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Welcome to Orlando, Bulldogs!

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The University of Georgia Class of 2021 will send a wave of red and black from coast to coast when they depart the Classic City. With the help of alumni across the country, we curated guides to a few cities to which new grads may move to when they leave the Classic City. Welcome to the city, Bulldogs!  

With attractions like Disneyworld, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, the city of Orlando brings magic and fun to the Sunshine State. But there’s more to “the City Beautiful” than theme parks. Amanda Morris (BSED ’19), president of the UGA Alumni Association Orlando Chapter, shares her top picks for O-Town.

Favorite part about living in Orlando.

“There’s always something to do and something going on. You can check out seasonal festivals at EPCOT, concerts at Universal, a farmers market in Kissimmee, an Orlando Magic game downtown or a brewery in Winter Garden!”

What makes Orlando special?

“Orlando is full of new people and new experiences. Everything is constantly evolving, and you can do something different every weekend.”

The Orange County Convention Center is located in Orlando.

One thing people may not know about Orlando.

“It’s not just theme parks—Orlando is a huge city. So it’s easy to escape the touristy parts and find something unique nearby. The beaches are close, and there are lots of cool things to do out in nature, like kayak at a spring with manatees.”

Orlando’s best cup of coffee.

“Craft & Common, Paloma, Foxtail, Axum Coffee, New General, Holy Grain, and Stardust Video and Coffee.”

Where to grab a bite to eat.

“The Whole Enchilada, Seito Sushi, Yellow Dog Eats, Sanaa, Bosphorous, Domu, The Glass Knife, Canvas, Hawkers Asian Street Fair, or Black Bean Deli.”

Favorite local park or green space.

“Lake Louisa, Blue Spring, Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, Dr. Phillips Park, Southern Hill Farms.”

Orlando residents enjoy proximity to the beach.

Must-see sights in Orlando.

“Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Orlando Museum of Art, the Wheel at ICON Park, Church Street Station, Disney Springs, East End Market, and Plant Street Market.”

Favorite Orlando Chapter alumni event?

“At Feast on the Fifty, UGA alumni in Orlando get together at Camping World Stadium to serve food and drinks and have a spirit competition! I also love our alumni tailgate with the Jacksonville Chapter for the Georgia-Florida football game.”

Best place in Orlando to watch the Bulldogs play on a Saturday in Athens?

“The Porch in Winter Park has great food and a great game day atmosphere. They’re also dog-friendly outside.”

Orlando is home to several amusement parks, including Universal Studios.

Name a well-known UGA graduate who lives in or is from Orlando?

“Orlando is home to Eric Baker (ABJ ’90), creative director of Star War: Galaxy’s Edge, and Pamela Landwirth (AB ’73), CEO and president of Give Kids the World.”

Advice for Bulldogs new to Orlando.

“There’s always something to do in Orlando, and it’s easy to meet new people! Consider joining a Bulldogs After Business Hours happy hour event or a game-watching party to meet new people. Get out and explore all the amazing fun things Orlando has to offer, both in theme parks and not!”

To keep up with the Orlando Chapter of the UGA Alumni Association, you can follow along on Facebook (UGA Orlando Alum), Instagram (@uga_orlandoalum) and Twitter (@UGAOrlandoAlum).

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Check out similar guides to the following cities:

Welcome to Savannah, Bulldogs!

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The University of Georgia Class of 2021 will send a wave of red and black from coast to coast when they depart the Classic City. With the help of alumni across the country, we curated guides to a few cities to which new grads may move to when they leave the Classic City. Welcome to the city, Bulldogs!  

Savannah, Georgia, is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and for being an economic hub with a small-town feel. Entangled with Spanish moss and drenched in the history of the American South, a Bulldog can explore Savannah’s network of city squares or cruise the estuaries of coastal Georgia. UGA alumni Lindsey Wilmot (ABJ ’11), Jason Jones (AB ’01) and Ann McGuire Lerch (ABJ ’97) share how Bulldogs can feel welcome in the Hostess City of the South.

Favorite part about living in Savannah

“Savannah has everything you could want — a downtown with shopping and restaurants, the beach nearby and rivers.” – Lindsey

“Savannah has a variety of settings like the marshes and rivers, the ocean and beach and historic neighborhoods. It’s perfect for urban life, island life or country life.” – Ann

How do you spend a free day in Savannah?

“Out on the boat.” – Jason

“Going to the beach or downtown for brunch and shopping.” – Lindsey

Savannah’s riverfront boasts views of the Savannah River and ships traveling to the Port of Savannah.

What makes Savannah special?

“The weather is usually great year-round, so there are lots of opportunity to get outdoors.” – Lindsey

“There is so much preserved history and beauty in Savannah and the surrounding areas. From before the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, Savannah has played a big part in history.” – Ann

One thing people may not know about Savannah.

“There is no open-container law within the downtown historic district. You can enjoy a to-go cocktail and walk about!” – Ann

Savannah’s best cup of coffee?

“The Coffee Fox.“– Jason

“Franklin’s.” – Ann

“Blends.” – Lindsey

What are your favorite local parks?

“Forsyth Park.” – Jason

“Monterey Square and Madison Square.” – Ann

“Tybee Island’s Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.” – Lindsey

The fountain in Forsyth Park is surrounded by green space and walking paths.

Best place to catch live music in Savannah.

“Victory North.” – Jason

“The Lucas Theatre.” – Ann

Savannah is known for its _____.

“Southern hospitality.” – Jason

“Annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.” – Lindsey

Favorite in-person alumni event hosted by your alumni chapter.

“I enjoy the UGA night at historic Grayson Stadium for a Savannah Bananas baseball game.” – Ann

Where do Bulldogs go when it’s Saturday in Athens?

“Coach’s Corner.” – Jason

“B&D Burgers Downtown.” – Lindsey

Located on Georgia’s coast, residents of Savannah can spend time exploring Georgia’s marshes and rivers.

Name a well-known UGA graduate who lives in or is from Savannah?

“Uga, UGA’s mascot” – Ann

“Sonny Seiler (BBA ’56, JD ’57), the owner of Ugas through the years” – Jason

Advice for a Bulldog new to Savannah?

“Put on some walking shoes and get lost exploring the historic district of Savannah.” – Jason

“Join clubs like the local UGA Alumni Chapter or local gyms. People are friendly, and after a while you’ll make new friends and recognize familiar faces. Savannah is a small town. Everyone knows everyone.” – Lindsey

“Explore downtown and Tybee Island, join one of the many young professional groups like the Telfair Museum’s William Jay Society or the Metropolitan Rotary, and attend as many Savannah Alumni Chapter events as you can for networking with alumni of all ages and professional backgrounds.” – Ann

To keep up with the Savannah Area Chapter of the UGA Alumni Association, you can follow along on Facebook (UGA Alumni Savannah Chapter), Instagram (@ugasavalumni) and Twitter (@SavannahUGAAlum).

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Check out similar guides to the following cities:

Welcome to New York City, Bulldogs!

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The University of Georgia Class of 2021 will send a wave of red and black from coast to coast when they depart the Classic City. With the help of alumni across the country, we curated guides to a few cities to which new grads may move to when they leave the Classic City. Welcome to the city, Bulldogs!  

New York City is the city that never sleeps, but if a Bulldog can make it there, a Bulldog can make it anywhere. UGA alumnae Aisha Washington (ABJ ’09) and Mallory O’Brien (ABJ ’12), president of UGA’s New York City Alumni Chapter, share how they’ve made it in NYC—and how Bulldogs new to the city can, too.

Favorite part about living in New York City.

“You have nearly everything at your fingertips at nearly every hour of the day. If I want soup dumplings at 3 a.m., I can make that happen. If I want to wait in line to catch a taping of “Saturday Night Live,” it’s a subway ride away. If I want to see the world’s finest art, I walk through the park to The Metropolitan Museum of Art.” – Mallory

“The people and the access. My favorite bar, coffee shop, friends and grocery store are all walkable. Neighbors look out for each other and there’s just so much to explore – music, art, food, all of it.” – Aisha

What makes New York City special?

“Diversity is welcomed and embraced. You never feel like an outcast here.” – Mallory

One thing people may not know about New York City?

“There are lots of great parks to enjoy all over the city. It’s just an easy subway ride to the beach. Rockaway is my favorite.” – Aisha

NYC’s best cup of coffee.

“I am loyal to the baristas at Pomme Palais, a chic coffee shop within the Lotte New York Palace hotel.” – Mallory

“Café Social 68.” – Aisha

Favorite parks or green spaces.

“A close second to Central Park is Gantry Plaza State Park, a park across the East River in Long Island City. The views of Manhattan are unbeatable!” – Mallory

“Tompkins Square Park, Prospect Part, Governors Island.” – Aisha

Best place to catch live music.

“Oh dear, how do I narrow this down? Anywhere from the subway stations to the Metropolitan Opera. Whether it’s on a rooftop or in a theatre, there are plenty of free and ticketed events to see while in NYC.” – Mallory

“Brooklyn Steel.” – Aisha

Must-see sites in NYC.

“The 9/11 Memorial & Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Tenement Museum, Times Square.” – Mallory

“The Museum of Modern Art, Central Park and The Highline elevated park.” – Aisha

NYC is known for its _____.

“Energy! It’s the city that never sleeps, and that’s for sure.” – Mallory

“Food!” – Aisha

Favorite event hosted by the NYC Dawgs Alumni Chapter.

“Each year, we host a Welcome to the City event at Brooklyn Brewery. It’s a great way for new folks to make connections and the ones who have been around the opportunity to bestow their wisdom.” – Mallory

Best place in NYC to watch the Bulldogs play on a Saturday in Athens?

“Absolutely nothing compares to game days at American Whiskey. Every Saturday during football season, it attracts the most spirited crowd to watch the Dawgs.” – Mallory

“American Whiskey is the official bar, but smaller groups spin off and pop up all over. Just check in with some alumni friends!” – Aisha

Advice for a Bulldog new to the Big Apple?

“It’s a big city, but you have a built-in community ready to make it feel like home. Whether it’s best places to eat, live in the city, companies to apply for, volunteer, or explore – we’ve got you! Buckle up for some of the most bizarre, captivating and memorable years of your life.” – Mallory

“Stay open to new experiences! Take people up if they offer to introduce you to someone they know in the city. Don’t be afraid to be the new person somewhere. You might meet some lifelong best friends that way.” – Aisha

To keep up with the New York City Chapter of the UGA Alumni Association, you can follow along on Facebook (NYC Dawgs), Instagram (@NYCDawgs) and Twitter (@nyc_dawgs).

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Check out similar guides to the following cities:

How to be a Bulldog in the Sunshine State

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You can commit to the G no matter where you live, but Bulldogs living in Florida may have to work a bit harder to represent the red and black. We asked a few Florida-based Dawgs for tips on how they show their UGA spirit amid a sea of Gator orange.

Wear your Georgia gear proudly and often.

Whether you’re relaxing on one of Florida’s beaches or waiting in line at Disney World, red and black is a must. You’re sure to spot another Bulldog in the crowd when you do!

Find a fellow Bulldog to watch games with. 

When it’s Saturday in Athens and you’re wishing you could be between the hedges, team up with other alumni to cheer on the Bulldogs. UGA alumni chapters make this easy by hosting game-watching parties in several Florida cities.

Order a taste of Athens to your Florida doorstep. 

Whether you’re craving a cup of Jittery Joe’s coffee or missing the legendary biscuits from Mama’s Boy, many Athens-based companies will ship your favorite treats to the Sunshine State. 

Travel to Jacksonville for the Georgia-Florida football game. 

Even if you don’t have tickets to the game, this big game is the perfect opportunity to reunite with Bulldogs you’ve missed. It’s also a chance to show your Florida friends what “committing to the G” is all about.

Dress your dog in a UGA bandana when you go for a walk. 

Because nothing says “Go Dawgs” like a dog representing the red and black.  

Join your local Alumni Chapter.  

Don’t reminisce about Athens alone—find your Alumni Chapter to connect with other UGA grads for game-watching parties and other networking and community service events.  

Purchase a voucher for a UGA license plate in Florida. 

We don’t suggest honking every time you see a UGA sticker on the highway, but we do recommend adding some UGA swag to your car with a UGA specialty license plate. Before the state of Florida will offer a UGA specialty license plate, though, 4,000 plates must be pre-sold by October 2022. Own multiple cars? Purchase a voucher for each one and help us reach 4,000 soon!

Purchase your UGA license plate voucher

 

And finally: never, ever, ever wear orange.  

 

Thank you to Orlando Alumni Chapter President Amanda Morris (BSED ’19), for her help with this post!

UGA alumni at The Home Depot come together to endow scholarship

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The University of Georgia Corporate Alumni Chapter at The Home Depot is composed of a group of alumni who are very proud of their Bulldog roots. Beyond their fond memories at UGA, they have a collective, deep-seated belief that their education at the University of Georgia was instrumental in getting them to where they are today.  

With that in mind, in 2017, they decided to embark on an ambitious project of creating an endowed need-based scholarship to open doors and remove barriers for students who wanted to attend UGA. 

“For many, college is financially out of reach. They never get to experience a Thursday night in Athens, collegiate friendships that stand the test of time, or the feeling of accomplishment come graduation day,” said Wes Neece (BBA ’00) Vice President of Merchandising at The Home Depot. “It was important to me to join in this initiative with my fellow alumni colleagues to give a worthy individual a lifetime of experiences.” 

The collective fundraising effort spanned three years. During this time, the Chapter hosted lunch and learn events featuring UGA faculty and staff speakers and breakfast meet-and-greets to encourage alumni giving. In support of its employees, The Home Depot Foundation matched the gifts these alumni made.  

Home depot logo with UGA swag

In 2020, their hard work paid off: The Chapter met their goal to create an endowed need-based scholarship. In total, 75 alumni came together to create this opportunity for UGA students. A deserving scholar was selected in Fall 2020. The Home Depot Alumni Chapter Scholarship will last in perpetuity, helping students become part of the Bulldog family.  

Although they met their goal, these Bulldog alums didn’t stop there. Chapter members are continuing to add to the scholarship fund by giving their annual gift to UGA through The Home Depot Alumni Chapter Scholarship, in order to increase its impact for the student recipients.  

“It was incredibly heartwarming to watch The Home Depot’s Corporate Alumni Chapter set a goal to help a current Bulldog in need and continue to work towards the finish line until they not only met that goal but surpassed it,” said Stacy Stanford, Director of Corporate Relations at UGA. “Their generosity as an alumni corporate chapter is inspiring.” 

Support The Home Depot Alumni Corporate Chapter Scholarship Fund

2019 Welcome to the City: A Recap

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This summer, UGA Alumni Chapters across the country hosted Welcome to the City events. During these annual gatherings, Bulldogs come together to welcome new alumni to their area. The Bulldog family is always growing, and our chapters did a great job of making sure Bulldogs Never Bark Alone, wherever they go.

“What was memorable about this year’s event was the number of new faces. Some Bulldogs have been in the city for a couple years, but had no clue there was an active chapter. Others were as new as three days in Chicago,” says Michael Lyons, Chicago Chapter president.

There are more than 80 alumni chapters worldwide, so there’s almost always an opportunity to connect with fellow alumni through them. Stephen Scates, Charleston Chapter president, says, “There is a huge Dawg presence here in the low country, and we are blessed to never have to bark alone while so far away from Athens.”

Check out our photo gallery of this year’s Welcome to the City events:

  • Emerald Coast Chapter

  • Southwest Florida Chapter

  • Little Rock Chapter

  • St. Louis Area Chapter

  • Boston Chapter

  • Charleston Chapter

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Interested in connecting with Bulldogs in your area? Find your local UGA Alumni Chapter today!

Interested in helping out UGA students, on your schedule? Sign up for the UGA Mentor Program.

#AlwaysADawg

Bringing UGA to Charleston and Savannah

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On May 21 and May 22, the UGA Alumni Association brought Athens to Savannah and Charleston to remind local alumni that their Bulldog community is wherever they are.

Want to see what the night was all about? Check out our Instagram highlights of both receptions:

Savannah

We kicked things off at the Perry Lane Hotel on its Peregrin Rooftop. Over 150 alumni and friends joined us for a memorable evening overlooking historic Savannah.

UGA alumni and friends converse on Perry Lane Hotel's rooftop.

While we were greeted with high temperatures, the stunning venue and an amazing turnout meant great conversations took place between Savannah alumni–from those who grew up there to those who had lived there for only a few weeks.

UGA Alumni and friends gather at the Perry Lane Hotel overlooking historic Savannah.

Nothing finer than a rooftop full of 150 new friends in red and black, right?

UGA Alumni from Savannah pose for a photo.

View Savannah Photo Gallery

 

Charleston

The next evening in Charleston we greeted local alumni with air conditioning, and shrimp and grits in part of the renowned Cigar Factory called The Cedar Room.

UGA alumni and friends gather in the Cedar Room in Charleston, SC.

Behind the scenes, our Charleston Alumni Chapter President Stephen Scates filmed a shout-out for our Instagram story highlight (linked to above).

UGA Charleston Chapter President Stephen Scates records a video for Instagram.

Executive Director of Alumni Relations Meredith Gurley Johnson (BSFCS ’00, MED ’16) shared news from campus, including announcing the UGA Mentor Program, a university-wide mentorship program that will connect students with alumni (alumni can begin signing up in mid-June).

Executive Director Meredith Gurley Johnson presents at UGA in Low Country event.

Somewhere between the giphy station and tacos, the Bulldog community in the Low Country grew a little closer. If you missed either of these receptions, make sure you’re aware of future events by signing up for your local chapter listserv on the Savannah or Charleston chapter pages.

Reception attendee laughs during remarks.

View Charleston Photo Gallery

 

Upcoming Events

Looking for the next fun chance to connect with fellow Bulldogs? The Savannah Chapter will host a UGA Night at the Savannah Bananas on July 16. The Charleston Chapter is hitting the water with their third annual sunset cruise on June 14 with local BBQ catered by Home Team–sign up today so you don’t miss out!

 

Calling the Dawgs in the Big Easy

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More than 150 UGA alumni and friends assembled in New Orleans on Oct. 11 at Brennan’s to celebrate the university.

In the city’s famous French Quarter and two days before the much anticipated UGA-LSU football game, guests ate, drank and reveled in all things red-and-black, more than 500 miles from the Classic City.

NOLA event

Alumni chapter leadership from New Orleans and Colorado, Alumni Association Board of Directors members and UGA Foundation trustees numbered among the event’s guests who enjoyed food, drink and a jazz band in the Brennan’s courtyard.

NOLA event

You can see more of the festivities in this photo gallery.

Events like these are happening all the time and around the world, thanks to the passionate alumni volunteers who help lead UGA’s 80+ alumni chapters. No matter where you travel, there is often an alumni chapter nearby or a way to connect online—find yours today!

Young Alumni events offer fun and fellowship

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This post was contributed by Elizabeth Cox

On Tuesday, April 3, in a location with reference to a different day of the week in its name, over 100 UGA young alumni filled Monday Night Garage for Young Alumni Trivia Night. Dawgs congregated with old friends and new at tables decked out in red and black decor for an evening full of Monday Night Brewing tastings, Jim ‘n Nick’s BBQ, some very clever team names and trivia by Dirty South Trivia. The Young Alumni Council’s own Courtney McCants even took over the Alumni Association Instagram to showcase the evening’s festivities.

The top three teams went home with gift bags full of various prizes, and congratulations to team “Humble Yourself” for winning the first place prize after a sudden death showdown requiring some expertise in Herschel Walker stats. Check out the event photos.

This event was the first trivia night organized specially for UGA young alumni, and was planned by the Young Alumni Leadership Council, whose members are in their first year serving on the council. Its members will be planning more events and opportunities for the nearly 40,000 Atlanta area young alumni to engage with and give back to UGA.

The next event will be our annual UGA Young Alumni Night at SweetWater on June 22. Nearly 600 were in attendance last year, so be sure to get your ticket early!

UGA Alumni Family: 310,000+ Strong

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When I graduated from the University of Georgia, the prospect of leaving Athens had me like:

 

via GIPHY

 

I imagine that there are plenty of other alumni who felt the same way – excited to enter the next chapter, but sad to leave the Classic City and UGA’s beautiful campus that had been home for four years.

Well, the best part about graduating from the University of Georgia is that you are never far from a fellow Bulldog. There are more than 310,000 of us around the world, and our varied passions and career pursuits take us far and wide:

 

via GIPHY

 

We’re also not terribly shy about making it known that we bleed red and black, and that we love our alma mater:

 

But if you really need proof, check out the photos below that illustrate the geographic diversity of the UGA alumni network. These images were shared with the UGA Alumni Association in early December and came to us from all corners of the world!

 

Do you have a photograph you’d like to add to this mix? Email it to eelmore@uga.edu.*

*Please note, we may not be able to respond to every photo submission email, and by submitting, you are giving us the right to use your image in UGA marketing indefinitely.