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UGArden receives $10K from Kubota, votes can raise to $50K
Just a short drive from UGA’s downtown campus sits 10 acres of land known as UGArden. Rows of carrots, okra, kale, squash and much more line the fields. An average of 15,000 pounds of produce is grown on the student farm each year, and that food gets distributed to community members in need.
But that capacity and those partnerships could soon grow, thanks to a $10,000 Kubota Hometown Proud Grant. This grant comes with a unique — and valuable — additional component: a vote competition that could get UGArden an additional $40,000 and one lucky voter a Kubota mower.
To vote for UGArden, click on Georgia in the U.S. map that appears on the Kubota voting page.
The $10,000 grant will be utilized to build a self-serve farm stand at UGArden, according to farm director Ty Brooks. Should they get enough votes to receive the additional money, the rest of the funding would support broad improvements to the entire farm.
Other hunger relief programs in Athens are limited because they are not available all year. These programs also tend to only be open during typical workday hours, farm manager April McCoy shared. This prevents some people from being able to use relief programs.
“We’re hoping to fill kind of a gap by creating something that’s available 24/7 so that it’s more convenient,” McCoy said.
Student interns at UGArden in 2017. (PHOTO: Andrew Davis Tucker, UGA MarComm)
During its first year, the farm stand will help an estimated 40 families each week. That number is expected to double to 80 families per week in the stand’s second year. A pay-what-you-can model will be implemented so community members can get the food they need with what they have — even if they can’t afford to pay anything.
Brooks and McCoy both shared excitement about Athens having a 24/7 hunger relief project.
“They used to do a farmers market as part of a class, and the big complaint that people had was that it was during work hours and it was hard for people to get to it,” Brooks said. “So now, we’ll have something that’s available outside of work hours for people to be able to access.”
Aerial view of UGArden from the summer of 2021. (PHOTO: Andrew Davis Tucker, UGA MarComm)
Hear more from Brooks on how UGArden operates in the Cultivating Curiosity podcast from CES.
“The Kubota Hometown Proud grant program was created four years ago as a way for Kubota to give back to our dealers’ hometowns in a meaningful way,” said Todd Stucke, president of Kubota Tractor Corporation and senior vice president for Kubota North America. “Today we are announcing more grants than ever before – for 20 nonprofits from various hometowns across the country – to help with community projects that will make a positive impact in these communities for years to come. We hope the next phase in our program generates even more hometown pride by rallying around each organization and helping to shine a light on the important work they all do.”
The public voting period started on August 1 and ends on August 14. Votes can be cast once a day and the results and winners will be announced in September.
It is estimated that the grand opening for the farm stand will be held in January 2025. Volunteer events will be organized to help UGArden get the stand built and operating. Those interested in supporting the farm stand or UGArden can do so by making a donation or volunteering their time.
To vote for UGArden, click on Georgia in the U.S. map that appears on the Kubota voting page.
Welcome to Savannah, Bulldogs!
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).
Check out similar guides to the following cities:
Who let the pets out: National Pet Day
We invited the Bulldog family to share pictures of their pets just in time for National Pet Day. Do you enjoy browsing pictures of adorable animals as much as we do? Paw through these pictures of furry (and feathered!) members of Bulldog Nation.
Wendy Hsiao: This little monster is named Georgia after her mom’s beloved football team. She was adopted 5 years ago – and it’s been the best years of my life!
Kathryn McHugh: Honey was rescued from the Athens-Area Humane Society in March 2019. She now lives with my husband and I, and her pup sister Annie, in Athens. Her favorite place to be is at the lake and she loves to snuggle. She is happy to be chewing on a bone, taking a nap, or sneaking an extra treat. Honey has a sweet personality and is so loved!
Mary Ann Hawthorne: Smokey and Bandit are 8-month-old rescue kittens who are brothers. They are super adorable when they aren’t trying to kill each other.
Anna MacKenzie Clark: Kirby is my Dudley lab on the left, named after Kirby Smart. He loves chasing squirrels and sunbathing! Lutzenkirchen (Lutzie) is my dark Golden on the right, named after one of Auburn University’s tight ends. He loves snuggling his mama and his squeaky donut toy!
Grace Stewart: Star. Cheering on the 1980 Championship team.
Kristin Joyner: Bella and Rocky were surrendered. My neighbor adopted Rocky and we adopted Bella. Both are Boykin Spaniels and are inseparable. Go Dawgs!
Kim Wuenker Eilers: Ziggy is our 1-year-old pocket parrot. He’s an American Yellow Celestial Parrotlet. Ziggy loves to say “peekaboo” and “what are you doing?” We are trying to teach him to say “Go Dawgs!”
Denise Spangler (dean of UGA’s Mary Frances Early College of Education): Lucy is a 13-year-old Maltese who loves walks, treats, chasing squirrels, and sleeping on the couch while I watch Georgia football.
Stephanie Calhoun: This is Oakley. She is the best ‘rufferee’ in Dawg Nation. Her speed and bark make her great on the field. She takes off every fall football Saturday, though, to watch the Dawgs between the hedges.
Diane Maddox: Bogo is a big hunk of snuggles!
Dr. Kristy McManus: Mr. Bigsby is a French Bulldog who was rescued from a horrible breeding situation in Tennessee in October 2015. This picture is of his first visit to the pet store to get his UGA jersey. Of course this made for a great Halloween picture, too! He had a rough first few years of life, but he is well-loved and living like a king now in Athens, Georgia. He is loving life as a member of the Bulldog Nation!
Ginny Henry: Gus is a sweetheart and in this pic was sporting a new ‘do. He was looking dandy with the tie that the groomer gave him. He loves long walks and playing catch and fetch.
Donna Nesmith: We are a house divided. Meet Tebow Big Dawg Dooley and Georgia Natty Rose. Tebow and Georgia provide lots of entertainment around our house with their mischievous shenanigans. If you have never been around an English Bulldog, let me sum up their personality with a phrase, “I will only do it my way.” They take the word stubborn to a whole new level.
Mark Dzikowski: Daisy is a 16-year-old Georgia beagle by birth, but a Georgia Bulldog by the grace of God.
Patricia Dobbins Kirby: Dixie is a hard-playing farm dog! She loves going for rides, taunting her older siblings and running through as many mud puddles as she can find. But, she also loves quiet mornings snoozing between Mom and Dad. She is smart and beautiful!
Kelcie Willis: Sasha is a beagle/Chow Chow (and more!) mix. She was adopted from DeKalb County Animal Services in 2019. On top of being extremely cute, she’s strong willed, food-motivated and eager to learn and play. She’s also quick to bow-wow-wow when she thinks something is amiss or wants a game of tug. She loves to get pets and likes other dogs, but she is very much a people lover. She’s never met a stranger!
Carolina Brown: Riley is a 2-year-old golden retriever who loves to play, sleep, and chase after golf balls in the yard! He is named after that Sanford Stadium favorite, “Baba O’Riley” since my husband and I met at a pre-game tailgate when I was a student.
Celebrating dads while supporting Dawgs
Luke and his two sons enjoying a hike together
By Luke Massee, UGA Alumni Association Associate Director of Outreach
Father’s Day (June 21, 2020) is almost here and you need to avoid what happened last year. Remember? You waited until the day before to go shopping and ended up buying the singing wall trout, or the Potty Putter, or that “World’s Greatest Dad” T-shirt. It was not your best moment. Luckily Father’s Day happens every year and 2020 is your chance to right last year’s wrong. This year you can give your dad something that will have him jumping for joy.
Wait … you waited until the day before because you didn’t know where to shop? Don’t worry, friend, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 amazing gift ideas from UGA alumni-run businesses that will have him high fiving the room and singing “Glory, Glory” the rest of the day. Not only do these businesses have wonderful products, but the UGA graduates who run them are past Bulldog 100 honorees! Look at you … supporting small businesses and your fellow Dawgs and giving a gift that will make you the envy of the virtual family gathering. Talk about going from worst to first!
Congratulations in advance to you and your dad! Now, to the list. Scroll through gift ideas for every type of dad below.
Swipe to view more
The Fashionable Father
Did your dad win the “Best Dressed” senior superlative and could easily win it again today? If so, he has probably shopped at Onward Reserve and would love to receive any of their clothing items. Shirts, shorts, pants, shoes, belts … you name it, they have it. Onward Reserve’s motto is “Live authentically” and you will be living authentically as the favorite child if you go this route.
Locations: Athens, GA; 3 locations in Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Chattanooga, TN; Clemson, SC; Dallas, TX; Nashville, TN; Thomasville, GA; and Washington, DC
Bulldog: TJ Callaway (BBA ’07), Founder/CEO
The Fancy Feet
There is a rumor going around that businesses are going to make shoes optional. Sock Fancy products seem to be taking over, and bosses everywhere are asking why you’d ever cover an inch of these suave and durable masterpieces. Would your dad’s feet look and feel great in the latest Sock Fancy styles and colors? Of course they would! Sock Fancy is a subscription service, so your pops’ sock game would be on point every month and he could turn the “no shoes” rumor into reality.
Bulldog: Stefan Lewinger (AB ’11), Co-Founder/CEO
The Whiskey Lover
ASW Distillery and their staff are the “Southern Pot-Still Pioneers,” and your father can be a libation legend in his own right. If your dad is the guy who visits Kentucky every other year and sets up quarterly bourbon tastings for the neighborhood, if he is known as the local spirits savant, or if he just wants to do those things, then he would be the perfect recipient of ASW’s Maris Otter Whiskey or Resurgens Rye. Any of their selections would be a welcome addition to his private collection. Cheers to you, your dad, and your amazing gift-giving abilities!
Locations: Two locations in Atlanta, GA
Bulldogs: James Chasteen (BBA ’98), Co-Founder/CEO; Kelly Chasteen (BSED ’00), Head of Retail and Private Events; Justin Manglitz (BBA ’04), Master Distiller; Chad Ralston (BBA ’08), CMO; Charles Thompson (AB ’99, MBA ’03, JD ’03), Co-Founder
The Custom Made Man
Your dad is a true trailblazer. Remember when you played rec-league basketball, softball, baseball, etc. and your dad let you put your nickname on the back of your jersey? It didn’t matter that you were terrible as long as “T-Rex,” “Izzy,” or “Mad Max” graced your uniform. You were the coolest, and your dad changed the jersey game forever. So head to Zeus’ Closet to return the favor and spice up his current attire with a custom touch. They can personalize clothing to suit your dad’s unique flare and continue his tradition of changing the fashion landscape.
P.S. – Tell your dad that the 1989 Ninja Turtles T-ball squad and I said, “Thank you for your contribution to sports.”
Locations: Atlanta, GA; Kennesaw, GA
Bulldogs: Ethan King (AB ’99), Co-Founder/CEO; Monica Allen (BBA ’96), Co-Founder/COO
The Sophisticated Nose
Fathers teach us many lessons. Surprisingly, many of those nuggets of wisdom involve smells. Like that day when your dad handed you your first stick of deodorant and lovingly said, “You stink.” Or the time you returned from soccer practice and threw your half-open gym bag on the floor, filling the room with an odor words can’t describe. Dad just walked over, handed you some Febreze, and smiled. It was a Hallmark moment. He also gave you your first bottle of perfume/cologne followed by the phrase, “Smell good, feel good.” Get the father of fantastic fragrances one of the rustic, natural colognes from EastWest Bottlers. With several different scents to choose from, you can’t go wrong. This gift will show him the student has now become the teacher.
Location: Austin, TX
Bulldogs: Charlie Holderness (BSFCS ’05), Co-Founder; Matt Moore (BBA ’05), Co-Founder; Colin Newberry (AB ’05), Co-Founder
The Sweet Tooth
It was a day that has never been forgotten. You were 14-years-old and decided to make your dad a carrot cake for Father’s Day. You followed the recipe to the letter and could not wait for your dad to taste your culinary masterpiece. With the whole family watching, your dad took a bite and the crunch of some unknown substance was heard ‘round the room. He swallowed that bite after gnawing at it for what felt like an hour. Sadly, nobody else was brave enough to try it. It’s the reason “Maybe [insert your name] can bring dessert,” is followed by an explosion of laughter. Don’t make that mistake again. Put up the mixer and head to Southern Baked Pie Company. With delicious sweet and savory pies, maybe they can help folks forget about the carrot cake incident … but probably not.
Locations: Alpharetta, GA; Atlanta, GA; Gainesville, GA
UGA Bulldog: Amanda Dalton Wilbanks (BBA ’09), Founder
The Health Nut
Your dad finds a way to mix topics like superfoods, hydration, the importance of sleep, and exercising into every conversation. He listens to podcasts about organic foods, currently holds the record for “longest plank” at the neighborhood yoga studio and closing the circles on his Apple watch is the highlight of his day. Binge-watching workout tutorials on YouTube like they’re “Tiger King” is his idea of a good time. This Father’s Day, let Georgia Grinders help you feed his health craze. Their specialty is creating all-natural nut butters, and your dad surely knows the health benefits of nuts like almonds, peanuts and pecans. Give him one of their trio gift boxes, and he might serve something other than kale at the next meal.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Bulldog: Jaime Foster (BSA ’99), Founder/CEO
The Athlete
Your father starts his day with a five-mile jog, a long bike ride, and pilates class all before you’ve had your first cup of coffee. He is a living legend at the local YMCA and goes by the nickname “Buckets.” Sports movies like “Rudy,” “Blue Chips” and “Rocky” are a few of his favorites. He was a tri-state athlete in high school and could hold his own with the young bucks today. If this sounds like your dad, then give him a gift from SculptHouse. They offer fitness classes and athletic wear that will make your dad as happy as the start of Georgia football season. Trust me, it will be a homerun.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Bulldogs: Katherine Mason (ABJ ’12), Co-Founder; Jennifer McKissick (ABJ ’12), Co-Founder
The Coffee Connoisseur
Some guys live for sports or woodworking. Others know all about wines or the latest tech gadget. Your dad’s obsession is coffee. He knows all the baristas at the local coffee shop by name, and they always know his usual. When the family goes on vacation, he gets souvenir mugs to add to his already overflowing collection. His day is planned around his next cup. For these fathers, Rev Coffee Roasters and Three Tree Coffee Roasters will be able to satisfy his cravings. Both offer a variety of coffee blends they can ship and storefronts where you can purchase food and other merchandise.
Location: Smyrna, GA
Bulldog: Jenn Bimmerle (AB ’02), Marketing Director
Location: Statesboro, GA
Bulldog: Philip Klayman (BSA ’11), Founder
The Gameday Fanatic
Does your dad have a tailgating spot that’s been “in the family for generations” (aka since he was in school in ’85)? Does he have four generators, three televisions, a speaker system, and 20 assorted food staples to create the ultimate game day experience? Has he spent a small fortune supporting the Dawgs at away games? Then your pops is the ultimate Georgia fan and knows that game day isn’t complete without boiled peanuts. Show your father you’ve learned a thing or two and give him some delicious boiled peanuts from Hardy Farms Peanuts. He will enjoy the gift of this “country caviar” and might even let you yell the orders at the next tailgate set-up.
Location: Hawkinsville, GA
Bulldogs: Brad Hardy (BSA ’96), President; Ken Hardy (BSA ’93), Co-CEO
There you have it, Dawgs! 10 gift ideas from 11 different businesses that will negate last year’s debacle and put you in your dad’s good graces. Gifts from any of these places are sure to make any father proud to have a child as caring, thoughtful, and all-around awesome as you. Congrats in advance on the gift. You have set yourself up nicely for your next birthday.
It’s National Simplicity Day!
On National Simplicity Day, we thought it was appropriate to keep things … well … simple. So here it is:
Alumni elected to UGA Foundation Board of Trustees
John H. Crawford IV (BBA ’88) the newly elected chairman of the UGA Foundation.
The University of Georgia Foundation approved changes in leadership and board positions during its annual meeting June 13-14 at Lake Oconee.
The board voted unanimously to elect John H. Crawford IV (BBA ’88) as chairman effective July 1 for a term running through June 30, 2021. He succeeds William W. Douglas III (BBA ’83), whose term concludes June 30.
“I am grateful for my time on the board, and I am proud of all the University of Georgia – in partnership with the UGA Foundation – has achieved. I look forward to seeing what the UGA Foundation does under John Crawford’s leadership,” said Douglas.
The board also elected, by unanimous vote, trustees Neal J. Quirk (BBA ’82, JD ’87) as executive vice chairman, Bonney Stamper Shuman (BBA ’80) as treasurer and Stephen M. “Steve” Joiner (BBA ’86) as secretary.
The University of Georgia Foundation elected ten new trustees and accorded seven trustees emeritus status during the winter meeting.
The board voted unanimously to elect Leah C. Brown (BS ’98), Betsy Cox (JD ’80), Elisha W. Finney (BBA ’83), Elizabeth Correll Richards, Bonney Stamper Shuman and Delos H. “Dee” Yancey III to the board. The new members will join current trustees to make a 34-member board.
Four advisory trustees, James L. “Jim” Dinkins (BBA ’84), J. Keith Kelly (BSA ’80), Jodi Holtzman Selvey (BSA ’84) and E. Howard Young (BBA ’82) were also elected to assist foundation committees in defining and achieving their strategic goals.
“It’s with our deepest gratitude that we thank our outgoing trustees, all of whom have given generously of their time and energy,” said Crawford. “I am excited as we begin this new chapter in the UGA Foundation’s history, and I believe we have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us to not only serve our students, but our state and the world.”
Officers:
John H. Crawford IV, of Atlanta, chairman, is the managing director of equity investments of Crawford Investment Counsel, Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from UGA in 1988. He has served as the chair of the investment committee and as executive vice-chairman for the last two years.
Neal J. Quirk, of Atlanta, executive vice-chairman, is an attorney with Quirk & Quirk, LLC. He attended UGA and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1982 and law degree in 1987. He has served as the chairs of the strategic planning, development and nominating, and trusteeship committees.
Bonney Stamper Shuman, of St. Simons, treasurer, was the co-founder of Stratix Corporation in 1983 and served as president of the board and chief executive officer. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from UGA in 1980. Shuman previously served as an UGA Foundation ex-officio, voting trustee and as the UGA Alumni Association President.
Stephen M. “Steve” Joiner, of Atlanta, Georgia, secretary, is retired as partner from Deloitte and Touche LLP, one of the nation’s leading professional services firms. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UGA in 1986. He has served as chairs of the finance and audit committees as well as treasurer.
Elected Trustees:
Betsy C. Cox, of Jacksonville, Florida, is a shareholder with Rogers Towers, P.A. concentrating in the areas of complex commercial, bankruptcy and estate litigation. She earned her law degree from UGA in 1980.
Elisha W. Finney, of San Francisco, retired as the chief financial officer of Varian Medical Systems Inc. in 2017. She earned her bachelor’s degree in risk management and insurance from UGA in 1983.
Delos H. “Dee” Yancey III, of Rome, serves as the chairman, chief executive officer and president of State Mutual Insurance Company.
Elected Trustees, unexpired terms:
Leah C. Brown, of Phoenix, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and treatment of the knee, shoulder and elbow. She was a 14-time NCAA All-American and a two-time NCAA National Gymnastics Champion and was inducted into UGA’s Circle of Honor in 2016 for these accomplishments. She earned her bachelor’s degree in genetics from UGA in 1998.
Elizabeth Correll Richards, of Atlanta, is chairman and chief executive officer of Quality Staffing of America, Inc. She earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and child psychology from The Ohio State University in 1992. She serves as the co-chair of the UGA Parent’s Leadership Council.
Advisory Trustees:
James L. “Jim” Dinkins, of Atlanta, is the president of Coca-Cola North America. Prior to his appointment he was President of the Minute Maid Business Unit. He earned his bachelor’s degree in management from UGA in 1984.
J. Keith Kelly, of Newborn, is the president and chief executive officer of Kelly products, which is one of the premier agribusiness companies in the U.S. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from UGA in 1980.
Jodi Holtzman Selvey, of Atlanta, is the senior vice president for Colliers International and specializes in Office Tenant Representation. Jodi recently served as the Chair of the Parents Leadership Council at UGA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from UGA in 1984.
E. Howard Young, of Atlanta, is the president of General Wholesale Beer Company, a multi-generational family business. He is a member of the Terry Dean’s Advisory Council and chairs the Destroy Pancreatic Cancer nonprofit organization. He earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from UGA in 1982.
Ex-Officio, voting trustees:
Brian C. Dill, alumni association president succeeding Bonney Stamper Shuman.
David E. Shipley, chair of the university council, executive committee succeeding Andrew P. “Andy” Owsiak.
Ex-Officio, non-voting trustees:
Rachel Byers, is the UGA Student Government Association president succeeding Ammishaddai Grand-Jean.
S. Jack Hu, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost for the University of Georgia. He begins on July 1 after previously serving as the vice president for research at the University of Michigan.
The UGA Foundation Board of Trustees also accorded emeritus status during their June meeting to seven trustees whose terms conclude on June 30: Daniel P. “Dan” Amos, Alston D. “Pete” Correll, Kenneth G. “Ken” Jackson, Emily D. “Sissy” Lawson, C. Read Morton, Jr., Stanley W. “Stan” Shelton, Susan C. Waltman.
Bringing UGA to Charleston and Savannah
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.
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.
Nothing finer than a rooftop full of 150 new friends in red and black, right?
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.
Behind the scenes, our Charleston Alumni Chapter President Stephen Scates filmed a shout-out for our Instagram story highlight (linked to above).
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).
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.
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!
Happy 108th Birthday to Lessie Smithgall (ABJ ’33)
Lessie Smithgall at a Phi Beta Kappa event at Brenau University in March 2019. Photo by AJ Reynolds/Brenau University.
Lessie Smithgall, University of Georgia alumna and trailblazing journalist, turned 108 on April 1, 2019. Mrs. Smithgall (ABJ ’33) has created a life worth celebrating through her philanthropic support of Grady College of Journalism and a myriad of arts and environmental organizations across the state. Today, we are tipping our hats to her most recent recognition: per current records, she is the oldest living graduate of the University of Georgia and oldest living member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Lessie Smithgall (ABJ ’33) in her 1933 senior year portrait at UGA.
Mrs. Smithgall was an active student leader on campus. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta when women’s fraternities were just beginning at UGA, and she was President of Women’s Student Government and Zodiac. Her academic achievements were recognized through the honors societies Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi, and she was treasurer of Theta Sigma Phi, a society for women in communications. These moments of leadership would serve as cornerstones for her career and philanthropic influence.
A few short years following her graduation, Mrs. Smithgall was instrumental in bringing the prestigious broadcast award, the George Foster Peabody Awards, to UGA. Through an introduction of her WSB Radio colleague, Lambdin Kay, to her mentor, School of Journalism Dean John Drewry, the Peabody Awards were established in 1940. Since then, UGA has been the host of the broadcast equivalent to the Pulitzer Prize.
A portrait of Lessie Smithgall (ABJ ’33) in February 2016 by Tracy Bosworth Page (ABJ ’88).
To further support the Peabody Awards and Grady College, Mrs. Smithgall and her late husband, Charles, established the Lambdin Kay Chair for the Peabody Awards. This fund provides program support for the Director of the Peabody Awards and the Peabody-Smithgall Lecture Series. Mark your calendar and attend this year’s lecture on April 3. Eric Deggans, NPR’s full-time TV critic, will present his lecture entitled “Decoding Media’s Coverage of Race, Gender and Differences.”
Mrs. Smithgall’s impact extends beyond campus, into the media, arts, and the preservation of Georgia’s landscape through Smithgall Woods Conservation Area. She and her husband co-founded WGGA radio in 1941 and The Gainesville Times in 1947. Their joint generosity supported the press, state and local arts councils, and the conservation of land for decades, lifting up communities in North Georgia and beyond. A plaque at the entrance to The Gainesville Times displays a quote that clearly reflects their disposition: “Guided by the constitutional principle of the public’s right to know, we dedicate this building to the continued enlightenment and freedom of the people of North Georgia.”
Whether on UGA’s campus, Georgia’s foothills, or through broadcast journalism, Lessie Smithgall has been elevating the people and principles she believes in for 108 years. Join us in wishing her a very happy birthday by attending her eponymous lecture, enjoying the arts, or engaging with quality journalism. With each of these acts, you’re taking part in the legacy of a true Bulldog legend.
Happy birthday, Mrs. Smithgall!
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