Technology Keeps Grizzlies Connected

from Engage Fall Winter 2020

Leadership

TECHNOLOGY KEEPS

GRIZZLIES CONNECTED

When the COVID-19 pandemic led to cancellation of in-person events, the Alumni Association Board and Alumni Engagement staff put their heads together to re-imagine these activities for the online environment.

“GGC is still a young college and the traditions we build now will form a foundation for the alumni experience decades into the future,” said Holly Lisle, director of Alumni Engagement. “We could not lose the momentum our alumni volunteers have worked hard to achieve, so we worked together to find creative solutions.” All fall alumni events were moved to a virtual format. Alumni also supported fundraising activities that were converted to virtual formats, such as GGC Days and Giving Tuesday. Those participating in the Alumni Mentoring Program engaged virtually, as well. Grizzlyfest, GGC’s unique approach to homecoming, offered 15 virtual activities, some new and some adapted from past years. All events were open to alumni, students, faculty, staff and their families. Participants in the Grizzlyfest Trek 5K completed their runs in locations of their choice and posted photos in social media.

In a Grizzlyfest first, alumni were invited to school-specific mixers on Zoom, where they enjoyed conversation and fellowship. An additional mixer was held for the GGC Parents and Family Leadership Society. Decorate Your Den allowed participants to share photos of their GGC-themed door decorations, and the GrizzlyCon Cosplay featured photos of Grizzlies in costume. Athletics presented a behind-the-scenes video tour of the GGC Athletic Complex and administrative building, and one of its weekly variety shows featured an interview with Jack Gurr, ’18, business, about his first season with the Atlanta United soccer team.

The School of Business also held a Trivia Night. The popular centerpiece event, the Grizzlyfest Chili Cookoff, provided online voting for the deans and their chili recipes – the first time the recipes had been shared publicly. New to the competition this year was Dr. Darin Wilson, associate vice president of Athletics, with his spicy chicken recipe. New deans Dr. Teresa Winterhalter of the School of Liberal Arts, and Dr. Bernard Oliver of the School of Education, presented two different white chicken chilis. And new interim dean of the School of Science and Technology, Dr. Sonal Dekhane, offered an Indian-style chili masala. Dr. Tyler Yu, dean of the School of Business, again reigned victorious with his fourth consecutive win. Oliver took second place and Winterhalter placed third. “As with our in-person cook-offs, each vote represented a $1 donation, which was directed this year to the Student Emergency Fund,” said Lisle. “We raised $6,444, a tremendous increase over last year’s $1,154.” A new aspect of Grizzlyfest was the addition of Chef Charles’ Mystery Chili, made with ingredients chosen by alumni, students, faculty and staff. Suggestions including poblano peppers, butternut squash and corn were combined into a unique chili served for lunch in the dining hall. In other activity, the Alumni Association and the Career Development and Advising Center (CDAC) presented the first Classroom to Boardroom Virtual Workshop Series for alumni in a job search, considering career changes or interested in professional development. Created and delivered by CDAC’s professional staff, the workshop topics ranged from making one’s dream job a reality, branding oneself, networking and career elevation. The successful series is offered again this semester. “We appreciate all of the support from the entire Grizzly community and especially the Alumni Association Board,” said Lisle. “This year stretched our imaginations in creative ways, and we were even able to involve alumni who might otherwise not have been able to participate.” In recognition of their efforts, both Lisle and Sarah Thomason, alumni relations coordinator, received 2021 Graduway Impact Awards for exemplary digital content.

Decorate Your Den: "Let's Make a Deal" with Dean Tyler Yu, School of Business. Held virtually, Grizzlyfest 2020 had broad participation and set a fundraising record. Grizzlyfest Trek 5K: Kayla Ryan, ’17, criminal justice and her husband, JJ.

Grizzlycon Cosplay: Larry Simpson, director Porupidu cillaut ute cus ad moluptas aruptam, cons essitae. Inctati nveniendel molupta. of Development, as Grizzly Man.

The Grizzlycon Cosplay was one of the new events for the 2020 Grizzlyfest. Grizzlyfest Trek 5K: Elisha Patterson, ’16, information technology, and his father, Franz Patterson.