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Vision and generosity grow for generations

August 17, 2020/by Megan Powell

Today, we celebrate Dan B. Franklin (BSC ’38, BBA ’62, BLA ’63) and the way his vision and generosity demonstrate how investing in the future can keep your hard-earned money working for generations. A bequest from his estate established the Dan B. Franklin Distinguished Professorship in the College of Environment + Design.

Who was Dan B. Franklin?

Franklin first received a degree in Economics from the University of Georgia in 1938. After a successful career working for the R.C. Cola Company, he returned to the university and, in 1963, earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with a concentration in landscapes and gardens.

A prolific and celebrated garden designer in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast, Franklin received numerous awards during his long career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). He was also inducted as a Fellow with ASLA, the organization’s highest honor. In 1991, he received the UGA College of Environment + Design’s Distinguished Alumni Medal.

Franklin’s love of UGA and for the profession of landscape design led to the creation of a lasting gift. The professorship named in his honor is intended to help a scholar/educator who shares his passion for plant life promote education, research and service excellence in landscape architecture, garden design and horticulture in particular. Meet the current Dan B. Franklin Distinguished Professor, Brad Davis, and learn more about the positive impact Franklin’s gift continues to have.

Discover how easy it can be to leave a legacy that counts.

Because of Tatiyana Sinkfield’s scholarship, ‘this is only the beginning’

August 3, 2020/by Clarke Schwabe

Tatiyana Sinkfield (BSA ’20) has a lot to celebrate these days. She is one of the University of Georgia’s newest alumni, having graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biological Science from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. She also graduated as a first-generation college student and a proud alumna of the Georgia Commitment Scholarship Program.

Through this program, Sinkfield was one of five students to receive a scholarship from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. The foundation established the scholarships to support, in perpetuity, students from Atlanta’s historic Westside neighborhoods.

Sinkfield was both surprised and grateful when she learned that she was the recipient of a Georgia Commitment Scholarship supported by the Angela and Arthur M. Blank Scholarship Fund, and her family and friends were equally as thrilled.

“This scholarship program provided me with on-campus resources, educational support and motivation. The staff members were so encouraging and kind,” said Sinkfield.

In addition to the financial resources and on-campus support offered through this scholarship, Sinkfield also enjoyed the unique opportunity of meeting Arthur Blank in 2018 over a small dinner on campus with the other Blank Foundation scholarship recipients. She recalls the group’s inspiring discussion on success after college, community engagement and setting and achieving important life goals.

One of her biggest life goals is to become a pediatrician, and Sinkfield plans to take a gap year to study and gain additional hands-on experience in the medical setting before attending medical school next fall. She believes that the rigor of her coursework at UGA has prepared her for medical school and equipped her with important skills like time management and accountability. Additionally, Sinkfield says that interacting with people from different places and different backgrounds at UGA has really strengthened her interpersonal skills, which she asserts are essential to becoming a good doctor.

The impact of her Georgia Commitment Scholarship extended beyond the classroom, as she emerged as a natural leader on campus during the last four years. Sinkfield served as a resource to several fellow Georgia Commitment Scholars pursuing the pre-medical route and volunteered with numerous organizations including Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and Georgia DAZE, an overnight campus visitation program for talented high school seniors from historically underrepresented areas that have been admitted to UGA.

Like so many students, Sinkfield points to a nighttime football game under the Sanford Stadium lights as one of her favorite UGA memories. She vividly remembers the energy and school spirit that filled the stadium and said the feeling of camaraderie among the Bulldog Nation was utterly surreal.

Sinkfield plans to carry that same feeling of camaraderie into the next chapter of her life, remaining forever proud of her time at UGA and grateful for her Georgia Commitment Scholarship.

“The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation scholarship has helped me achieve not only my goals at UGA, but laid a foundation for my future successes. This is only the beginning.”

SUPPORT STUDENT EMERGENCY FUNDS TO HELP STUDENTS IN NEED

Kevin Jones (BSFCS ’05) connects UGA to his business

July 9, 2020/by UGA Alumni

Kevin Jones (BSFCS ’05) wears red and black proudly everywhere he goes. Whether he’s at work or home, people know he is a Georgia Bulldog by the passion he exhibits. Kevin currently serves as the senior procurement manager at RaceTrac where he has been instrumental in connecting his company with the University of Georgia.

A first-generation college student, Kevin was attracted to UGA because of the school’s reputation and the variety of cultural scenes in Athens: music, food, football, Greek life and the arts. Athens is a special place that offers something for everyone, a perfect complement to the university.

Upon graduation, Kevin started his career with Kauffman Tires before serving in the United States Army for five years. After his years of service, he went to work for McMaster-Carr, during which time he earned an MBA. The program prepared him for his position at RaceTrac, where he has been for the last four years.

In his early days at RaceTrac, Kevin noticed the company was hiring across the state and region for supply chain positions, but not from his alma mater. He was determined to change that. He knew the supply chain program at UGA was growing and the students graduating from the program were experienced and knowledgeable. It was clear the supply chain program was striving to become a prominent program in the state, and he wanted to see more red and black at RaceTrac.

RaceTrac provides a collaborative, light-hearted and family-like environment. Working in an open space allows access to senior executives at the company and creates a ripple effect of fun. The company operates cross-functionally, overlapping departments and opening the door to innovative ideas. Because of the welcoming culture of the company and the inter-connectivity among departments, Kevin knew it would be a great learning environment for supply chain students.

While attending last summer’s UGA corporate alumni event, Kevin connected with UGA’s Office of Corporate Relations who introduced him to Marty Parker, director of the UGA Supply Chain Advisory Board. The advisory board serves as the primary point of contact between industry and the UGA Supply Chain program, ensuring that the supply chain curriculum meets the needs of employers, providing speakers for classes, and connecting employers to bright talent. Kevin joined the board on behalf of RaceTrac to create a pipeline of supply chain talent from UGA.

“Investing in the university as a company representative is what I should be doing as an alumnus, in my opinion,” said Kevin. “I believe that by supporting UGA with time and financial generosity, a company or individual is investing in future employees.”

Kevin encourages current students to take advantage of networking and experiential learning opportunities, including internships, while also enjoying Athens and all the city has to offer. For those who have just graduated, his advice is timely, “Give yourself grace. It’s not going to be perfect but failure is part of growth.”

LEARN HOW TO CONNECT UGA WITH YOUR BUSINESS

Chloe Washington (BS ’07) is here to help

July 7, 2020/by UGA Alumni

Chloe Washington (BS ’07) is a woman filled with passion. She is passionate about her work, passionate about helping children and passionate about the University of Georgia.

As a senior program manager in marketing operations at Mailchimp in Atlanta, she loves working for an organization focuses on helping small businesses be successful, and she enjoys mentoring those early in their career to help them acquire the skills to succeed and find their career passion.

Washington is equally passionate about the University of Georgia. In high school, she wanted to attend a good school with lots of team spirit, and UGA fit the bill. She still gets chills when she heads to Athens because it feels like coming home; she met some of her closest friends at UGA, and she stays in touch with former professors. She graduated in 2007 with a fashion merchandising degree from the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and then found her way into project management. There’s been no stopping her since.

She makes it a habit to attend events with several alumni groups, including Women of UGA, UGA Black Alumni and UGA Young Alumni. She participates in UGA’s “Give That Dawg a Bone,” by writing letters to incoming freshmen. She finds it fulfilling to share tips and advice with these new students. She always includes her email address and some of the students keep in touch with her throughout their college career.

Washington’s best advice to college students is to find a balance between freedom and discipline, and to leave space to explore new options.

“There’s nothing wrong with changing course, and being willing to pivot can lead to new opportunities,” Washington says.

In addition to helping college students, Washington is passionate about helping children. She has spent a lot of time volunteering with a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring joy to children experiencing homelessness through the magic of birthdays. Although the organization is headquartered in Dallas, Washington saw a great need for it in Atlanta, and she was instrumental in helping to get it started there. It is now a regular program at three different shelters in Atlanta.

Washington also has had the opportunity to share her love of the Bulldogs with her cousin and uncle, who also attended UGA.

“Football season is really an exciting time for my family because red and black runs deep in our blood,” Washington says.

Delicious, nutritious recipes to help you Attack The Day (5K)

June 11, 2020/by Clarke Schwabe

To get you ready for the Attack The Day 5K, we reached out to a few of our food-industry alumni and collected an assortment of tasty recipes that will keep you fueled up for June 20!

Peter Dale

ABJ ’99

Company: The National, Seabear Oyster Bar, Condor Chocolates, Maepole

I am a born and raised Athenian, and got into the food business because I love to eat and can’t sit still at a desk. Each business is a collaboration between myself and friends or family and addresses something we felt was missing in the Athens dining scene.

The newest restaurant is Maepole which offers fresh and healthy food in a fast and convenient format. Maepole is a response to needing a nutritious meal when I’m having a busy day and can’t cook for myself.

Grilled Summer Squash Salad

Serves 4

While I really love zucchini bread and squash casserole, this salad is a great way to enjoy your summer garden’s bounty without the guilt. The goat cheese is optional, and can be replaced with Greek yogurt or feta. For extra nutritional punch, add fresh spinach leaves along with the herbs.

1/2 cup pecan halves
6-8 small squash (about 2 lbs, yellow squash, zucchini or assorted heirloom varieties)
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 cup basil leaves
1/2 cup mint leaves
1 small sweet onion, sliced thin
1/2 cup fresh goat cheese

Preheat oven to 350°. Scatter the pecans on a baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes or until nicely browned and toasted. Let them cool before chopping or crushing lightly with the side of a large knife.

Place a ridged grill pan on high heat and leave it there until it is almost red hot–at least 5 minutes. Alternatively, use an outdoor grill, pre-heat to medium-high.

Meanwhile, trim the ends off of squash and cut on an angle into about 3/8-inch-thick slices. Place squash slices in a bowl and toss with half the olive oil, salt and black pepper. Place the slices on the hot grill pan and cook about 2 minutes on each side, turning them over using tongs. You want to get distinct char marks without cooking the squash through. Transfer to a mixing bowl, drizzle balsamic vinegar over and toss to combine. Set aside to cool slightly.

Once squash has cooled down, add the remaining olive oil, basil, mint, onion and pecans. Mix lightly and taste for seasoning. Place salad on plates, top with a dollop of goat cheese.

Sweet Potato Salad

Serves 4 as a side dish

Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse but save the brown sugar and marshmallows for Thanksgiving. This salad is great made ahead of time. Keep it in the refrigerator and serve as a dinner side dish, or add chickpeas and arugula to make a meat-free lunch entrée.

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch to 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup pecan pieces, lightly toasted
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 375°.

Lay the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a roasting tray. Drizzle 1/4 cup of the olive oil over the sweet potatoes and toss well. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes in oven until tender. Cool completely and reserve.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Beet Hummus

We serve a lot of hummus at The National, and it’s the perfect foil to warm flatbread and sliced vegetables. I think hummus can also serve as the base of an entrée. Hummus + grilled chicken + fresh tomato, cucumber, mint = a healthy and delicious summertime meal. This recipe makes a fantastic bright pink hummus that’s nutrient rich and will turn beet haters into beet lovers.

1 1/2 cups roasted beets, chopped (5-6 small or 2-4 medium ones)*
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 can chickpeas (15.5 oz.), drained and rinsed
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp sesame tahini
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp warm water
salt and pepper to taste

*To roast the beets, cut off the tops and scrub the roots under water, put them in a covered dish with about 1/4-inch of water in a 375°F oven, and cook until easily penetrated with a knife or fork. Alternatively, cover with water in a saucepan and simmer until tender, about 1/2 hour. Peel once cooled.

Place all the ingredients except water, salt and pepper, in a food processor. Puree until smooth. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle the warm water into the hummus. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Drew French

BBA ’05

Company: Your Pie

Your Pie Pizza was started in Athens, GA in 2008 to change the way people experience pizza. We specialize in Italian style brick oven pizza custom made to order and craft beer and wine. Our 75 locally owned locations span across 19 states with the goal to improve the communities we serve.

Peach Prosciutto Pizza

Stretch the Your Pie pizza dough to 10 inches.

Top with some extra virgin olive oil and spread a thin layer of Ricotta cheese on top.

Next, add the thin sliced Prosciutto and top with 3 ounces of high quality mozzarella cheese and a pinch of shredded parmesan.

Finally, add 10 slices of Fresh GA Peaches in a circle.

Bake in a brick oven at 600 degrees for 4 minutes. (if you don’t have a brick oven, see you at Your Pie soon!).

After bake, top with fresh cut basil and a drizzle of honey balsamic reduction glaze.

Cut into 6 slices and enjoy!

Caroline Ward

BBA ’00, MPA ’03

Company: TransFit

I started TransFit in 2010 as I felt called to help people transform their lives from the inside out.

TransFit (short for Transformational Fitness) is a faith-based personal training studio for women in 5 Points! Our staff of personal trainers & registered dietician will help you achieve your whole body health goals. We will inspire you to transform your body, mind and spirit through customized personal training, group strength and cardio sessions, yoga, and nutrition consulting .

We deliver the results you want to see as we support and encourage you to achieve your personal goals!

Super Greens Salad

Combine baby arugula and baby spinach in a large bowl. Add cranberries, pecans, parmesan cheese, and apple slices. Squeeze the lemon then add the white balsamic for the dressing. Toss salad so all leaves are evenly coated then add cracked pepper. Serve and Enjoy!

TransFit Quinoa Cakes

Combine the quinoa, eggs, salt, and lemon pepper in a large bowl. Stir in the parsley, onion, and garlic.

Form the mixture into 1o thick patties (use a 1/4 cup to form into patties.) You want the mixture to be moist, so the patties do not taste dry.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 5 patties, cover, and cook for 7-10 minutes or unitl patties are deeply browned. Carefully flip the patties with a spatula and cook for 5 minutes, or until golden. Remove from skillet and cool on a large plate while you cook the remaining patties.

Chocolate Heaven Smoothie

Meet your Attack The Day 5K fitness instructors

June 9, 2020/by Clarke Schwabe

The first-ever Attack The Day 5K is on June 20, and to help Bulldog Nation get ready for this virtual 5K, several UGA alumni who work in the fitness industry will be offering free Zoom fitness classes to all ATD5K registrants! These alumni will give insight, tips and tricks on a wide variety of preparations for a 5k: from yoga to stretching to nutrition tips, we’ve got a class for all body types and fitness levels.

Interested in taking one of these classes? Sign up for the 5K, and you’ll find a link to register for classes in your Runner’s Packet PDF!

We’ll be adding new classes throughout the month, so watch this space to learn about everyone who can help you train like a Dawg!

Greer Hawkins Craig

(BBA ’07, MPH ’09)

Company: Go with Greer

Class time: Friday, June 12 @ 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Class description: Yoga and injury prevention tips with a body weight circuit component. Beginner level course, all body types welcome

“I own and operate Go with Greer, a mobile (and recently virtual) personal and group training company in Atlanta, GA specializing in pre- and post-natal health and weight loss. Since 2009, I have empowered individuals, moms, families, neighborhoods, companies and schools through customized workouts designed to effectively shed excess weight and maximize optimal wellness.”

Jennifer Tyler

(AB ’06)

Bio: Jennifer Tyler earned her degree in Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts from the Art Institute of Atlanta. She has worked locally in Atlanta, in the Pacific Northwest and overseas as a Pastry Chef and Executive Chef. Her favorite dishes incorporate her Southern roots with a professional edge. She loves introducing new foods and techniques to her family and friends. Her culinary mission is to make cooking accessible and enjoyable.

Class time: Tuesday, June 16 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Class description: For the class, Jennifer has designed a customizable pre-race meal. She will provide tips on adjusting the recipes to meet individual preferences in regard to macro-nutrients, allergies, and lifestyle. It’s also her mission to make cooking accessible, so she will offer several tips on just “making it work!” This approach should appeal to both novice and intermediate cooks.

“The planned menu for the demo is:

Seared Peanut Chicken with Soba Noodles: the dish is Gluten free, and the Protein can be adjusted or Plant-based. The Soba noodles (a carb) can be substituted with starchy vegetable “noodles,” rice, spaghetti, or whatever is on hand.

Ginger Honey Mint Syrup: designed as an after dinner “dessert” that can be used on seasonal fruit, as an after-dinner tea, or—for a more decadent approach—on grilled poundcake (yum!). Ginger and Mint are both great digestives to have after a meal.

For post-race electrolytes, I’ll do a quick demo on a Salted Lemonade/Limeade”

Caroline Ward

(BBA ’00, MPA ’03)

Company: TransFit

Class time: Wednesday, June 17 @ 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Class description: Caroline will cover strength and cardio training, yoga and nutrition. Beginner level course, all body types welcome

“I started TransFit in 2010 as I felt called to help people transform their lives from the inside out. TransFit (short for Transformational Fitness) is a faith-based personal training studio for women in 5 Points! Our staff of personal trainers & registered dietician will help you achieve your whole body health goals. We will inspire you to transform your body, mind and spirit through customized personal training, group strength and cardio sessions, yoga, and nutrition consulting.

Why TransFit? We deliver the results you want to see as we support and encourage you to achieve your personal goals!

We have a FREE TransFit APP & we are located on MINDBODY or visit website for more info www.transfitathens.com and email us with any questions.”

The power of podcasts: inside the minds of UGA alumni and students

April 15, 2020/by Erin Geoghan

Find an escape from your daily routine with these podcasts created by some of the most influential minds (who just happened to attend UGA). Whether you are seeking inspiration, education or entertainment, there’s a reason podcasts are becoming a cultural staple: there’s something for everyone.

Society and Culture
Sports
News and Politics
Business
Food
Entertainment
Comedy
Law
Lifestyle

Visit Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications’ Alumni Who Podcast Pinterest page for a comprehensive list of alumni-affiliated podcasts.

Society & Culture

Armchair Expert // Monica & Jess Love Boys

Image: Monica & Jess Love Boys
Dax Shepard’s podcast, Armchair Expert, is co-created and produced by UGA alumna Monica Padman (AB ’09, AB ’09). It celebrates the “messiness of being human” and has been a popular listen since it premiered in 2018. In mid-February, Armchair Expert began a series called Monica & Jess Love Boys, which follows the dating life of Monica (in the straight community) and Jess (in the gay community). Although they date in different scenes, the pair encounters similar issues in individual and societal patterns.

Therapy for Black Girls

Image: Stitcher
Therapy for Black Girls is a weekly chat about mental health, personal development and the decisions we make to become the best versions of ourselves. Host Joy Harden Bradford (PHD ’06) is a licensed psychologist who discusses mental health trends and tips.

The Bitter Southerner Podcast

Image: The Bitter Southerner
In each episode, Chuck Reese (ABJ ’94) paints a true picture of the South by exploring Southern culture and the South’s contributions to American life. The podcast tells the stories of people and organizations that don’t fit into Southern stereotypes.

The Melanin Mix

Image: Apple Podcasts
The Melanin Mix is hosted by Amber Broughton (BSHP ’17) and Karly Smith (BBA ’17). Each Monday, they discuss a variety of topics, including adulthood, relationships, social media, beauty standards, and some of their craziest life experiences.

99% Invisible

Image: Apple Podcasts
Have you ever wondered why there’s so little shade in Los Angeles? Or the origin of the fortune cookie? In 99% Invisible, Roman Mars (M ’96) delves into topics such as design and architecture that largely go unnoticed but have an impact on our world.

Stuff You Should Know

Image: Apple Podcasts
Co-hosts Chuck Bryant (AB ’95) and Josh Clark know a little about a lot of things. On this podcast, the two get to the bottom of odd questions.

Between The Lines

Image: Apple Podcasts
On Between the Lines, Lakeshia Poole (ABJ ’05) analyzes the latest reads, news stories, TV, and film.

Sports

The Steam Room

Image: Apple Podcasts
Ernie Johnson (ABJ ’78) and former NBA great Charles Barkley host The Steam Room, a Turner Sports podcast covering new topics in the NBA as well as current events, pop culture and local news. Johnson is an iconic sports media personality best known as the host of Inside the NBA on TNT. Fun fact: Johnson delivered UGA’s 2017 commencement address.

The Game Changer

Image: Apple Podcasts
The Game Changer with Rennie Curran (BBA ’17) shares the latest insights on leadership and personal development. Curran’s podcast tells listeners how to take their game to the next level in sports, business and life.

Illegal Motion

Image: Apple Podcasts
Illegal Motion is a college football podcast from the perspective of Corey Burton (AB ’06) and two other fellow fans. The trio discusses everything that surrounds the game they love.

33N83W

Image: Apple Podcasts
33N83W was created by San Diego Alumni Chapter President Tara Shah (AB ’98) and is named for the coordinates of the UGA campus. The podcast features interviews with alumni, coaches and is perfect for the proud Bulldog fan.

Calling the Dawgs

Image: Apple Podcasts
Lifelong Georgia fan Patrick Chancy (PHARMD ’17) shares his commentary on UGA football on the podcast Calling the Dawgs.

The Hines Ward Show

Image: Stitcher
Super Bowl XL MVP and former UGA Bulldog Pittsburgh Steeler, Hines Ward (BSFCS ’98), teams up with Michael O’Neal to host The Hines Ward Show. The pair discusses what it’s like to be a professional athlete and living a celebrity life post-football career.

Punt + Pass

Image: Apple Podcasts
On Punt + Pass, former UGA football players Drew Butler (ABJ ’11, MS ’13) and Aaron Murray (BS ’12) break down college football match-ups across the SEC. The podcast brings the pair’s unique perspective and personal stories to the table to give college football fans all they need to know about college football. Each week, the podcast features a special guest.

News and Politics

20/20

Image: Apple Podcasts
ABC’s 20/20 features “interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports, exclusives, compelling features and medical mysteries.” Amy Robach (ABJ ’95) is the co-anchor of 20/20 and has conducted many headline interviews and reports across ABC News. She is well-known for her role on “Good Morning America.” Fun Fact: Robach delivered UGA’s 2015 commencement address.

Inside Edition

Image: Apple Podcasts
Award-winning anchor Deborah Norville (ABJ ’79) is the host of  Inside Edition, the longest-running and top-rated daily news magazine audio podcast. Through Inside Edition, Norville exposes the truth with behind-the-scenes coverage of top national stories, human-interest stories, celebrity and pop culture features, exclusive interviews and hard-hitting investigations.

PeachPod

Image: Apple Podcasts
If you’re a Georgia politics junkie, then this is the podcast for you. UGA grads Kyle Hayes (BSED ’12, AB ’12) and Luke Boggs (AB ’15, AB ’15) along with Megan Payne host PeachPod, a Georgia-perspective political podcast that aims to inform people about the world around them. Hayes and Boggs have backgrounds in politics from their studies at UGA and experience in local Georgia politics.

Left Spin Right Spin

Image: Left Spin Right Spin
If you’re searching for a way to understand today’s debate from both sides, then consider listening to Jonathan Wetherbee (AB ’12), who explores both sides of the news on Left Spin Right Spin. The podcast helps listeners grasp a more thoughtful understanding of the news.

Words Matter

Image: Apple Podcasts
Katie Barlow (ABJ ’11) is the host of Words Matter, a podcast that covers the changes in American politics and the importance of facts in today’s political arena. Along with co-host Joe Lockhart, Barlow explains recent events in historical context.

VOTEHER Podcast with Jen Jordan and Mara Davis

Image: Apple Podcasts
VoteHer is a weekly podcast where Jen Jordan and Mara Davis talk Georgia Politics and beyond with a side of snark and southern sass.

Business

Brown Ambition

Image: Apple Podcasts
Brown Ambition is a weekly podcast that discusses life, career, and building wealth. It is hosted by Tiffany Aliche and Mandi Woodruff (ABJ ’09), executive editor of MagnifyMoney.com and former personal finance reporter for Yahoo Finance.

The Journey with Blue

Image: The Journey with Blue
On The Journey with Blue, Michelle Blue (BBA ’13) shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurs, including herself. The podcast shares the tools and resources to help grow a business and the importance of wellness as an entrepreneur.

What’s Your Story

Image: Apple Podcasts
Master storyteller Sally Williamson (ABJ ’83), founder and president of Sally Williamson & Associates, shares stories of successful business leaders on her podcast, What’s Your Story. The podcast shows how storytelling can be used to motivate, position a brand, and make points that are repeatable and memorable. Fun fact: Williamson’s business has been on the Bulldog 100.

Minding My Black Business

Image: Apple Podcasts
Started by JaNaè Taylor (Med ’03, PhD ’07), Minding My BLACK Business was created for black entrepreneurs and discusses the obstacles they experience on the road to self-employment. This professional and personal podcast creates a space for black entrepreneurs to turn to when they’re experiencing self-doubt, stress and worry. Fun fact: Taylor was a UGA 40 Under 40 honoree in 2018 and has been  featured in Georgia Magazine.

Make Me Known

Image: Apple Podcasts

After launching Choice Media Communications, Heather Adams (ABJ ’98) started her own podcast, Make Me Known. Each week, Adams interviews guests and shares professional insights about communications, entrepreneurship, empowering women and leadership.

Food

The Alton Browncast

Image: Apple Podcasts
Celebrity chef and TV personality Alton Brown (AB ‘04) hosts The Alton Browncast, which is known for its down-to-earth conversations with famous chefs, authors, scientists and makers.

Entertainment

Skytalkers

Image: Apple Podcasts
Introducing the Star Wars podcast that you never “Chew” you needed: Skytalkers. Caitlin Plesher (AB ’15, AB ’15) is truly one with the Force. She and co-host Charlotte Errity discuss all things Star Wars on this bi-weekly podcat – from films and TV shows to novels and character analysis.

Bubbly Sesh

Image: Apple Podcasts
The Bubbly Sesh is the official Hallmark Channel podcast and is hosted by Jacklyn Collier and Shawlini Manjunath-Holbrook (ABJ ’05). The podcast breaks down Hallmark movies and explores relationships and movie-making.

The Crossover

Image: Apple Podcasts
Chris Brame (ABJ ’98) co-hosts The Crossover, which touches on just about everything in Athens: local and national news, sports, pop culture and more.

Hear-Tell

Image: Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
Hear-Tell is a narrative nonfiction podcast that features writing from UGA students, alumni, faculty and lecturers in Grady’s Low-Residency MFA in Narrative Nonfiction program. André Gallant (MFA ’17) is the host, producer and a graduate of the program.

The Paste Podcast

Image: Apple Podcasts
On the Paste Podcast, Josh Jackson (ABJ ’94) and Allison Keene cover movies, TV, music, comedy, games, books, comics, drinks and politics. The podcast features interviews with artists and exclusive live musical performances.

Comedy

FOGO: Fear of Going Outside

Image: FOGO: Fear of Going Outside
FOGO: Fear of Going Outside is a nature show hosted by Ivy Le (AB ’05). She seeks answers to questions about nature through her personal and humorous adventures.

Law

The Great Trials Podcast

Image: Apple Podcasts
Great Trials Podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of America’s greatest trials with acclaimed trial lawyers Yvonne Godrey (JD ’11) and Steve Lowry. The podcast is a series of laid-back conversations including interviews with top trial lawyers.

Lifestyle

Gals on the Go

Image: Apple Podcasts
What’s it like to be a full-time college student and an influencer? Third-year UGA student Danielle Carolan and recent graduate Brooke Miccio (BBA ’19) will give you the inside scoop on Gals on the Go. Carolan has 258,000 Instagram followers and 506,000 subscribers on YouTube. Miccio has 87,000 Instagram followers and 211,000 YouTube subscribers. Their lifestyle podcast covers everything from productivity tips to travel stories.

Unladylike

Image: Apple Podcasts
Join Cristen Conger (ABJ ’06) and Caroline Ervin (ABJ ’06) on Unladylike, a podcast about all things gender-related. These two are paving a path to help women better understand their identities and face the underlying injustices women face.

Grown Ass Dating

Image: Apple Podcasts
Rendi Moore (BSW ’05, MSW ’07) and LeShaundra Cordier (BS ’04, MPH ’07) are two complicated, single women who share their truths about dating over 30 on Grown Ass Dating. The two help listeners overcome obstacles, avoid dating pitfalls and find dating inspiration and guidance.

That Sounds Fun

Image: Annie F. Downs
Released on Mondays and Thursdays, That Sounds Fun features discussions about Annie Downs’ (BSED ’02) favorite things, favorite people and anything coming under the umbrella of “that sounds fun.” Downs is a best-selling author and nationally known speaker.

Why or Why Not with the Watsons

Image: Apple Podcasts
Why or Why Not with the Watsons features first-round draft pick and Super Bowl Champion Benjamin Watson (BBA ’03) and his wife Kirsten Watson (BBA ’03). Benjamin and Kirsten have decided to give you a behind the scenes look at their marriage and parenting journey in this weekly podcast.

What to watch: UGA quarantine edition

April 8, 2020/by Erin Geoghan

During times of uncertainty, we know one thing for sure: Dawgs always come out on top. We’ve compiled a list of 10 binge-worthy TV and movie options that feature some of our very own UGA grads to help you adjust to this ‘new normal.’

1. Power

Image: IMDb

Power is an American crime drama television series starring former UGA football defensive back, Omari Hardwick (AB ’96). Hardwick plays James St. Patrick, a wealthy New York night club owner who lives a double life as a ruthless drug-dealer under the street name “Ghost.”

2. Batman

Image: IMDb

Kim Basinger (M ’75) plays Vicki Vale, a photojournalist and Batman’s love interest, in this 1989 superhero film. This was a breakout role for the actress. Did you know? Basinger donated to the UGA men’s tennis team to help the Dan Magill Tennis Complex get its lights in 1991.

3. The Walking Dead

Image: IMDb

Don’t miss former UGA football player Hines Ward (BSFCS ’98) on The Walking Dead as a rotting zombie in the episode “The Suicide King.” After graduating from UGA, Ward went on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers and later became a “Dancing with the Stars” champ.

4. Squidbillies

Image: Wikipedia

Squibillies is an adult animated television series on Cartoon Network’s late-night programming block, Adult Swim. Before completing the degree he started in the early 1970s, Bobby Ellerbee (AB ’16) became the voice of the sheriff on Squidbillies and led a successful 40+ year career on many radio and broadcast shows.

5. Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil

Image: IMDb

Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil tells the tale of Savannah’s eccentricities and the murder trial of a local millionaire. Frank “Sonny” Seiler (BBA ’56, JD ’57) was Jim Williams’ attorney in three of his final four trials (in real life). In the movie, based on a best-selling novel by John Berendt, Seiler was cast as the judge during the trial. But that’s not Seiler’s only claim to fame: he and his family have been raising UGA’s beloved bulldogs for decades.

6. Seinfeld

Image: IMDb

Wayne Knight (AB ’72) plays Newman, the antagonist on the sitcom Seinfeld. Newman is a recurring character that never gets along with stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld. The show highlights the humor in life’s mundane situations. Also catch Knight in Jurassic Park, playing the fumbling Dennis Nedry.

7. Friday Night Lights

Image: Hulu

Friday Night Lights is set in a small Texas town and follows the life of a high school football coach, his family and the players. The head football coach, Eric Taylor, is played by Kyle Chandler (M ’88). Chandler is also known for his role in the Netflix drama series Bloodline.

8. Friends

Image: IMDb

Friends is a classic top-rated television program in the U.S. that many know and love. The show follows the lives of six twenty-somethings living in Manhattan. James Michael Taylor (MFA ’89) plays the recurring role of Gunther, a coffee shop worker in love with lead character Rachel Green.

9. QB1: Beyond the Lights

Image: IMDb

QB1: Beyond the Lights stars former UGA quarterback Jake Fromm (M ’21). The series follows the lives of three high school quarterbacks in their season before they begin playing in Division I college football.

10. Iron Chef America

Image: TV Guide

This show is hosted by Alton Brown (AB ’04) and showcases chefs from around the world in one-hour culinary battles against “Iron Chefs.” Brown also hosts Good Eats, in which he shares the new cooking techniques behind his latest creations.

3 Buzzworthy Bulldog 100 Businesses: Buckhead Beans, Rev Coffee Roasters, and Three Tree Coffee

January 29, 2020/by UGA Alumni

Written by: Leigh Raynor Arndt

In Atlanta, Buckhead Beans is revitalizing office coffee. In Smyrna, Rev Coffee Roasters is bringing perfectly-roasted beans to the ’burbs. And in Statesboro, Three Tree Coffee Roasters is making a difference, one mug at a time. But what do these three game-changing coffee companies have in common?

They are all owned by Bulldogs. And they’re growing fast.

On Feb. 8, we’re celebrating Buckhead Beans, Rev Coffee Roasters, and Three Tree Coffee as 2020 Bulldog 100 businesses. Each year, Bulldog 100 recognizes the fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by University of Georgia alumni. Read on to learn more about the Bulldogs behind these exceptional companies.

(Spoiler: caffeine isn’t the only secret to their success.)

Buckhead Beans: Matt Ades (AB ’94, MED ’96) + Jeff Ramsey (BBA ’95)

What inspired UGA grads Matt Ades and Jeff Ramsey to start Buckhead Beans? Water cooler talk. In 2014, the college friends invested in an Atlanta-based vending company providing coffee to offices around the city. As they strategized how to revitalize the business, they asked around to see how people felt about the coffee at work. Across the board, the response was the same: yuck.

“Matt and I recognized a movement in Atlanta like craft beer, but with coffee,” said Jeff. “New cool shops were opening across the city. We knew there was good coffee here. But we also knew that a lot of businesses were stuck in the ’80s with subpar office coffee.”

So, Jeff and Matt decided to connect the dots. They started with one van and one local roaster. Today, Buckhead Beans has grown to 10 vans and partnerships with 10 roasters, including Counter Culture, Batdorf and Bronson, and Beanealogy. And one of their top roasters is fellow Bulldog-owned business Rev Coffee Roasters (more on them next!). Inspired by these coffee connoisseurs, Buckhead Beans is now perfecting its own roasting techniques.

Buckhead Beans has rid stale coffee from the breakrooms of more than 300 Atlanta businesses. And relationships that Jeff and Matt formed at UGA have proved vital to this expansion. Jeff shows his continued appreciation for his alma mater through a perfect attendance record. In 26 years, he’s yet to miss a Bulldog home game!

Rev Coffee Roasters: Jenn Holt Bimmerle (AB ’02)

As co-founders of Rev Coffee Roasters, alumna Jenn Holt Bimmerle and her husband, Nick, make the perfect team. Jenn likes a white mocha, while Nick drinks his coffee black. Together, they make sure that Rev is a place for every coffee drinker, where everyone gets what they want. And whether you are a purist or you like a dollop of whipped cream, your order will be bolstered by the best beans around.

Jenn and Nick opened Rev in 2008. From the start, their goal went beyond bringing a better cup of coffee to Smyrna. They wanted to embrace the suburbs by creating a cool, community space where neighbors could connect. It’s safe to say they’ve stolen some attention away from Atlanta. This is Rev’s fourth year as a Bulldog 100 business.

“Rev is like Cheers. A non-alcoholic Cheers,” said Jenn. “It’s just a happy place. Everyone is well-caffeinated. Everyone’s in a good mood. When you walk in, you feel comfortable. It feels like home.”

Looking for new ways to celebrate the people that make Smyrna unique, Jenn and her husband started Rev Fest in 2010. The festival brought together local artists, craftspeople, musicians, and coffee lovers for an all-day party. The first Rev Fest was so successful that it is now a bi-annual event.

“A big part of our success is that customers became friends, who then became family,” said Jenn. “When I think of that, I always feel like we’ve done something right.”

Three Tree Coffee Roasters: Philip Klayman (BSA ’11)

As an agricultural economics major at UGA, Philip Klayman not only gained the knowledge he needed to start his own company, but he also found his partner. Philip met his wife, Anna (AB ’11), in Athens. Today, they own Three Tree Coffee Roasters in Anna’s hometown of Statesboro.

The Klaymans’ entrepreneurial drive started with their love of coffee. Devoted drinkers, they began by roasting beans in their backyard. Their hobby grew, and they were soon selling at farmer’s markets. But the Klaymans enjoyed coffee for more than its taste and aroma. They appreciate the community it inspires. Eager to share their passion with others, they opened Three Tree Coffee in 2014.

“Walls come down in coffee shops,” said Philip. “There are not many cultures like coffee culture. It brings diverse people together. Barriers come down, and we recognize our similarities.”

Three Tree’s mission goes beyond serving delicious coffee (like a pour-over made with beans from Limmu, Ethiopia, Philip’s current go-to). The Klaymans are dedicated to using their coffee as a “catalyst for change.” To empower farmers, they only use certified Fair-Trade USA beans and teas. And the shop raises funds for organizations fighting to end human trafficking.

Furthermore, Philip is determined to extend the close-knit community that Three Tree has formed in Statesboro around the globe. By establishing direct partnerships in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Ethiopia, he guarantees that Three Tree only serves coffee and tea from farms that are paid fair wages and use sustainable methods.

“I like to meet with our farmers face to face,” said Philip. “It allows me to develop a better understanding of their challenges so that I can be a solution.”

Check out the full 2020 Bulldog 100 list to learn about more alumni-owned businesses and ways to support fellow Bulldogs.

View the List

2020 Bulldog 100 Spotlight: A Network of Loyal Bulldogs

January 28, 2020/by UGA Alumni

Written by: Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Designs

I grew up in the small, tight-knit community of Hawkinsville, Georgia. The kind of welcoming small-town where you know everyone, and where you’re related to half the county. And the neighboring county too! When I began my freshman year at the University of Georgia in 2002, I was so comforted to see some of those familiar faces from our small town, right there on the big campus of the University of Georgia.

This past fall, when the Bulldog 100 list was announced, I was proud to again see several of those names sharing the honor with me. Hardy’s Peanuts is interwoven into my life, as we grew up on neighboring farms where Ken Hardy (BSA ’93) and Brad Hardy (BSA ’96), along with their family, now run their family farm. I sure wish our grandparents were here to celebrate this achievement with us; they would be so proud! Robert Moore (BSAE ’04), of Moore Civil, is a childhood friend from home, and his wife, Courtney, and I have been great friends since we were kids. He and his brother, Michael Azzolin (PHARMD ’02) (also from Hawkinsville), of PharmD on Demand, get to share this honor together this year, too. It’s been a joy to be included on this list alongside hometown friends and to share that same entrepreneurial spirit with them that we’ve inherited from generations before us.

My husband, David, and I now call Gainesville, Georgia, “home.” We’ve loved getting to know the amazing people who also call this charming “big” small-town “home,” and we are proud to be raising our two boys here as well. The close proximity to Athens is one of our favorite things about the city. Gainesville has been great in supporting my small business and David’s too.

The city has a fantastic community of women business owners, and I am thrilled to see two of my friends on this year’s Bulldog 100 list. Amanda Wilbanks (BBA ’09), of Southern Baked Pie Company, fed me pie in her home kitchen while I was pregnant with my oldest child (who is now almost 7!), before opening her first shop. I am proud of her incredible vision and I sure do love her pies too! Katie Dubnik (BBA ’03), another fellow female business owner and entrepreneur in Gainesville, shares the list with Amanda and me. Her extraordinary business brings invaluable marketing strategies to companies across the Southeast, and she manages a smart, energetic group of creatives at her company, Forum Communications.

I will be forever indebted to the University of Georgia for my education and for the opportunities that this wonderful university has afforded to me and to my family. The network of loyal Bulldogs never ceases to amaze me, and I am so proud to be among this incredible group this year.

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