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UGA Alumni affinity groups add new slate of leaders

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University of Georgia Alumni added 29 new members to its affinity group leadership councils.

These alumni affinity groups — UGA Black Alumni, Latino Alumni, Women of UGA, and Young Alumni — work to build welcoming communities and help some of the university’s most dynamic alumni populations connect deeply to their alma mater. Affinity leadership council members are key to these efforts.

“We are excited about welcoming these committed alumni and seeing how each of their talents will contribute to engaging other Bulldogs across the nation,” said Adam Roell (BSED ’10), executive director of alumni relations. “We look forward to supporting our new members as they aim to strengthen the connectivity and reach of our leadership councils and groups.”

Black Alumni Leadership Council

  • Meila Barnes (BS ’16)
  • Cassaundra Govan (BBA ’01, PHD ’12)
  • Roderick Langston (EDD ’12)
  • Geoffrey Loften (BA ’15)
  • Alia Martinez (BBA ’10, MBA ’17)
  • Kydae Scott (BS ’23)
  • Janella Thomas-Burse (BS ’86)
  • Clarisa Thompson (MED ’10)

Returning council member Rodd Cargill (BBA ’10) began a one-year term as council president on July 1.

Latino Alumni Council

  • Isaac Aguilar (BS ’23)
  • Sergio Álvarez-Mena (JD ’81)
  • Oscar Campos (BSME ’20)
  • Benedito Pinto (MBA ’22)
  • Carlos M. Vazquez III (BSED ’09)

Returning council member Debbie Velazquez (BBA ’13) began a one-year term as council president on July 1.

Women of UGA Leadership Council

  • Stacey A. Chavis (MSL ’19)
  • Lindsay Demboski (BSFCS ’06)
  • Jooliana Krummel (BA ’14)
  • Kelley A. O’Keeffe (BA ’07, MBA ’14)
  • Heena Patel (BS ’96)
  • Donjanea Fletcher Williams (ABJ ’00)

Returning council member Crystal Ivey (MBA ’14) began a one-year term as council president on July 1.

Young Alumni Leadership Council

  • Temitayo Akinsanya (BBA ’22)
  • Erin Caplan (ABJ ’19)
  • Austin Gibbons (AB ’20, AB ’20, MBA ’25)
  • Mitchell Hutton (BBA ’19)
  • Noor-E-Alam Marshall (BBA ’18, BBA ’18)
  • Anne-Marie Nneka Nwokoro (AB ’20)
  • Danny Wayne Reagan III (BBA ’22)
  • Chandler Sherry (BFA ’22)
  • Alexis Vickers (BSFCS ’20)
  • Farbod Zahiri (BSEE ’17)

Returning council member Collier Collier (BSED ’10, AB ’10) began a one-year term as council president on July 1.

UGA Alumni affinity group leadership councils welcome new members

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The University of Georgia Alumni Association has added 32 new members to the leadership councils for the Black Alumni, Latino Alumni, Women of UGA and Young Alumni affinity groups. 

“We are so pleased to welcome these passionate alumni who are committed to helping their fellow Bulldogs maintain lifelong relationships with UGA,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson, executive director of alumni relations. “I look forward to working with them and seeing how they use their unique perspectives to represent our vast alumni network.” 

The following alumni have joined the affinity group leadership councils to help build a community among specific alumni populations including young alumni, women, Black alumni and Latino alumni. 

Black Alumni 

  • Kiondre M. Dunnam, director of public relations and community engagement, The Brookman Group; Douglasville, Georgia; BSED ’16 
  • Alicea Gaston, manager of foundation communications and stewardship, Wellstar Health System; Marietta, Georgia; BS ’10, AB ’10, MBA ’18 
  • Camille Telicia Gordon, leadership and life design strategist, The Intentional Goddess; Atlanta, Georgia; BS ’08 
  • Shirleyse Haley, senior skilling marketing manager for security, Microsoft; Smyrna, Georgia; ABJ ’11 
  • Godswill Nwankwo, program manager, Google; Atlanta, Georgia; BBA ’20 
  • Aspen Robinson, Ph.D., manager of leadership development and culture strategy, Accenture; Atlanta, Georgia; BS ’14, PHD ’19 

Current council member Shayla Hill (BBA ’08) began her one-year term as president of the Black Alumni Leadership Council on July 1. 

Latino Alumni 

  • Justin Acosta, business consultant, NCR Corporation; Atlanta, Georgia; BBA ’23 
  • Char-Lynn Griffiths, staff customer researcher, Intuit Mailchimp; Atlanta, Georgia; ABJ ’07 
  • Kimberly M. Lopez, equity coordinator, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; Cumming, Georgia; AB ’20, MPA ’22 
  • Michael E. Pérez, attorney and owner, The Pérez Law Firm; Atlanta, Georgia; AB ’97, JD ’00 
  • Orlando Burgos Pimentel, market research project manager; Decatur, Georgia; ABJ ’17 
  • Anthony Rodriguez, executive director, HUB404 Conservancy; Atlanta, Georgia; BFA ’91 
  • Marline Thomas, lead office of CIO and technology, Orbia; Duluth, Georgia; MIT ’09 
  • Claudia Trejo Valenzuela, secondary English teacher, East Forsyth High School; Flowery Branch, Georgia; BS ’22, ME ’24 

Current council member Jazmine Medrano (BSFCS ’15) began her one-year term as president of the Latino Alumni Leadership Council on July 1. 

Women of UGA 

  • Payton Anderson, director, IndustryPro; Roswell, Georgia; BBA ’18 
  • Debbie Durrence, Ed.D., executive director of data governance, Gwinnett County Public Schools; Suwanee, Georgia; BSED ’98, EDD ’04  
  • Ekta Gaur, management consultant for strategy and transformation; Atlanta, Georgia; BS ’06 
  • Audrey Lewis, attorney, Gregory, Doyle, Calhoun and Rogers; Atlanta, Georgia; AB ’07, ABJ ’09, JD ’10 
  • Sarah Sprayberry, senior manager of warehouse sales operations, The Coca-Cola Company; Atlanta, Georgia; BSA ’95 
  • Caroline Stelling; senior vice president and business unit leader, RPS Group; Marietta, Georgia; BSES ’11 
  • Tiffany Nicole Wooten, director of annual giving, The Westminster Schools; Atlanta, Georgia; AB ’11, MPA ’15 

Current council member Laura Jalbert (BSW ’99, MSW ’00) began her one-year term as president of the Women of UGA Leadership Council on July 1. 

Young Alumni 

  • Sam Canales, financial planning analyst, brand manager, Creative Financial Group, a division of Synovus; Atlanta, Georgia; BBA ’21 
  • Nickolas Collins, consumer insights manager, Ford Motor Company; Decatur, Georgia; MBA ’22 
  • Caroline Cordell, student, Emory University School of Nursing; Atlanta, Georgia; BSFCS ’22 
  • Kanler Cumbass, associate, Education Strategy Group; Atlanta, Georgia; MED ’21 
  • Isabella Joseph, junior interior designer, Lord Aeck Sargent; Athens, Georgia; BFA ’20 
  • Hanna Jon Lewis, Minute Maid brand assistant, The Coca-Cola Company; Atlanta, Georgia; BBA ’20, MS ’21 
  • Avery Monthero, in-flight service peer support program lead, Delta Air Lines; Atlanta, Georgia, BSFCS ’17 
  • Jackson O’Brien, attorney, Butler Snow LLP; Atlanta, Georgia; AB ’18, JD ’21 
  • Tyra Roberts, product manager, Bank of America; Atlanta, Georgia; BBA ’19 
  • Ariel Watt, associate consultant; Charlottesville, Virginia; AB ’19 

Current council member John Bowden (BBA ’13) began his one-year term as president of the Young Alumni Leadership Council on July 1. 

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Checking in with Alumni Board Member Adam C. Johnson

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There’s a group of committed UGA alumni who dedicate their time, energy, and financial resources to bringing Bulldogs together year-round, worldwide, and lifelong. The UGA Alumni Board of Directors represents UGA’s diverse and passionate alumni family and strives to provide feedback, guidance and leadership as the university seeks to ensure that its graduates Never Bark Alone. Throughout the year, we’ll get to know these spirited graduates who hail from various backgrounds and are involved in all corners of campus.

Where do you live?
Sandy Springs, Georgia

Where do you work?
Meta; I am a privacy program manager.

When did you graduate from UGA?
I graduated with my MBA in 2016.

When did you join the alumni board?
2021

How do you support UGA?
I serve on the Alumni Board’s Student and Young Alumni Engagement Committee and serve as the board’s liaison to the Young Alumni Leadership Council (YALC), of which I was a member from 2017 to 2020. I also support the Student Veterans Resource Center, which is a part of UGA’s Student Affairs division. In 2017, I was recognized among the university’s 40 Under 40 honorees.

If you had $1 million, what fund would you support on campus?
I would support the Let the Big Dawgs Eat Food Scholarship.

What was your first job after graduation?
After graduating from the United States Military Academy West Point, I served in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer in the 82nd Airborne Division.

What was your favorite class at UGA?
This is a tough question. I’m split between Dr. Marisa Pagnattaro’s Business Law class and Dr. John Turner’s Competitive Strategy class. Both have shaped my view of business, law, and strategy and impact my work in data privacy.

What makes you most proud to be a Georgia Bulldog?
I believe in the work that our university is doing for students and on behalf of our state. I’ve been part of dozens of conversations with UGA staff and alumni to help solve issues that students are encountering and have witnessed the positive outcome of the decisions made. Seeing staff and faculty pour themselves into students and support alumni has made an immense impression on me. Our university cares about others. That matters.

My family includes …
My beautiful wife Julia Johnson.

Julia and Adam Johnson on Wedding Day

Adam and his wife Julia on their wedding day. Photo: Be the Light Photography

Adam and Julia Johnson Skiing

Adam and Julia Johnson

What were you involved in outside of the classroom as a student?
As a graduate assistant in the Student Veterans Resource Center, I advised the SVRC director on daily and long-term operations and consulted with several organizations to create marketing strategies and solutions for employment opportunities and initiatives that benefitted student veterans at UGA. It was awesome to be a small part of UGA’s efforts to support veterans.

What was your favorite place to study as a student?
The law library … but I had to conceal my calculator so I didn’t give away my status as an MBA student.

Where could you be found on a Friday night in college?
At Magnolias playing pool with my MBA classmates and PhD students.

What has been the most significant change to the physical campus since you were a student?
Terry’s Business Learning Community footprint is incredible. The new buildings are immense assets to the university that are clearly impacting students in a positive way.

What is your favorite UGA tradition?
Ringing the Chapel Bell after victories.

When you visit Athens, where do you grab a bite?
Mama’s Boy. The Georgia Peach French Toast is my to-go-to breakfast there. (Editor note: Mama’s Boy, which now has two locations in the Athens area and one in the horizon in Watkinsville, is an alumni-owned business.)

Who is your most disliked athletic rival?
Navy—the U.S. Naval Academy is West Point’s rival. My second least favorite opponent is Alabama.

What is your favorite alumni-owned business or product?
Dark chocolate and comfortable polo shirts are splendid, so Condor Chocolates and Onward Reserve.

Adam’s support across campus—including his commitment to supporting the Young Alumni Leadership Council and the Student Veterans Resource Center— embodies the spirit of UGA. We appreciate his unwavering dedication to his alma mater.

Welcome Class of 2022

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Hello, New Graduates!

Congratulations on graduating from the University of Georgia and becoming alumni of the greatest institution in the land! You’ve worked very hard to get to this moment, and you deserve to make the most of this amazing accomplishment.

Maranie Brown, president of the UGA Young Alumni Leadership Council with President Jere Morehead

You now join a global network of hundreds of thousands of UGA alumni, who are passionate about the student experience and continue to give back to the University. Whether attending football game-watching parties, serving as a mentor, donating to important causes to support students on campus, or volunteering in a local chapter or affinity group, alumni remain engaged, excited, and committed to the UGA experience.

Personally, I have chosen to serve students and young alumni as a member of the UGA Young Alumni Leadership Council. This year, I begin my term as President, and I promise another year of engagement and impact. The mission of the Young Alumni Affinity Group is to provide dynamic opportunities for young alumni to engage with and give back to the University of Georgia. With a presence of over 40,000 young alumni in Atlanta and even more across the world, members of the Young Alumni Leadership Council have been charged with creating and implementing programming and raising awareness of the importance of connecting and giving back to the University. We hope you will join us at signature events, like the Young Alumni Takeover at Ponce City Market, participate in our various outreach initiatives, and invest in our mission and UGA.

As you know, Bulldogs Never Bark Alone, and it’s an honor to welcome all of you as UGA Alumni. Congratulations again on achieving #AlumniStatus. Go Dawgs!

Maranie

—
Maranie Brown
President
Young Alumni Leadership Council

UGA Alumni Association unveils 2022 Class of 40 Under 40

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The University of Georgia Alumni Association has unveiled the 40 Under 40 Class of 2022. This program celebrates the personal, professional and philanthropic achievements of successful UGA graduates under the age of 40. The honorees will be recognized during the 12th annual 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon Sept. 9 in the Tate Student Center on campus.

This year’s outstanding group of young alumni includes three Emmy winners, a NASA navigation and control discipline expert, a Twitter head of U.S. policy, an NBC Today Show producer and a Marvel Studios screenwriter.

“We are excited to unveil this year’s class of 40 Under 40 and celebrate their many accomplishments in Athens this September,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson, executive director of alumni relations. “These young alumni exemplify leadership in their communities and industries across the country. I continue to be amazed by their accomplishments.”

Nominations for 40 Under 40 were open from February to April, and more than 600 nominations were received. Honorees must have attended UGA and uphold the Pillars of the Arch, which are wisdom, justice and moderation. Additional criteria are available on the UGA Alumni website.

“From movie sets to medical facilities, this year’s class of alumni uphold the Pillars of the Arch and the spirit of UGA across all sectors,” said Johnson. “Early in their careers, these graduates are leaders in solving some of the greatest challenges we face. We are exceptionally proud and cannot wait to welcome them back home to Athens.”

The 2022 Class of 40 Under 40, including their graduation year(s) from UGA, city, title and employer, are:

AdeSubomi O. Adeyemo (BS ’11, PharmD ’15, MPH ’16) Stone Mountain, Georgia; epidemic intelligence service officer, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Maria Augutis (BS ’14, MA ’15) Stockholm, Sweden; meteorologist, Swedish Television & StormGeo
Latasha V. Barnes (AB ’05, AB ’05) Atlanta; owner and managing attorney; The Barnes Law Office, LLC
Maranie Brown (BSFCS ’12) Smyrna, Georgia; vice president, BlackRock
Nathan Bruno (BBA ’09) Spring, Texas; executive vice president of sales and commercial excellence, Mattress Firm
Lael Chappell (BBA ’06) New York, New York; director of insurance distribution, Coalition
Kayla E. Cooper (AB ’05, JD ’08) Augusta, Georgia; senior staff attorney, City of Augusta
Emily Curl (ABJ ’14) New York, New York; digital and social host, iHeartRadio
Candace Alynn Hill Duvernay (AB ’06, JD ’09) Jonesboro, Georgia; managing partner, Hill Duvernay and Associates, LLC
Dustin Dyer (BSAE ’06) Merritt Island, Florida; GN&C discipline expert, NASA
Christina L. Faust (BS ’09, MS ’09) Glasgow, Scotland; research fellow, University of Glasgow
Kevin Florence (PHARMD ’09) Athens, Georgia; pharmacist and owner, ADD Drug Store
Matthew Scott Fowler (AB ’14) Woodstock, Georgia; relationship management executive, REPAY – Realtime Electronic Payments
Jake Goodman (BSA ’15, MBA ’20) Miami, Florida; psychiatry resident doctor, Jake Goodman MD
Lauren Culbertson Grieco (ABJ ’09) Washington, D.C.; head of U.S. public policy, Twitter
Kristen Henderson (BBA ’11) Atlanta; vice president, Goldman Sachs
Shayla Hill (BBA ’08) Tucker, Georgia; senior design program manager, MongoDB
Christie Johnson (ABJ ’07) Chapin, South Carolina; director of White House bookings, CNN
Kenneth L. Johnson, Jr. (BSED ’05) Atlanta; co-director of the Governor’s School Leadership Academy, Governor’s Office of Student Achievement
Leo Chris Kasuya (BBA ’14) Marina Del Rey, California; director, strategy and new ventures, office of CEO, Irresistible Foods Group
Samaad Wes Keys (PHD ’14) Decatur, Georgia; program officer, postsecondary success Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Min Y. Lee (BBA ’06) Charlottesville, Virginia; chief operating officer, University of Virginia Medical Center
Charlotte Lucas (BSFCS ’05) Charlotte, North Carolina; owner and principal designer, Charlotte Lucas Design
Brandon Martin (BBA ’14) Atlanta; founder and CEO, Close Ties Leadership Program
Mia Catharine Mattioli (BSBE ’08) Atlanta; environmental engineer, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Joel L. McKie (BSA ’05, JD ’08) Atlanta; partner, Hall Booth Smith., P.C.
Drew McKown (BS ’07) Athens, Georgia; physician, Athens Pulmonary
Juan J. Mencias (BBA ’15) Atlanta; chief financial officer, Georgia Diamond Corporation, Ascot Diamonds
Chad Mumm (ABJ ’08) Studio City, California; chief creative officer, Vox Media Studios, Vox Media Inc.
Brendan F. Murphy (AB ’05, AB ’05, JD ’08) Marietta, Georgia; chief magistrate judge, Magistrate Court of Cobb County
ValaRae Partee (BSENVE ’14) Atlanta; associate environmental engineer, Brown and Caldwell
Andrew Rasmussen (BBA ’05, MED ’09) Athens, Georgia; owner and advisor, Rasmussen Wealth Management
Anna Daniel Reddish (BSA ’08, MADS ’09) Atlanta; university relations liaison, IDEXX
John Rossow (BSFR ’12, MPH ’17, DVM ’18) Atlanta; public health veterinarian, U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Rachel Santos (BSA ’10) Bishop, Georgia; director of sales and industry relations, Premium Peanut
Kevin Schatell (ABJ ’16) New York, New York; producer, NBC’s TODAY Show
Johnelle Simpson II (AB ’16, BBA ’16) Athens, Georgia; attorney, Fortson, Bentley, and Griffin, P.A.
Alton M. Standifer (PHD ’21) Athens, Georgia; deputy chief of staff, University of Georgia
Grant Thomas (AB ’15, MBA ’20) Sandy Springs, Georgia; director, Governor’s Office of Health Strategy and Coordination
Michael Waldron (ABJ ’10) Atlanta; screenwriter, Disney, Marvel Studios and STARZ

UGA Alumni Association welcomes new board and council members for 2022-2023

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The University of Georgia Alumni Association has added nine alumni to its board of directors and 27 alumni to the leadership councils for the Black Alumni, Latino Alumni, Women of UGA, and Young Alumni affinity groups.

“These alumni volunteers are passionate about helping their fellow graduates sustain lifelong relationships with UGA,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson (BSFCS ’00, MED ’16), executive director of alumni relations. “I am so excited to work with each of them and to see them represent the perspectives of our diverse alumni population across the country.”

Alumni joining the board of directors July 1 include:

 

Rodney L. Brooks (MS ’03)
Beginning Farmer Regional Coordinator, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Leesburg, Georgia

Danelle Faust (BBA ’95)
Consulting Managing Director, Accenture
Deerfield, Illinois


Eddie Garrett (BSA ’06, MBA ’08)
Executive Vice President of Strategy, Current Global
Chicago, Illinois


Selby Hill (ABJ ’14)
Founding Partner / Director of Operations, Yonder Yoga
Atlanta, Georgia


Chuck Kinnebrew (BSED ’75)
Retired / Former VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Floor and Decor
Smyrna, Georgia


Christy Plott (BBA ’02)
Partner, American Tanning and Leather LLC
Griffin, Georgia


Ameet Shetty (BBA ’96)
Chief Data Officer, Pilot Flying J
Knoxville, Tennessee


Brian A. StoneBrian Stone (BSFR ’99, MFR ’01)
Director of Business Development, Forest Resource Consultants, Inc.
Macon, Georgia


Scott Williams (AB ’86)
Director of Multimedia Sales, SEC Network
Ellenwood, Georgia

 

The following alumni have joined the affinity group leadership councils to help build a community among specific alumni populations, including young alumni, women, Black alumni, and Latino alumni.

Black Alumni Leadership Council  

 

Richard Bedgood (AB ’91)
Senior Instructor, CarMax
Mableton, Georgia

 

 


Cherise Brown (MBA ’18)
Senior Manager of Services Sourcing, Salesforce
Lithonia, Georgia


Rodd Cargill (BBA ’10)
Neuroscience Senior Sales Specialist, Johnson and Johnson
Johns Creek, Georgia

 

 


Willie R. Mazyck Jr. (BEEd ’04, MEd ’06, MBA ’14)
Global Head of Talent Development, Danaher Corporation
Powder Springs, Georgia


Tinisha Parker (BEEd ’00, EdS ’07)
Executive Director of Student Services, Gwinnett Public Schools
Lawrenceville, Georgia

 


Candace M. Stanciel (AB ’02, MPA ’11)
Principal and Founder, The Common Good Agency
Atlanta, Georgia


Donjanea Fletcher Williams (ABJ ’00)
Evaluation Coordinator, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Newnan, Georgia


Tangela M. Williams (BBA ’89)
First Vice President of Capital Adequacy Management, Truist Bank
Atlanta, Georgia

 

 

 

Current council member Jacinta Smith began her one-year term as president of the Black Alumni Leadership Council on July 1.

Latino Alumni Leadership Council  

 

Wilheem Perez (BBA ’21)
Vice President, Compliance Business Control Manager, Citibank
Kennesaw, Georgia


Christopher Perlera (AB ’07)
Founder and Principal, Critical Point Consulting LLC
Chamblee, Georgia


Jasmin Severino (AB ’13, AB’13)
Associate, Chamberlain Hrdlicka
Atlanta, Georgia


Leopoldo Vargas (AB ’19)
Regional Outreach Coordinator for Northeast Georgia, Office of U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff
Fayetteville, Georgia

 

 

 

The Latino Alumni Council will continue to operate under the leadership of President Juan Mencias, who was recognized with the UGA Young Alumni Award in April.

Women of UGA Leadership Council  

 

Odufa Aburime (BBA ’02)
IT Clinical Business Analyst, Georgia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities
Decatur, Georgia


Shontel Cargill (BS ’10)
Regional Clinical Director, Thriveworks
Johns Creek, Georgia


Tunisia Finch Cornelius (BA ’04)
Owner and M.D., Divine Dermatology and Aesthetics
Atlanta, Georgia

 


Nicole R. Ingram (AB ’02)
Director of Programs and Special Initiatives, Emory University
Ellenwood, Georgia


Victoria Inman (ABJ ’08)
Director of Client Success, Jabian Consulting
Marietta, Georgia


Anna Wrigley Miller (AB ’14)
Public Service Faculty, Carl Vinson Institute of Government—University of Georgia
Watkinsville, Georgia


Karson A. Pennington (AB ’20, AB ’20, MA ’20)
Doctoral Candidate, University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia


Mandy Rodgers (AB ’08, ABJ ’08)
Founder and CEO, Mandy Kay Marketing
Atlanta, Georgia

 

 

 

Current council member Brandie Park began her one-year term as president of the Women of UGA Leadership Council on July 1.

Young Alumni Leadership Council  

 

Jay Butler (AB ’10)
Flight Attendant, Frontier Airlines
Johns Creek, Georgia


Melissa Crane (BBA ’18, MA ’19)
Associate Brand Manager, Newell Brands
Atlanta, Georgia


Jessica Davis (AB ’21, AB ’21)
Juris Doctor Candidate and Clinical Legal Fellow, University of Georgia School of Law
Athens, Georgia

 


Nash Davis (BBA ’19)
Sales Executive, AssuredPartners
Statesboro, Georgia


Bailey Dryden (AB ’20)
Juris Doctor Candidate, Georgia State University College of Law
Smyrna, Georgia


Ammishaddai Grand-Jean (AB ’19, AB ’19, MPA ’20)
General Manager, RAS Medical Solution
Jonesboro, Georgia


Cameron Keen (AB ’18, AB ’18, JD ’21)
Law Clerk to Justice Charles J. Bethel, Supreme Court of Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia


Christie Moore (AB ’10, AB ’10)
President and CEO, Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce
Valdosta, Georgia

 

 

 

Current council member Maranie Brown began her one-year term as president of the Young Alumni Leadership Council on July 1.

To view the full list of UGA Alumni Association board members, visit alumni.uga.edu/board-of-directors. To view the member roster for each affinity group leadership council, visit alumni.uga.edu/networks.

UGA Class of 2021 achieves 92 percent career outcomes rate

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Ninety-two percent of the University of Georgia Class of 2021 are employed, attending grad school or engaged in post-grad internships, all within six months of graduation, according to career outcomes data released by the UGA Career Center. The information includes undergraduate, graduate and professional students who earned degrees between August 2020 and May 2021.

Specifically, among 2021 UGA graduates, 63 percent reported being employed full time; 20 percent were attending graduate school; and 9 percent were engaged in post-graduate internships, fellowships, residencies, postdoctoral research, part-time jobs, reported their status as entrepreneurs or said they were not seeking employment.

“UGA students are exceptionally talented and possess not only the technical skills, but also key career readiness skills that employers are seeking. This includes leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and professionalism,” said Scott Williams, executive director of the UGA Career Center. “Furthermore, our university community is becoming more involved in helping students achieve their career goals, evidenced by the over 1,200 faculty and staff who were nominated and identified by students via UGA’s Career Outcomes Survey as individuals who greatly influenced their career development and decision making.”

A total of 2,950 unique employers hired graduates from UGA’s Class of 2021. Of the graduates working full time, they reported working across all sectors of the economy, including:

  • Business – 73 percent
  • Education – 17 percent
  • Government – 6 percent
  • Nonprofit – 4 percent

Top employers for the Class of 2021 include AT&T, Cox Communications, General Motors, State Farm Insurance and Wells Fargo & Company.

Of those graduates employed full time, 61 percent said they secured employment prior to graduation and 99 percent were hired within six months of graduation.

Following time off for travel, December 2021 graduate Merryn Ruthling will work as a SHINE marketing associate at Deloitte (a Top 25 Employer for the Class of 2021). She credits the UGA Career Center as the number one reason she landed this role. She met with her UGA career consultant to practice interviews, build a portfolio, create targeted resumes and cover letters and, finally, for tips on salary negotiations. Ruthling first visited the Career Center as an incoming freshman.

“Meeting with various career consultants helped me learn that getting a job is a combination of who you know, your experiences and what you study–not just what you majored in,” she said.

UGA welcomes and prepares students from around the world, but as a land- and sea-grant institution, it places great emphasis on ensuring the state of Georgia has a strong pipeline of leaders across all industries. Of the Class of 2021, 71 percent accepted jobs within the state of Georgia. The other 29 percent secured positions across 48 states and 21 countries. Some out-of-state destinations include Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

The 20 percent of 2021 graduates furthering their education have enrolled in top schools, including Columbia University, Duke University, Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, the University of Virginia and, of course, UGA.

For example, Lizy Hoepfinger, a December 2021 UGA graduate, chose to continue her education rather than entering the workforce following graduation.

“Using resources provided by the UGA Career Center, I determined what kind of job I want; from there I realized that going to grad school was the best next step for me,” she said.

Hoepfinger began a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence at UGA and plans to pursue a career with an innovative tech company upon completion of her degree.

The UGA Career Center calculates the career outcomes rate each January by collecting information from surveys, phone calls, employer reporting, UGA departments, LinkedIn and the National Student Clearinghouse. The preceding data is based on the known career outcomes of 7,618 graduates from the Class of 2021.

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Turn up the volume and jam your way to Indianapolis

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The Bulldogs are heading to Indianapolis, vying for a National Championship victory over Alabama on January 10. Whether you’re enduring the 9-hour drive to Lucas Oil Stadium or cheering on the Dawgs from Athens, a good old-fashioned playlist will help you prepare for an epic showdown in Indy.

From “Glory” and “Baba O’Riley” to “Dooley’s Junkyard Dogs” and “In the Air Tonight,” we’ve got you covered with over 140 songs in our Road to Indianapolis: National Championship Edition playlist.

Watch out, Bama. “The Boys are Back in Town” and are looking to rise up “Against the Tide.” “I Gotta Feeling” that our Dawgs are going to “Rock You Like a Hurricane” come January 10. “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Bulldog Nation!

Former Bulldog representing red and black at Orange Bowl

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This story was written by Heather Skyler and originally ran on UGA Today on December 21, 2021.

Anne Noland (ABJ ’15) works as senior director of football communications for the Miami Dolphins, but when she enters her workplace–Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida–on Dec. 31, it will be as a fan of the Georgia Bulldogs.

Noland graduated from UGA in 2015 with a degree from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication and has already risen to the top of her field, becoming the third woman in the National Football League to lead a public relations department.

At Noland’s small private high school in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, students were required to be involved in sports or after school activities year-round, and since she didn’t have a fall sport (she ran track in the spring) her mother encouraged her to ask the football coach about helping with the team.

The coach said he needed someone to keep stats and Noland was in. “He handed me a pencil and pad and said to bring my own calculator,” she recalled. “There were computers available then, but that’s how we did it at the time. I crunched the numbers myself, then every Friday night I’d call the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and provide them with the final score and any other stats they wanted.”

She already knew quite a bit about the game from watching the Bulldogs with her family and learning more about football’s intricacies and plays from her father, but in her position keeping stats, she really fell in love with the whole environment. “I was a ballet dancer and I dabbled in other sports,” she said, “but I was never really a team sports player and that was my first experience of it.”

During Noland’s junior year, her father died of cancer, and although she didn’t tell any of the players about it, the entire football team along with their families showed up at the funeral to support her. “That’s the moment I knew that, moving forward, I always wanted to be part of a team,” she said.

NFL and UGA connections

Since graduating from UGA, Noland’s job has overlapped a few times with her alma mater. Prior to her position with the Dolphins, Noland worked for the Patriots when the team included former UGA players Malcolm Mitchell (AB ’15), David Andrews (M ’15), Isaiah Wynn (BSFCS ’18) and Sony Michel (M ’18), among others.

“To work with them at the NFL level and win a Super Bowl with those guys was really cool,” she said.

In February 2019, while working for the Patriots during Superbowl LIII in Atlanta, students from Grady were in attendance and Noland got to talk to them about her job.

Despite still being fairly new to the world of professional football, Noland has already faced her share of challenges, including the effects of COVID-19 on professional sports and the changing news cycle, which has evolved into a 24-hour, non-stop cycle in recent years due to the evolution of social media, in particular.

“Before, when someone was going to break a story, they would call you first to let you know and get more context, etc. Now because of Twitter, one source can give someone information and they just go with it.”

But she loves her job and tries not to ever forget the excitement and awe she experienced in her early years working with the Dawgs and Grady at UGA.

“Earlier this season I received a Facebook memory from 10 years ago on that day. It was a photo of my first UGA football game credential from the press box. I remember how excited I was about that. And now that’s second nature,” she said.

Noland chose UGA, in part, because it has elite athletic and academic programs, and she said she learned so much from so many but recalled Senior Associate Athletic Director of Sports Communications Claude Felton (ABJ ’70, MA ’71) in particular. “He was pivotal to my life and career and taught me so much. The more I work in this business, the more amazed I am by how he treats everyone. He’s never too busy for anyone.”

“Athens and UGA are special places,” she added. “I think it’s a community of people who love the university and are proud to be there. When you have that kind of a shared pride it creates a very special environment.”

Travelin’ tips from UGA grads for World Tourism Day

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The COVID-19 pandemic has assuredly thrown a wrench in–or entirely squashed–the travel plans of Bulldogs across the country. For those who work in the travel industry, it’s been an especially difficult year. So today, on World Tourism Day (Sept. 27), we checked in with a few travel-savvy alumni to see what tips they have for those looking to adventure beyond American borders. We also asked them where they hope to visit someday.

Europe Scene

Favorite Place to Visit Outside the U.S.

“I studied abroad in college–once in London and once in Verona. There’s a special place in my heart for both the UK and Italy, and I can’t wait to return!” –Jessica Drew (BSFCS ’09, MS ’12), travel advisor, SmartFlyer, Jessica Drew Travel

“Hippo Lakes African Safari Lodge outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. It’s a temperate climate year-round, beautiful, relaxing, and full of wildlife in their natural habitats.” –Stephanie Donlan (ABJ ’03), owner/travel planner, SJL Travel Co.

“Europe! I toured Germany, Austria, and Hungary with Adventures by Disney and Ama Waterways in 2018 and it was like sailing through a fairytale. It was a beautiful, educational and luxurious adventure.” –Christy Shadday (BSED ’93), co-owner and travel advisor, FTM Travel

“South Africa! I’ve been fortunate to visit twice and am so excited to visit again in the future.” –Lindsey Epperly (AB ’11), founder and ceo, Epperly Travel

“London is one of my favorite places. I was a history major at UGA and love how much history there is in London and that there are so many amazing things to experience!” –Elisabeth Alston (AB ’13), luxury travel advisor, Monarch Travel Team

“The Caribbean and its stunning sunrises and sunsets, fantastic weather, beautiful beaches, and great people. The list goes on!” –Eric Bowman (ABJ ’10), executive editor, TravelPulse.com

“Barcelona, Spain. The food and culture are amazing!” –Kim Hector (BBA ’06), owner and travel concierge, K. Hector Consulting LLC

Greece

Tips for Those Planning To Travel Abroad in 2021-2022

“Plan your trip at least six months in advance and remember to purchase travel insurance!” –Kim Hector (BBA ’06), owner and travel concierge, K. Hector Consulting LLC

“With recommendations and rules changing daily, it’s important to remain flexible and have the most up-to-date information.” –Jessica Drew (BSFCS ’09, MS ’12), travel advisor, SmartFlyer, Jessica Drew Travel

“Use a travel advisor. They can help plan, find amazing deals, and you’ll have someone in your corner should something happen on your trip.” –Eric Bowman (ABJ ’10), executive editor, TravelPulse.com

“Remaining flexible is key! When a travel expects the unexpected—whether a delayed flight or a change to COVID protocols—flexibility allows them to turn on a dime.” –Lindsey Epperly (AB ’11), founder and ceo, Epperly Travel

“Look into vendors with flexible date change policies.” –Stephanie Donlan (ABJ ’03), owner/travel planner, SJL Travel Co.

“Use a travel advisor! We are here to advise and guide clients so that costly and disappointing travel hiccups due to ever-changing travel protocols don’t happen.” –Christy Shadday (BSED ’93), co-owner and travel advisor, FTM Travel

“Check your passport expiration date! There is a backlog for renewals right now and we’ve had clients have to postpone or cancel trips because they didn’t get their passport back in time.” –Elisabeth Alston (AB ’13), luxury travel advisor, Monarch Travel Team

Africa

Where Would You Travel with an Unlimited Budget?

“I like to see new places, so right now, Italy is at the top of my bucket list. The food, the wine, the history … Venice, Rome, Florence, Lake Como, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany … I’d love to spend an entire month exploring it all!” –Eric Bowman (ABJ ’10), executive editor, TravelPulse.com

“It would be a dream to hop on the Four Seasons private jet and hop around the globe at their hotels.” –Lindsey Epperly (AB ’11), founder and ceo, Epperly Travel

“I would love to visit Africa. There is such a stigma about this beautiful area and I would love to explore everything!” –Kim Hector (BBA ’06), owner and travel concierge, K. Hector Consulting LLC

“I would love to visit Greece for an extended vacation. The culture, landscape, and food seem like the perfect combination for an idyllic getaway.” –Jessica Drew (BSFCS ’09, MS ’12), travel advisor, SmartFlyer, Jessica Drew Travel

“Paris because it’s a magical city that has history, art, food, wine and Disney.” –Stephanie Donlan (ABJ ’03), owner/travel planner, SJL Travel Co.

“I would charter a luxury yacht and sail the Western Mediterranean with my family. I’m a fan of unpacking once and waking up in a new destination each day.” –Christy Shadday (BSED ’93), co-owner and travel advisor, FTM Travel

“Africa is at the top of my bucket list. I would love to start in Kenya or Tanzania and do a safari, and then end in the Seychelles for some island relaxation.” –Elisabeth Alston (AB ’13), luxury travel advisor, Monarch Travel Team

Thanks to these globe-trotting Bulldogs for their insights. Wherever you travel next, snap a photo in your UGA gear and tag @UGAAlumni and use #AlwaysADawg. If you’re looking to plan your next getaway, check out the incredible tours offered through the UGA Alumni Association’s official travel partners.

View Upcoming Alumni Tours