program’s podcast.

LISTEN NOW

Know a student struggling at UGA?

Scott is just one amazing professional available to serve as a mentor. In fact, the Mentor Program platform makes it easy for students to search through thousands of experienced faculty, staff and alumni mentors to find someone who matches their interests and background and can relate to their strengths and challenges.

FIND A MENTOR

The Jerry Tanner Show – SEC Championship: Alabama

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Repeat after me: it is not 2008, 2012, 2015, 2018, or 2020, and we are NOT going to freak out over a team that beat Auburn and Florida by 2.

These next games you’ll definitely want to watch with as many Bulldogs as possible. Find a game-watching party near you at alumni.uga.edu/football.

Jerry Tanner is everyone you’ve ever met at a UGA tailgate, everyone who’s ever talked about Georgia football by your cubicle, and every message board poster who claims to have a cousin who cut Vince Dooley’s grass. He’s a UGA alumnus, he’s a college football fanatic with a Twitter addiction, and he’s definitely a real person and not a character played by Clarke Schwabe.

January 2022: Job Search Week

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With a new year comes the chance to realize your career goals. Let us help you move your career forward in 2022. During Job Search Week (January 24-28), UGA’s Alumni Career Services will host webinars with top career coaches, human resource professionals and certified resume writers. These job search strategy experts will demonstrate how to masterfully execute each step of your job search.

NOTE: All webinars are from 1 to 2 p.m. EST. You must register for each webinar individually.

Monday, Jan. 24

Mastering the Stages of Change-Mindsets for Career Changers

Wonder why change is so difficult? In this workshop, you’ll explore the change process, discover what stage you are at in your job search, and why you might feel stuck. You’ll become empowered in your job search by learning how to combat resistance to change and make the career move you need.

REGISTER NOW

 

Tuesday, Jan. 25

Job Searching in 2022

Do you want a new job but you’re unsure how to proceed? Does a successful job search seem overwhelming? You’re not alone. We understand these difficulties and will help you put your best foot forward in your search during these unprecedented times.

REGISTER NOW

 

Wednesday, Jan. 26

The Best Job Search and Networking Methods

This presentation will help you learn top job search strategies that will get you noticed. We’ll discuss how to conduct an industry-specific job search, which platforms to use, and why you need to move beyond online job boards to have a successful search.

REGISTER NOW

 

Thursday, Jan. 27

Advanced Resumes and Cover Letters

You have probably heard that it’s essential to tailor your resume to match individual roles during your job search, but what does that look like? In this webinar, you’ll learn practical tips to craft a resume that can be easily tailored, and walk through the steps to tailor your resume to maximize your success rate.

REGISTER NOW

 

Friday, Jan. 28

Job Search Interview Tips

Where you work can affect your happiness. Explore the 10 job search and interview tips to make your job search a strategic process. You will learn how to answer tough interview questions and ask the right questions during the interview to land your dream job!

REGISTER NOW

 

Take advantage of UGA’s Alumni Career Services. Our goal is to provide alumni around the world with quality career coaching and management tools for each stage of their careers.

Mentorship smooths the path for a first-generation UGA student

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The UGA Mentor Program is celebrating first-generation students during November. Here, in their own words, is the story of a first-generation student, Tatiana Anthony (BS ’20, MED ’23), and her mentor, alumna Shanelle Smith (BS ’16, MED ’18).

FORGING A CONNECTION

Shanelle: I have always valued mentorship. As a dual-enrollment student in high school, I received a mentor to help me navigate both the academic and personal challenges of being in the accelerated program. When I learned about the UGA Mentor Program, I knew it was my time to help others just as I had been helped.

Tatiana: When the UGA Mentor Program launched, I was extremely excited! I connected with my mentor, Shanelle, through the program during the first semester of my senior year in Fall 2020. As a first-generation college student that wanted to pursue mental health counseling, I have always valued representation and mentorship by other Black women in the field. The UGA Mentor Program was the perfect platform to find additional support during the graduate school admission process.

I was drawn to Shanelle’s profile because she was an alumna of the graduate program I wanted to pursue, and she has proven to be a great resource for me!

Shanelle: I had the pleasure of connecting with Tatiana at the beginning of her senior year. I was both shocked and honored to know that she had chosen me to be her mentor. Witnessing her journey to graduate school has been the most remarkable part of this mentorship.

A BUMP IN THE ROAD

Tatiana: When I was not accepted into the graduate program the first time I applied, I was devastated. During this time, Shanelle was very intentional about providing me with emotional support and encouraging me to apply again.

When I decided to move to St. Louis during my gap year to do service work as an AmeriCorps member, she was genuinely happy for me. We had dinner the day before I moved, and she got me housewarming gifts for my first apartment.

My entire gap year away from home, she called me regularly and helped me apply to graduate school again. The time difference between Georgia and Missouri did not stop us from connecting.

When it came time to interview for graduate programs, she and I interview-prepped in the evenings to make sure I was prepared. Once I was accepted into my graduate program and offered an assistantship, she was one of the first few people I called.

Shanelle: Many believe the idea of mentorship is to help the mentee grow both professionally and personally, but I can say Tatiana has pushed me to grow in many ways as well. Tatiana taught me that perseverance is always the answer, and to pursue my true wants in life. From getting to know each other, to processing all the nuances of a counseling grad program, this has been an exceptional journey.

The mental health field is forever growing, and it is an honor to work alongside such an inspiring Black woman—one who I know is going to do incredible things in this field. This is only the beginning for Tatiana.

WHY MENTOR?

Shanelle: Since 2020, it has been a pleasure getting to not only provide insight and knowledge to Tatiana, but also grow from the experience myself. I am grateful to the UGA Mentor Program for the connection to not only such a great mentee, but also with a lifelong friend.

I truly believe that in order to impact future generations, no matter what your academic field may be, becoming a part of the UGA Mentor Program is a meaningful way to not only give back to UGA, but also to grow personally as well. 

Tatiana: Shanelle has been through this journey with me every single step of the way. Even now, she continues to support me in my graduate program. I can confidently say that I would not be who and where I am today without her support. Thank you, Shanelle! And thank you, UGA Mentor Program.

Discover the joys of providing mentorship.

See other ways UGA is celebrating first-generation students, staff and faculty.