Each January, the University of Georgia celebrates its history as the birthplace of public higher education in America with a series of events for the Athens and campus communities. We sparked a movement that continues to shape our nation, so please join us as we recognize this historic commitment.
The President’s Medal recognizes extraordinary contributions by individuals who are not current employees of UGA and who have supported students and academic programs, advanced research and inspired community leaders to enhance the quality of life of citizens in Georgia. Medals are typically presented to recipients during the Founders Day Luncheon. Listed here are previous medal recipient by year (scroll to see the full list).
This year, we bestowed the President’s Medal on Robert G. “Bob” Edge, a UGA alumnus, attorney, civic leader and advocate of the performing arts.
Join the Student Alumni Council in Tate Plaza on January 26, 2024 to celebrate UGA’s 239th birthday! Founders Day celebrations will include T-shirt giveaways, photos with Hairy Dawg, and activities with schools and colleges from around campus. Be sure to stop by from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. to celebrate UGA’s academic excellence and the incredible campus we call home.
Check out how much fun we had at last year’s celebration!
Founders Day activities are presented by the Student Alumni Council with generous support from the Office of the President.
William Underwood Eiland, Ph.D., director of the Georgia Museum of Art, will present the lecture “Colonization and its Discontents.”
All Student Alumni Association events during Founders Week benefit from support from the Office of the President.
Monday, January 13
10:00am-3:00pm, Herty Field – T-Shirt Giveaway for students by the Student Alumni Association
Tuesday, January 14 – cancelled due to weather
1:00pm-3:00pm, Abraham Baldwin Statue – Tradition Tuesday at the Abraham Baldwin statue, presented by the Student Alumni Association
Wednesday, January 15
1:30pm, UGA Chapel – 17th annual Founders Day Lecture, “Colonization and its Discontents,” by William Underwood Eiland. Open to the public. After the lecture, Jittery Joe’s hot chocolate will be handed out by the SAA to all student attendees.
Thursday, January 16
10:00am – 3:00pm, Tate Plaza – UGA Birthday Bash, open to all students. Sign the giant birthday card and tell us your “UGA First” for the UGA Firsts Timeline! There will be food, giveaways, and much more.
Friday, January 17
No events planned.
In recognition of the University of Georgia’s anniversary as the nation’s first state-chartered institution of higher education, the UGA Alumni Association and the Student Alumni Association host a weeklong celebration. The highlight of the week is the annual Founders Day Lecture, hosted in partnership with the Office of the President, Provost’s Office and UGA Emeriti Scholars. 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.
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