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Who’s Who on the Front Row
By: Krissy Robinson and Mary Stephens
You may have seen them in the front row of Sanford Stadium. You may have noticed the red paint, the spiked shoulder pads, the black blazers or the instruments, but there is more to these students than what they wear on game day.
The front row of the student section is filled with some of the most recognizable faces at Georgia sporting events. From the Spike Squad to the Paint Line, Arch Society and the Redcoats, each group brings its own traditions and personality to the stands.
So, who are the students on the front row?
Spike Squad
The Spike Squad poses for a photo at the UGA vs. Vanderbilt game in 2026. (Photo credit: Mary Stephens)
Seemingly dressed for battle, the Spike Squad has been bringing its own style of spirit to Georgia football games since 2010. Members can be recognized by their spiked shoulder pads, face paint and costumes, but no two members look exactly alike.
“We all have our own paint. For me, I’m a pirate. I have like a little parrot that sits on my shoulder and like a skull and crossbones on my pads,” said Carter Brickley ’29, current Spike Squad equipment manager. “Everybody likes to do their own unique thing, and I think that’s what makes it special. We don’t all just look the same.”
For Janna Jobe ’29, who dresses as a “warrior dog,” the preparation is part of the experience. She braids her hair, paints red lines on her face and gets ready to take on a different persona for game day.
“I braid my hair up really fun. [It] also keeps me out of the heat, and I put red lines on my face, and you know I think it’s fun to be able to be a little scary,” Jobe said. “It’s fun to get to just put your game face on the same way athletes put on their uniform and put on their eye black. It feels similar in that way.”
Although the Spike Squad can always be found in the front row, the spot is not reserved for them. Members arrive at the gates hours before kickoff to make sure they can claim their place.
“We know how awesome of an opportunity it is that we even get to sit there, and like we love the fact that we earn it. We’re not given a first row spot. We get there early and we do our due diligence till we get there,” Jobe said.
Once the game begins, the Spike Squad has traditions of its own.
“We shake hands every time we get a first down. Anytime the other team’s on third down, we always do little threes, and we just love following all the UGA traditions and having a great time,” Jobe said.
Their involvement also extends beyond the stands. The Spike Squad participates in social and philanthropy events throughout Athens, including work with Extra Special People and local animal shelters.
“We absolutely love getting out there and meeting the community and like being with people who are excited to see us and we’re excited to see them,” Jobe said.
The energy that fills the front row comes from more than the crowd around them. For the Spike Squad, it also comes from the people standing beside them.
“I think the squad’s just one big friend group at the end of it. So everybody enjoys being there with each other, and we kind of just feed off each other,” Brickley said.
Paint Line
The Paint Line cheers on the Dawgs at the UGA vs. Vanderbilt game in 2026. (Photo credit: Mary Stephens)
There has been a line of red on the front row of Sanford Stadium since 1997. The group wears red wigs, paints their bodies red and spells “GEORGIA DAWGS” across their chests. But beneath the paint, members say there is another part of the organization that people may not immediately see.
“You know we’re on the front row. We’re at football games, basketball games, baseball games — people know our faces, know our look,” said Seth Akridge ’28, current co-captain of the Paint Line. “Some people may not realize that we are a Christian group and how much community outreach we like to do.”
The Paint Line is affiliated with UGA’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry’s UGA chapter and works with local schools and churches, as well as participating in events such as pep rallies and other community outreach.
“It’s really not just about going down there and being crazy. We kind of serve a greater purpose,” Akridge said.
That purpose is also visible during games. Each member wears a black cross on their shoulder, and the group regularly puts Bible verses or faith-based messages on their backs.
“I hope whenever Paint Line is visible, people are really seeing that part of us,” said Jackson Friday ’27, co-captain of the Paint Line.
The Paint Line has worked with Bulldogs Battling Breast Cancer for its annual October game, creating a message together. Last year, that message was “faith over fear.”
Getting into the Paint Line look is a process of its own. Members choose their letters based on their seniority and number of events attended, while a group called the “Paint Girls” are responsible for painting the group before games.
Once they are in the stands, the Paint Line has its own game day traditions. Members do push-ups based on UGA’s score, adding more after each touchdown.
The paint may be what first catches people’s attention, but for the Paint Line, game day is also a way to put its faith and community involvement on display.
Arch Society
The Arch Society cheers on the Dawgs at the UGA vs. UNC Charlotte Game in 2025. (Phot credit: Andrews Davis Tucker)
You may have seen their black blazers in the stands, and you may have been wondering how they survive Georgia’s 90-degree game days. Well, their dedication goes far beyond cheering on the Dawgs in scorching heat, and all the way to the pillars of UGA’s iconic Arch.
“People see those blazers on game day and think that’s the whole story and that’s our moment of recognition, but the blazers are really just the visible tip of it,” said Riya Pandya ’27, current vice chair of assignments. “Our society at its core is about humility and service, and most of what we do happens without any sort of recognition.”
If you look closer than their sideline appearance, you’ll find that they are a dedicated group of students committed to upholding the Arch’s pillars of wisdom, justice and moderation. Members, referred to as People of the Arch, define the core values in individual ways but still come together across the Classic City to share their love for UGA.
“For me, wisdom is the knowledge of campus as goodwill ambassadors, just knowing those resources and different ways to show our pride for the university is paramount,” said Luke Williams ’27, current Arch Society chair. “Justice means representing the organization with inclusivity and doing justice for every single corner of campus that may not be highlighted in the limelight.”
Since 1992, POTA has been building involvement in a variety of campus events such as campus tours, receptions, alumni events, and more. Their willingness to support others has cultivated a devotion to the Arch Society that brings members together even after graduation.
“Arch Society alumni stay genuinely engaged with the organization which says a lot about the experience and what it means to the people who have been through it,” said Pandya. “We’ll have people come to events that are the first black male president or chair of Arch Society, and those are moments where it’s really cool to talk about how far Arch has come as well.”
When mentioning engagement over the years, a significant point of recognition is the traditions that make the organization special. One such tradition is the Arch Society’s participation in Dawg Walk. Prior to every home game, students and fans will gather to cheer on the football players as they march their way to the stadium, and members will help build an undeniable spirit for a Saturday in Athens.
POTA’s game days have previously included another tradition in which a few members hold the flags for football players to run through upon entrance to the field. The tradition has been passed onto cheerleaders but remains an exciting part of the Arch Society’s history.
“It is a role that requires seriousness, but we let our love for tradition and the university bleed through in all of our actions,” said Williams.
Past or future, rain or shine, this group is there for it all. Their unwavering pride and commitment to building a better community makes them a group worth recognizing. So, next time you see those Arch Black blazers on game day, consider the lasting impact they’ve left on Bulldogs everywhere.
Redcoats
The Redcoats march and play on the field during halftime at the UGA vs. Marshall game in 2025. (Photo credit: Andrew Davis Tucker)
You may recognize this group for packing out an entire section at home games, or perhaps you recognize them for producing the iconic sounds of UGA football. But, regardless of how they stand out to you, members strive to infuse passion and attention to detail in every performance to position themselves as a legendary powerhouse.
With over 400 members, the Redcoats can seem enormous at first; however, they have the unique ability to make everyone feel included and maintain a tight-knit community. Being a part of this organization also entails a relatively large time commitment as members not only participate in football games, but also basketball games and other community events.
“I heard how much time it takes, and I wasn’t really sure if my classes were going to be okay with me doing that much,” said Olivia Tomeny ’28. “I ended up trying out and it was the best decision I ever made.”
“A lot of my experience at UGA is honestly tied to redcoats,” said Ella Lazar ’28, a rank leader. “With game days and my close friends, some of my best college memories come from the Redcoats, so I don’t think I could describe my UGA experience without talking about it.”
Since there are many members and large amounts of time dedicated to the group, there is a strategic hierarchy system to maintain a clear chain of command. For every section of instruments there are a couple of section leaders, with some groups, like the trumpets, having three leaders due to large numbers. Each section is further split into ranks of about eight people with each rank having a rank leader as a point of contact. These divisions ensure that everyone’s voice can be elevated and strengthened.
Members work hard to have effective communication and strive to perfect every detail. An outsider looking in may see their coordination and dedication to music but may not always be able to see each member’s personal connection to each and every song played.
“It’s really cool to see the emotional tie I have to the music, and I don’t think that’s something a lot of people expect,” said Lazar. “When you hear Battle Hymn or Krypton or you’re standing there after you’ve finished the note and you just see everything around you, it’s really nice to tie all your hard work into the music itself.”
Members have lived an influential few years of their lives through the music, which sticks with them throughout college and long after graduation. In efforts to continue their favorite traditions, many post-grad Redcoats will join the Redcoat Band Alumni Association, where they get to support current members and build connections with other alumni.
Whether a past or current member, the Redcoats have developed a truly special and lasting impression on each other and their audiences. Through a passion for the work and a supportive team environment, this organization has helped grow a deep pride for UGA. So, next time the lights go out under Sanford Stadium and fourth quarter hits, take a moment to connect with the music and let your inner Bulldog shine.
You (the reader)
Two Georgia fans pose in a crowd at the UGA vs. Vanderbilt game in 2026. (Photo credit: Logan Lewis)
Last but certainly not least, we want to recognize you and your dedication. As a Bulldog fan, you are right alongside these groups cheering and barking as the football team scores that touchdown.
Individually, the Spike Squad, Paint Line, Arch Society, and Redcoats all bring something unique and fun to the frontlines on game day. But, if it wasn’t for the thousands of fans that cheer on the Redcoats after they finish a song or the fans that spread the Paint Line’s message on social media, gamedays wouldn’t be as monumental.
So, next Saturday in Athens, when you see the student groups igniting pride and spirit, don’t forget that you are one of them too and that Dawgs Never Bark Alone.
UGA graduating class continues record-breaking tradition
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.”
Mentorship that builds futures
When Mong Vo ’26 first stepped onto the University of Georgia campus as a freshman, she was filled with curiosity and just a little uncertainty. With no immediate family members working in the corporate world, she wondered how to navigate the journey toward her dream career. Should she pursue research opportunities? Should she join a student organization? What were the steps she could take to get her where she wanted to go?
That’s when she discovered the UGA Mentor Program, which is designed to connect students with alumni and professionals who can provide guidance, encouragement and real-world perspective. Mong hoped it would help her understand the corporate world and give her direction. What she didn’t know then was that it would also lead her to a mentor who would change the trajectory of her career.
A mentor’s motivation to give back
Hayden Scarbrough (BSEE ’18), a proud UGA alumnus and lifelong Georgia Bulldogs fan, had already been involved with the UGA Mentor Program for several years when he met Mong. For him, mentoring was about more than just giving advice — it was about giving back to the university community that shaped him.
“I saw how mentoring was such an instrumental part of corporate culture,” Hayden explained. “I wanted to make sure I had my Dawgs’ backs as they transitioned into their careers.”
Hayden has been able to provide guidance and mentorship to Bulldog students through the UGA Mentor Program.
Opportunity awaits
Hayden helped Mong sort through the choices ahead — research versus corporate work and the many paths within computer science — offering perspective and encouragement.
With his guidance, Mong landed an internship at AT&T, one of UGA’s top 25 employers for 2024, which was a major milestone in her professional journey. During her internship, Hayden continued to mentor her, offering advice as she delivered presentations to executives, collaborated with teams, and navigated the corporate environment.
By the end of the program, Mong had earned a coveted full-time job offer with AT&T, giving her the security of knowing she would graduate with a career already in place.
“I’m so grateful,” Mong said. “The job market, especially for computer science degrees, has been really competitive. Having that offer gave me peace of mind for my last year of school.”
Mong, Hayden and team present their project with AT&T during Mong’s internship.
Lessons in networking
Beyond the internship and job offer, Mong says the most important lesson she learned from Hayden was the value of networking.
“Networking is the job,” Hayden told her. At first, Mong thought of networking as something useful but secondary. Through Hayden’s guidance, she came to understand that building relationships was central to success — not just for landing a job, but for finding opportunities within a company and connecting with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
During her internship, Mong put that advice into practice, meeting colleagues across teams and even helping connect fellow interns to opportunities. “I love that feeling of being able to help other people through my network,” she said.
Hayden echoed the importance of networking, noting that it has been the most impactful advice he has received in his own career.
“Networking is what allows you to climb the ladder others have built for you,” he explained.
“Mong went from not knowing what she wanted to do to owning it,” Hayden said proudly of his mentee. “She took charge, excelled in her internship, and earned a full-time position. That’s not easy to do.”
“Once you find that one mentor you really click with, it can change the trajectory of your academic and career journey,” Mong said of her mentor.
Their story is a testament to how the UGA Mentor Program provides guidance, confidence and connections to students. For alumni, it offers the chance to give back and witness firsthand the impact of investing time in future Bulldogs.
Hayden encourages other alumni to get involved, reminding them that mentorship doesn’t require an executive title or hours of weekly commitment. “There’s always time to give back,” he said. “Any stage of your career can be beneficial for students. All perspectives are welcome.”
As Mong prepares to graduate with a full-time job secured, and Hayden continues to mentor future Bulldogs, their journey shows that mentorship is more than advice — it’s a bridge to opportunity, growth and lasting success.
Join the UGA Mentor Program today to make an impact on the next generation of Bulldog leaders and attend the Spring Career & Internship Fair to find the next step in your professional journey.
Attend the Spring Career & Internship Fair
The (holiday) magic of mentorship
Regan Holroyd (BBA ’99) has carved a career path for herself. As chief operating officer of The Lumistella Company, she has helped grow a beloved global brand while staying deeply involved with the University of Georgia community that helped shape her journey.
What started out as a simple online job application in 2012, turned into a career-defining opportunity whose mission hit close to home — literally.
Regan’s daughter had an Elf on the Shelf, and that personal connection sparked her interest in the company behind the magic. That spark turned into a dream job and more than a decade later, Regan is helping lead the very company that created this well-known brand that brings joy to millions of families around the world.
The Lumistella Company is a family-owned business committed to elevating holiday celebrations and enriching family moments. Their portfolio of brands, collectively known as the Santaverse, includes the iconic Elf on the Shelf. Their reach spans 25 different countries across five continents.
As COO, Regan oversees the company’s administrative operations. As a member of the Executive Board, she has oversight for people operations, finance and accounting, philanthropy, facilities (the physical office footprint infrastructure) and administrative services — essentially, all of the internal operations that help run the business beyond the creative, sales and supply chain functions.
Although she credits many people for helping her to grow during her career, her current manager, who hired her back in 2012 and is now the company’s president and chief legal officer, has been the biggest mentor and champion for her throughout the years.
“Over the years, I’ve had numerous mentors, and they come in different forms,” Regan said. “Having that resource makes a huge difference, so I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to explore this.”
That desire to give back led her to joining the UGA Mentor Program, where she wanted to invest in someone, just as others had done for her.
Regan matched with Kay Kergosien ’27, a Leonard Leadership Scholar studying finance and business management, during Kay’s first semester at UGA. Their bond has only continued to grow since then.
Regan Holroyd and Kay Kergosien pose together at The Lumistella Company office.
“I value her authenticity, honestly, and especially her positivity,” Kay said. “I think that it was cool to see just how excited someone was to pour into me.”
But the mentorship isn’t just a one-way street. Regan finds herself just as inspired by Kay.
“She’s very inquisitive,” Regan said. “And we’ll talk about what’s going on in my world, which is super interesting because it actually has the opposite effect, where, in many ways, she’s also developing me as a human.”
“I think that’s why we continue to talk,” she continues. “Because we just left it like, ‘Hey, I’m here for you. Anytime you reach out, I will hop on with you, whatever you need.’”
Kay recently visited Regan at The Lumistella Company and had the opportunity to dive headfirst into the corporate world as she looks ahead to a long-term career in corporate philanthropy and social responsibility.
“The culture that I experienced at The Lumistella Company is something that, once you’re exposed to and you know that it exists in the corporate world, it’s definitely something that I’m not going to be able to let go of as I look for a job in the future,” Kay said.
Not only was it the company culture that interested Kay, but it was the way that Regan carried herself and led her team.
“I would hope to be the type of leader she is,” Kay said. “I mean, you can tell how she empowers the people around her. You can tell how much respect people have for her, her personal relationship skills, but also her ability to get the job done.”
For Regan, part of that strong leadership comes from her love for her team.
“I feel so fortunate to work with this amazing group of people,” Regan said. “I feel like the team is just so incredibly smart and entrepreneurial that they elevate me and inspire me to continue on my own journey of growth.”
Her advice to current Bulldog students and future alumni entering the workforce: “Enjoy the journey and let the path take you where it takes you.”
Regan’s story is proof that a UGA degree is just the beginning. Her commitment to mentorship and leadership ensures that the next generation of Bulldogs is in good hands.
One connection can spark a lifelong impact. Whether you’re looking to guide a student or grow with a mentor by your side, the UGA Mentor Program is where meaningful mentorships begin.
Regan Holroyd and Kay Kergosien pose with Elf on the Shelf toy at The Lumistella Company office.
UGA Class of 2025 leaves their legacy ahead of graduation
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.”
Blake Witmer is following in her father’s footsteps
This story, written by Heather Skyler, was originally published on UGA Today on June 14, 2024.
Two UGA Orientation leaders from the same family, 29 years apart.
Every year, approximately 8,000 students and 12,000 family members come to the University of Georgia for Orientation. The job of introducing these groups to campus is a coveted position, and over 100 students apply to be orientation leaders every year. Only 20 are selected.
This summer, rising junior Blake Witmer ’26 earned one of those spots, stepping into the same role her father, Craig Witmer (BSED ’96), had in 1995.
Craig Witmer (second from right) with three of his fellow 1995 orientation leaders. (PHOTO: Chamberlain Smith/UGA)
The new orientation leaders are each assigned a number, and each number has an adjective attached, from “Wild 1” to “Timeless 20.”
“When my dad was here, there were only 10 leaders and there were no adjectives,” Blake explained. “They just sat them down and told them their number. Now it’s a big deal. They even have number reveal day.”
Blake Witmer and her father, Craig Witmer, make a six with their hands beside Herty Fountain. Each of them were number “Saucy Six” as orientation leaders. (PHOTO: Chamberlain Smith/UGA)
Blake was thrilled to discover that she would be “Saucy 6,” the same number her father had. When she found out, she called her dad, who was excited about the connection. Last summer’s number six, Cole Broomberg, was there with her when she made the call.
“Your number from last year becomes your mentor,” she explained. “Cole texts me every day to check in. He’s my number dad. I call him Papa.”
Blake grew up in Grayson. Both of her parents and her older sister attended UGA, and all three of them are teachers. When it came time for Blake to apply to college, she was determined to go somewhere else and “break the cycle.”
Orientation leader Blake Witmer greets freshman students and parents at orientation check in at Tate Grand Hall. (PHOTO: Chamberlain Smith/UGA)
She was considering a small, prestigious college in upstate New York, but after attending the UGA game against Coastal Carolina with her sister, Hayden, who lived on campus at the time, Blake had a change of heart.
“I liked how big campus was. I thought I wanted to go to a smaller school because my high school was big, but once I was here visiting, I liked that aspect. On a tour of UGA, my guide said, ‘You can make a big school small, but you can’t make a small school big.’ I really liked that.”
Craig Witmer (Bottom row, second from left) with the 1995 orientation leaders. (PHOTO: Chamberlain Smith/UGA)
After receiving early admission and the Zell Miller Scholarship, Blake committed to UGA, and she’s been deeply involved in campus life ever since she arrived. During her first year, she joined a student government First-Year Program.
“It really tuned in my love for mentorship. Specifically for the first-year experience, which I think is such a unique time in a college career,” she said, adding that the program helped her learn how to get students excited and involved during their first year of college, which was perfect training for being an OL.
Despite changing her mind about coming to UGA and despite her love of mentoring, she plans to break the family cycle of becoming a teacher. As a public relations major in UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, she likes the idea of possibly going into publishing. Currently, she works for a local fashion and culture magazine called Strike, writing articles and acting as blog director.
Portrait of Craig Witmer, former orientation leader, and daughter Blake Witmer, current orientation leader, in front of the Arch. (PHOTO: Chamberlain Smith/UGA)
But right now, most of her time involves introducing students to UGA. New student orientation began May 30 and there are 17 first-year sessions before school begins in August. Each group attends two days of orientation, which starts with a silly song and dance number performed by all 20 orientation leaders. Then small groups tour campus, learn about UGA’s social media accounts from the Division of Marketing and Communications, play games, and eat dinner in the dining hall before watching the OLs perform skits. Finally, they spend the evening at Ramsey signing up for student organizations and choosing from activities like a silent disco or board games.
Craig Witmer said a lot has changed about the job since his time at UGA, but he thinks there are more commonalities than differences. “The biggest similarity is the ability to share a love of UGA with so many people,” he said.
Blake said her favorite part of the job is getting to meet the students. “It’s such a fulfilling experience. I can see why people stay in higher ed. There’s nothing like it. Getting to be a part of that for the whole summer is going to be great.”
A good mentor is simple to find
The UGA Mentor Program offers connection and inspiration to participants in a variety of professional fields, including those who serve or plan to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The ease of finding a mentor with his exact dream job was the first among many pleasant surprises for Cadet Chase Martel ’25 when he first began to use the Mentor Program’s online platform. An ambitious undergraduate in the Terry College of Business, Chase’s expectations were exceeded soon after he first engaged with the program. His professional goal is to become a Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force, and he thought the likelihood of finding a UGA alum in that career who was also a mentor was low. Enter: a “major” surprise.
“It’s been really impactful to have someone who is working my dream job to offer his perspective and experience by looking back to when he was in my shoes,” Chase describes. “It’s sort of like looking at myself years down the road.”
Major Kevin Mitchell (AB ’05) joined the Mentor Program thinking that if today’s students were anything like he was, a little extra guidance would be helpful as they navigate college and the job market. When Major Mitchell was a first-generation rural student, there were many times that he had a network of people to help him navigate his career path. In the spirit of a true Bulldog, Major Mitchell decided then to pay it forward to the next generation by serving as a UGA mentor.
The mentor-mentee pair mainly meets through Zoom calls and emails given Major Mitchell’s station in Hawaii, but they were able to meet face-to-face when Major Mitchell returned to Athens as one of the UGA Alumni Association’s 40 Under 40 honorees in 2023. The duo met up for coffee and a walk around campus. From Candler Hall, where Major Mitchell studied as a student, to Sanford Stadium, where Chase remembered his experience watching the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship his freshman year, the pair discussed their respective memories at UGA. Despite being decades apart in age and experience, the two had similar college experiences.
Cadet Martel and Major Mitchell used virtual meetings to overcome time and distance.
A benefit for both
Chase is not the only one who benefited from participation in the mentor program; Major Mitchell did, too.
“Not only does it allow you to provide advice to someone who is passionate about what you do, but it also allows you the space to reflect on the aspects of your job that really fulfill you,” Major Mitchell says.
That reflection is invaluable to professionals who may not initially think they have anything to offer the next generation. “It’s inspiring for me to see someone Chase’s age be so excited and thoughtful about the future,” Major Mitchell describes. “It’s a comforting thought to have Chase as an example of how the next generation will navigate the world.”
“It’s almost like recharging your batteries,” he continues. “It’s energizing to know that what you do matters to people and that the future is in good hands because of it.”
It should come as no surprise then that the two encourage both potential mentors and mentees to try the program for themselves. Even if a potential mentee has a less-than-clear idea of their dream job, the Mentor Program can help mentees receive a practical perspective that may be difficult to access in a classroom. As for potential mentors, it can provide an inspiring and energizing opportunity for reflection.
“I couldn’t ask for a better college or post-grad experience than the one I’ve had with UGA,” Major Mitchell says. “Not just with a successful football team and all the joy that entails, but participating in this program and meeting Chase has been a really meaningful way to stay engaged with the university.”
Whether it’s being a part of Bulldog Nation, or being a part of a greater collective in the armed forces, Major Mitchell and Chase’s experience in UGA’s Mentor Program highlights the importance of connecting with fellow Bulldogs who share your passions and values.
2024 University of Georgia graduates embody a culture of giving
Senior Signature campaign raises more than $100,000 for students, campus funds.
Every spring, the University of Georgia graduating class contributes a gift to the university to mark their legacy on campus for generations of students to come. The Class of 2024 has continued this tradition with a strong showing of support for their soon-to-be alma mater. For the fourth year in a row, over 3,000 student-donors contributed to the Senior Signature campaign.
This year, 3,201 members of the 2024 class contributed over $100,000 through Senior Signature, the university’s class gift program that has been in place since 1991. Undergraduate, graduate and professional students participate in the campaign.
“My fellow members of the Class of 2024 have demonstrated the importance of devoting time and energy to their passions,” said Caroline Reedy, outgoing president of the UGA Student Alumni Council. “We all know how important it is to leave things better than we found them, and the Class of 2024 has truly shown their commitment to campus, even as they are getting ready to leave it.”
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 621 funds at UGA. Among those funds were the Undergraduate Student Emergency Fund and the Sunshine Fund, both geared toward supporting holistic student well-being on campus.
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 XChanged Life to receive the grant during the upcoming academic year. The organization plans to host an event tailored to exchange, international, and UGA students, with the aim of exposing more international students to American culture, facilitating cultural exchange, and promoting greater interconnectedness among the student population at UGA.
In addition to supporting future generations of Bulldogs, student donors’ names will be engraved on the Class of 2024 plaque in Tate Plaza, just steps away from Sanford Stadium, Tate Student Center and Memorial Hall. The plaque will be installed ahead of Spring Commencement.
The tradition of student giving
Reedy and fellow members of the UGA Student Alumni Council engage their peers throughout the year to connect 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.
Their efforts, which include hosting fundraising events, peer-to-peer education via social media and email, and tabling on campus during the 2023-2024 academic year, help to engage their peers throughout their time at UGA.
“Students have a lot of opportunities to give back beyond the Senior Signature program,” said Reedy. “Initiatives like Beat Week, Dawg Day of Giving, and other special fundraising campaigns give students the opportunity to leave their mark on this university in a way that best suits them and their experiences here.”
To learn more about Senior Signature, go to alumni.uga.edu/seniorsignature.
