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UGA graduating class continues record-breaking tradition

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As the post-Commencement calm settles over the Classic City, the University of Georgia Class of 2026 is leaving a lasting mark on campus through the annual Senior Signature campaign, a student-driven tradition that invites graduating seniors to support the university and invest in the future of UGA. 

This year’s campaign proved especially impactful, with the Class of 2026 breaking records for the second consecutive year by securing 3,581 gifts from graduating students. In total, the class contributed approximately $127,000 to the Senior Signature campaign, a program that has engaged students in philanthropy since 1991. Undergraduate, graduate and professional students are all encouraged to participate. 

“Giving back to UGA allows students to pay it forward and ensure future generations are just as positively impacted by this school as we were,” said Benjamin Parks ’27, vice president of philanthropy with the Student Alumni Council (SAC), the organization responsible for leading the campaign. “Attending UGA is such a transformative experience, both personally and professionally, and these donations support scholarships and on-campus initiatives that expand the opportunities students have to learn and grow.” 

He added that Senior Signature gives students a unique opportunity to give back while they are still experiencing the impact firsthand as current members of the UGA community. 

Throughout the year, SAC members engage their peers through fundraising events, tabling and peer-to-peer outreach, helping connect students to alumni, campus traditions and opportunities to make a meaningful impact. 

“Seeing these students support their peers speaks volumes about the philanthropic culture the Student Alumni Council has helped foster at UGA,” said Jill Walton (BSA ’99, MPA ’03), vice president for development and alumni relations at the University of Georgia. “The Class of 2026 is already demonstrating what it means to lead with generosity, and I know they will be an impactful addition to our alumni family.” 

For Parks, that culture of philanthropy is deeply personal, as students witness the impact of donor generosity in nearly every aspect of campus life. 

“Everyone can pinpoint an area of campus that helped them grow, whether that’s a professor who went above and beyond, a student organization that became a second family, or a resource that made all the difference during a tough semester,” Parks said. “Senior Signature gives every graduating student the chance to say, ‘This mattered to me, and I want it to be here for the next class, too.’” 

The minimum Senior Signature gift is $30 and allows students to see how donor support can be directed to specific areas of campus. Each student donor designates $20 of their gift to a fund or program that shaped their UGA experience. This year, students supported more than 500 funds across campus, including popular choices such as the Georgia Fund, which supports UGA’s greatest needs, and the State Botanical Garden Excellence Fund. 

The remaining $10 from each gift is pooled to provide grant funding to a student organization selected by the graduating class. This year’s Class Gift supports the Student Government Association Professional Clothing Closet, which provides UGA students with one free professional outfit per academic year. The program equips students with the attire necessary to pursue career opportunities without being held back by the often-prohibitive cost of professional clothing. 

The success of the Senior Signature campaign year over year illustrates a culture of philanthropy and giving back amongst UGA students. 

“I’m proud to be part of a community that is not only grateful for the opportunities UGA provides, but also excited to give back and plant the seeds for future generations,” Parks said. 

“Surpassing 3,500 gifts says a lot about this class — it shows they don’t just love UGA for what it gave them, but that they genuinely care about what it will be for the students who come after.” 

Learn More about Senior Signature

John and Suzanne Lastinger give UGA students their daily bread

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By: Charles McNair

Each trip they make from their home in Valdosta to the University of Georgia campus, John Lastinger (BA ’84) and his wife, Suzanne, see hundreds of students. Some of those promising young people have hot meals thanks to the Lastingers. In 2024, the couple worked with UGA to establish the John and Suzanne Lastinger Family Scholarship Fund to subsidize meal plans for students. 

“The idea was to fund a scholarship that gives three square meals a day to Bulldogs in need,” John said. “Suzanne and I are simple folks from south Georgia, and that plan really resonated with us. We felt like we could make a difference.”   

Showing their love

The Lastingers’ scholarship is a material expression of their abiding love for UGA, a bond long in the making. 

John Lastinger makes a play against Texas in 1980.

John led the Dawgs to a major upset against the Texas Longhorns in the 1980 Cotton Bowl game.

In the early 1980s, John started at quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs under Coach Vince Dooley. He led the team to a Southeastern Conference championship in 1982 and an appearance in the 1983 Sugar Bowl against Penn State. Famously, John also scored the winning touchdown against a heavily favored Texas Longhorns team in the 1984 Cotton Bowl, one of the biggest upsets in Bulldog history.  

John and Suzanne’s daughter, Lindsay Sterry, carried on the family tradition, earning her BA in 2015 in Exercise & Sports Science. All that Bulldog love was in the room when the Lastingers met in 2024 with representatives from UGA. 

“We sat down and reviewed an impressive list of ways we could give back to Georgia,” John said. “It was almost like a menu – academic scholarships and post-graduate scholarships and so much more.” 

The Lastingers had been donors to the Terry College of Business, UGA sports programs, and the Redcoat Marching Band. Now, though, they saw a long-term opportunity to help that deeply spoke to them. John has supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Valdosta for three decades. A goal of that organization is outreach to feed Valdostans in need. John’s sensitivity to hunger issues, along with his and Suzanne’s whole-hearted love for UGA, led to the new scholarship in their names. 

 “It’s just hard for me to imagine life without Athens and UGA,” John said. “It’s way more than just the football – it’s the university, the people I’ve met, the continuing relationships from college. 

“Suzanne and I consider that our giving helps students who will someday love UGA just as much as we do. That feels like the right thing to do.” 

A UGA career path

John and Suzanne grew up in Valdosta, where both their families go back generations. They met at a friend’s wedding party in 1986 and married in 1989. Soon, they were parents to Lindsay and Jake, their son. Suzanne majored in interior design at Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C., graduating in 1989 … “but I feel like I went to UGA, I’ve spent so much time there with John,” she laughed. 

John, Suzanne and their family cheer for the Dawgs.

John, Suzanne and their family cheer for the Dawgs.

John left football behind after graduation. (“Too many knee surgeries,” he explained.) In December 1984, he started at WGXA TV as a sportscaster in Macon. 

“I got a 2 p.m.-to-midnight reporting shift,” he said. “My Macon friends worked 8 to 5, so I never saw them. I knew pretty quickly I did not want to do this with my life.” 

 After a few unsettled years, John met a man on the golf course – he loves golf, and boasts a handicap of 6 – who worked with Robinson-Humphrey, a southeast regional brokerage firm. That round turned into a job in 1992 … and a career.  

Start giving back early

John has now worked 34 years as a financial advisor. Today, he is with Stifel, a St. Louis-based financial services giant with 135 years of service and 400-plus offices in the United States. The stability and UGA network connections have given John and Suzanne the means, and the perspective, to support the school they love. 

“My advice for anyone who loves UGA,” John said, “is to start giving early. Even when you think you can’t, you can start the process.” 

 He continues, “I know so many people like me who have the deepest love for UGA – and it’s for the people and what the school stands for, not just the buildings or the football stadium.  

 “If you feel that same way, you don’t have to wait. There’s a way to contribute, even if you feel you aren’t yet in perfect financial position. You’ll look back one day and say, Gosh, I could have given more along the way.” 

Support UGA Students

Good days ahead — alumni couple supports UGA’s future

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By: Halleigh Woods 

While many view college as the best time of their lives, the Beachams believe the good days are far from over. For Matt (BBA ’09, MACC ’11) and Adrianne (BBA ’10, MACC ’11) Beacham, the University of Georgia and the Terry College of Business have always been more than just a school. The college has served as a launchpad for their careers, a strong network of support, a lasting community and the place where they began building their life together.  

The couple credits Terry with not only laying the foundation for their relationship and careers but also inspiring them to stay engaged and give back. Today, they regularly speak to classes, mentor students and seek out opportunities to hire fellow Bulldogs. Matt has served as chair of the Terry Young Alumni Board, and Adrianne makes an annual visit to Professor Tina Carpenter’s Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination class, where she presents a “Top Ten” list of career lessons alongside her company’s president. 

“It is understandable to think you need to be further along in your career before you start giving back, but there are so many ways to stay engaged,” Matt says. “There are so many meaningful opportunities for young alumni to stay connected and make an impact. Whether that’s through giving financially, mentoring, speaking to students or getting involved with a local alumni chapter.”  

Matt and Adrianne attend the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta.

Matt and Adrianne attend the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta.

The couple agrees that one of the simplest ways young alumni can start contributing is through recurring giving, like the Ten for Terry campaign “It is such an easy way to make a meaningful impact,” Adrianne says. “Ten dollars a month might not seem like much, but when we all participate, it adds up to real support for students and programs.” 

That spirit of collective impact reflects the Beachams’ broader passion for creating pathways for future students. “Donor dollars help build buildings, fund scholarships and provide access to programs that Terry otherwise could not offer,” Matt shares. “We want students to have even better opportunities than we had.” 

Adrianne experienced the power of those opportunities and the UGA alumni network firsthand when she landed an internship at Coca-Cola Enterprises following her undergraduate graduation. There, she met the CFO, Bill Douglas, who encouraged her to pursue a career in public accounting, going so far as to connect her with EY, where she spent the next five years.  

Matt also shared that every career opportunity he has pursued has included a UGA connection in some way. He began his career in public accounting as well, working at Frazier and Deeter in Atlanta, subsequently exploring entrepreneurial ventures in retail, accounting and the beverage industry. 

Eventually, both Matt and Adrianne were ready for a change, and the Classic City called them home again. 

Matt and Adrianne Beacham attend the UMass vs. UGA game in November 2024.

Matt and Adrianne Beacham attend the UMass vs. UGA game in November 2024.

“We were at the G-Day game when we ran into some of our former professors,” Adrianne recalls. “Margaret Christ and Tina Carpenter told me about a job opening at Stadion Money Management, where I’ve had the opportunity to work in various roles over the last nine years. Once again, that opportunity came directly through our alumni network.” 

Today, Matt is focused on growing his new beverage venture as co-founder of GoodDays Classic Cocktails, a ready-to-drink canned cocktail brand made with real spirits and fruit juice.  

Since getting the business started in early 2023, he’s been hands-on in every part of the business, from formula creation to distribution, and continues to lean on mentors like Bill Douglas, a connection they trace back to Adrianne’s Coca-Cola Enterprises internship. 

After benefiting from UGA’s strong network throughout every stage of their careers, giving back to the university that helped launch it all felt like a natural next step. Today, the Beachams are focused on paying it forward, giving back with their time, talent and treasure, helping current students tap into the same support and connections that shaped their own journeys. 

Matt’s advice to fellow alumni, whether just starting out or well established in your career: “Get involved, build relationships and grow your network, because you never know what resources or connections might be helpful as you progress in life.” 

The Beachams are proof that the UGA experience does not end at graduation. From Athens to Atlanta and back again, they are making good days happen for themselves and others, one Bulldog connection at a time. 

Begin your giving journey with UGA

Young alumni support students on verge of graduation

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The Young Alumni Leadership Council scholarship will provide need-based aid to students with 60 or more credit hours. 

A significant obstacle to graduating and becoming a University of Georgia alum is the financial challenge that often arises in the final years of school. The UGA Young Alumni Leadership Council is seeking to help students overcome that challenge. 

The YALC’s Finish the Drill Scholarship will support students with 60 or more credit hours, helping them overcome financial barriers and successfully cross the finish line to graduation. With the support of donors, the YALC has grown the fund to $50,000 in its first six months. This includes corporate support and partnership with BMW in Atlanta through an event that brought together 250 young alumni on June 12.  

The Young Alumni Leadership Council is a group of recent graduates that organize events and initiatives to strengthen the bond between Bulldogs, their alma mater, and their fellow alumni. The purpose of the YALC is to foster lifelong engagement, cultivate meaningful connections, and inspire continued investment in the University of Georgia through experiential opportunities, philanthropic initiatives, and outreach activities.  

Young alumni event on June 12.

Young UGA alumni played pickleball and raised funds for the Finish the Drill Scholarship Fund.

The YALC Finish the Drill Scholarship offers a commitment to helping students finish strong and become proud alumni of UGA. This idea started in a small meeting with members of the Young Alumni Leadership Council. One member, Kanler Cumbass (MED ’21), has a particular excitement for this initiative because of his career in higher education. 

“What the scholarship, and our work in co-creating it as a council, has shown me is that many of my peers share the same core values,” said Cumbass. “At our core, we all want to support the students at the University of Georgia in a meaningful way — one that extends beyond just a connection back to the university, but truly offers a tangible benefit to the individual.” 

This idea was inspired by similar successful programs within the state of Georgia, such as Georgia State University’s Panther Retention Grant Program and the Technical College System of Georgia’s Last Mile Fund.  

A study from Ithaka on Georgia State University’s Panther Retention Grant Program reveals that nearly 40% of students who enroll in postsecondary institutions do not graduate, leaving around 36 million individuals in the United States with some college experience but no degree. Research also indicates that even modest financial support can significantly enhance student retention and increase the likelihood of degree completion. 

In addition to financial support, the YALC hopes to pair scholarship recipients with a mentor through the UGA Mentor Program to foster social capital development, career exploration, and community engagement. This initiative strengthens ties between students and the university, while building lasting relationships with well-established young alumni who are eager to give back and share their expertise. 

“We want recipients to build their own personal board of directors — true mentors from within their industry who can help them find that next right step that is life beyond the arch,” said Kanler. “This fits into our mission to maintain meaningful connections with the university by fostering stronger relationships.” 

Help Students Finish the Drill

UGA Class of 2025 leaves their legacy ahead of graduation

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The annual Senior Signature campaign brings together the graduating class to contribute a gift to the university and leave a legacy on campus for years to come. This year, the Class of 2025 broke records for the giving campaign, securing over 3,400 gifts from members of the graduating class for the first time.  

In total, the Class of 2025 contributed over $115,000 through the Senior Signature campaign, UGA’s class gift program that has been in place since 1991. Undergraduate, graduate and professional students are all invited to participate in the campaign.  

“Giving back to the university is extremely important for students because it encourages us to invest in the future of our campus and understand the true purpose of what it means to donate to the university,” said Danielle Jones, vice president of philanthropy for the Student Alumni Council, the on-campus student group responsible for organizing the campaign. “Choosing to give back as current students at UGA helps to create an atmosphere where students are eager to remain connected after graduation and help to make our second home a better place.” 

Jones and her fellow members of the UGA Student Alumni Council engage their peers throughout the year through fundraising events, peer-to-peer education and tabling on campus, all in an effort to connect current students with alumni and to participate in campus traditions that enhance the student experience. They also strive to impress upon other students the importance of giving back philanthropically to UGA.  

“Senior Signature is important because it educates students on the true meaning of philanthropy and allows SAC members to have a platform where we can encourage other students to be involved in the university and its traditions,” said Jones. “We can all help to create a brighter future for students by being involved. Whether it’s through education or donations, both SAC members and other students on campus are all making a difference at UGA.” 

The minimum Senior Signature donation is $30 and serves as an opportunity for students to learn how financial support can be designated to a variety of funds across campus. Each student donor is invited to direct $20 of their gift to an area of campus that made a positive impact on their time here. This year, students contributed to 544 funds at UGA, with many gifts going toward academic or education funds like the State Botanical Garden Excellence Fund and the Honors Fund of Excellence. 

The remaining $10 of a student’s donation is combined with other class members’ gifts to provide grant funding to a student organization of the group’s choice. This year, student donors selected Spike Squad to receive the grant during the upcoming academic year. The organization, a staple at UGA sporting events and perhaps most notably football games, plans to utilize the funds to support UGA recruitment efforts across the Athens community by providing local families the opportunity to connect with Spike Squad members and current UGA students during gamedays. 

The 2025 Senior Signature campaign set out with a goal of inspiring 3,250 graduating students to make a gift and cement their legacy at the university. The goal was surpassed with more than a month left before graduation ceremonies across campus commence. For Jones and the SAC, the campaign results have been a resounding endorsement of their classmates’ commitment to the university, even as they prepare for their next steps.  

“It’s so encouraging to see how many students chose to make their mark and be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Jones concludes. “It goes to show that students care about leaving their mark on campus, but they also care about so many different areas on campus, and they want to give back to those areas before they graduate.” 

Learn More about Senior Signature

XChanged Life strengthened by UGA’s 2024 Class Gift

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On Friday, March 14, XChanged Life hosted a The Great Gatsby-themed formal at Memorial Hall, made possible by the support of the 2024 Class Gift and Senior Signature donors. The event was designed to create a memorable experience for international and exchange students at the University of Georgia. As the club’s primary mission is to strengthen connections between international and local communities, the formal served as a celebration of this goal.

“The event was inspired by the fascination many of our international members have with the tradition of American school dances,” said Alyssa Wood (AB ’24, AB ’24, MIP ’26), president of XChanged Life. “It provided an opportunity for our members to experience something they’ve previously only observed from afar.”

Group photo of XChanged Life students. (Photo: Submitted)

Group photo of XChanged Life students. (Photo: Submitted)

XChanged Life is a student organization dedicated to enriching the experience of exchange and international students. Through engaging activities, such as dinners, hiking trips and skate nights, XChanged Life can facilitate social interactions and foster strong connections among students.

“I was first introduced to XChanged Life at the involvement fair when I was a sophomore and was interested in the idea of meeting people from around the world,” said Wood. “Coming from a small town, I saw this as a unique opportunity, so I decided to join the organization.”

The Class Gift is a grant funding opportunity for student organizations, made possible through donations from UGA’s Senior Signature giving campaign. Coordinated by the Student Alumni Council, the Class Gift and Senior Signature campaign allow each graduating class to leave a lasting impact on UGA. The Class Gift is available each year for student organizations to apply for funding for the following academic year. Senior Signature donors vote on the final Class Gift recipient.

“When I think about the Class Gift and organizations like XChanged Life receiving it, I think about how this is the fruit of philanthropy,” said Willis Tripp (BBA ’24, MACC ’26), SAC president. “To be in a position where you can give back and help enable others to do things they might not have been able to without the generosity of others is truly amazing.

Willis Tripp (right), Student Alumni Council president, with students at the XChanged Life formal on Friday, March 14th, 2025.

Willis Tripp (right), Student Alumni Council president, with students at the XChanged Life formal on Friday, March 14th, 2025. (Photo: Submitted)

Senior Signature is an annual giving campaign for graduating students to give back to UGA by contributing to areas that were meaningful during their time at UGA. Each student is asked to contribute a minimum of $30, with $10 supporting the Class Gift initiative and $20 directed to a fund of their choice. This contribution is a tradition that has been ongoing since 1991, with students’ names engraved on a plaque displayed on campus.

Learn about Senior Signature

Alumna mentor guides students to shared success

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Bridal designer strengthens UGA historic clothing collection

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Donors set new UGA fundraising record

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Alumnus leaves $1.5M estate gift to UGA

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