The Red & Black | Graduation Issue, May 17, 2023

Dawg days are over

SIDNEY CHANSAMONE/STAFF

‘Part of something larger’

Class of 2023 graduates in Sanford Stadium

Allison Mawn

On May 12, 6,008 graduates celebrated the end of their undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia with a graduation ceremony at Sanford Stadium.

Thousands of family and friends packed the stadium, cheering on loved ones as they turned their tassels and took their first steps into a new chapter of their lives.

Across Dooley Field, graduates donned cords and stoles to represent their involvement and achievements throughout the college, as well as many decorated caps to reflect their personalities.

The night kicked off with the “Battle Hymn of the Bulldog Nation” performed by trumpeter Audrey Smith, a member of the Redcoat band, and the national anthem performed by John Drake, a graduating vocal performance major.

Later in the night, Mikayla Joanne Lubsey Penn, who graduated with degrees in international affairs and entertainment and media studies, performed “Georgia on My Mind,” a tradition of UGA commencement ceremonies.

The night ended with Waverly Claire Noble, a graduating music therapy major, leading attendees in the UGA Alma Mater. The UGA Jazz Quintet and Jazz Ensemble I contributed live music throughout the ceremony.

Lindsey Atkinson, lead associate director of the UGA Wesley Foundation, gave the invocation, praying that the graduates would “seize their chance to be a part of something larger.”

President Jere W. Morehead spoke throughout the ceremony, congratulating the graduates and thanking those who have supported them in their journey at UGA. He encouraged graduates to be excellent with the knowledge and

experience they have gained from UGA.

“Whatever your field, your UGA education has provided you the ability to use your knowledge to improve lives, strengthen communities and indeed change the world,” Morehead said. “But know your work here was just the beginning. As UGA alumni we do not rest on our laurels, nor do we forget the purpose of our education.”

Provost S. Jack Hu recognized and named the First Honor Graduates, who kept a perfect 4.0 GPA through all of their college coursework. Then, students graduating summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude, who kept a GPA of 3.9 or higher, 3.75-3.89 and 3.6-3.74, respectively, were asked to stand.

Sudhan Chitgopkar, who received bachelor’s degrees in computer science and international affairs, was the ceremony’s student speaker.

Chitgopkar reflected on his own triumphs and struggles, and those of his classmates, by comparing college to the game Minesweeper, a game where players turn over tiles to find either a clue or a mine, with its risks and rewards. But one key difference he highlighted was how the challenges that graduates faced did not force them back to square one, but made them stronger.

“Regardless of what you found under your first tile, it marks the beginning of an amazing journey into the unknown,” Chitgopkar said.

Dr. Leah Brown, a UGA alum, veteran, orthopedic surgeon, member of the Board of Trustees and former GymDogs All-American, was the ceremony’s keynote speaker. Brown discussed her deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and lessons she learned through those times.

“It is important to remember that UGA is not just a place to come to,” Brown said. “It is now, as you graduate,

a place to go from.”

Two key pieces of advice Brown shared with the graduates were to “rebound quickly and adjust your plan” and “make the effort to understand others and be moved to help if needed.” She encouraged graduates to actively listen to and understand others, and to work to change the world for the better.

“We need to evolve and challenge ourselves to reach out to others, especially people who may be different than you,” Brown said.

Yvette Daniels, 77th president of the UGA Alumni Association, welcomed graduates to the alumni family, which is 350,000 strong and has more than 80 chapters across the country.

“We are here for you — year-round, worldwide and lifelong,” Daniels told graduates.

Amid the celebration, Morehead took a moment to acknowledge the death of Liza Burke, who died on April 28, would have graduated that day. Burke’s family was present at the commencement. Morehead asked the graduates and audience to have a moment of silence to honor Burke’s memory.

Finally came the most anticipated part of the ceremony: the conferring of the degrees. Morehead conferred the degrees in the order UGA’s college and schools were established. Each college’s dean presented the candidates, who then turned their tassels and officially became part of the university’s expansive network of alumni.

The night ended with fireworks and cheers as graduates embraced each other and took in their final moments before stepping out into the world.

“You will always be a part of the UGA family,” Morehead reminded graduates.

Graduates from the class of 2023 celebrate at commencement on Friday, May 12. SIDNEY CHANSAMONE/STAFF

Senior season

Sydney Bishop

Olyn Gee, 75, had always wanted to go to the University of Georgia. However, financial circumstances before HOPE or Zell Miller scholarships were introduced led him to community college, instead. Now, somewhere in between 12 years of attending UGA and two degrees, Gee is still taking in all the classroom education UGA has to offer.

And the best part? Every class Gee has ever taken at the university has been free.

Back to school

The University System of Georgia—which includes UGA, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia College and State University and Georgia State University, among many others—allows Georgia residents 62 years old and older to attend college at little or no cost. The senior citizen tuition waiver program has allowed many older Georgians to enroll as students at UGA.

The only caveats are senior citizen students cannot register for classes until all other students have, and dental, veterinary, medical and law school are not covered. Students also must produce a birth certificate proving their age and meet all other university admission requirements.

According to the Georgia Educational Researcher, an academic journal, as of the 2019 fiscal year, 71.9% of the Georgia 62-and-up program were seeking degrees, 936 out of 1,301 students.

This leaves a good chunk of non-degree seeking students in the program, like James Burns, 63, a former art teacher at Savannah College of Art and Design who has no plans to graduate anytime soon.

Burns found out about the program from Gee after he had started taking classes. Burns currently takes a mixture of art and French classes, and as a former art teacher with 30 years of experience in the medium, he wants to contribute more to the classroom.

“I keep wanting to seek out teachers and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got this experience,’” Burns said. “I’d love to come in and do a one-day thing about the best way to use Photoshop or the best way to use [Adobe] Illustrator.”

Burns doesn’t participate in the program for the degree but rather the structure and routine it gives him in retirement.

“At this point, I’m so retired … what would I do with it?” Burns said. “I like being in a class where the project is due next week and you have to think about it and produce something.”

Gee, on the other hand, has earned journalism and political science degrees through the program. He started taking classes in January 2011 and even moved him and his wife from Canton, Georgia—where he was working as a wedding photographer—to Athens.

While Gee has taken full advantage of the program, he believes it’s something that can seem out of reach for many.

“It’s intimidating when [you’re with] all the students who were at the top of their high school class … [But] I think it’s an excellent way for an older person to stay involved. Just to keep themselves young, surrounded by young people all the time. You start thinking more like a young person and less like a retired person,” Gee said.

While working towards his journalism degree at UGA, Gee

even started writing for The Red & Black during the summer of 2019 to keep learning about writing at the suggestion of Burns’ wife, Rebecca, Gee’s first journalism professor at UGA and The Red & Black’s former publisher.

Why now?

For Annette Paskiewicz, 62, an Athens resident since 2007, her back to school journey hasn’t started just yet. Regardless, she’s been dreaming of an opportunity like this for a long time.

Since 1991, Paskiewicz has had success making glass jewelry. However, her ultimate goal is to go back to school for fine arts and to find galleries to represent her. She admits her jewelry and time as a craft artist had its heyday in the ‘90s.

“[Back then], everybody had a lot more money to blow,” Paskiewicz said.

Back at school, Paskiewicz can focus on other mediums like painting and sculpting. But getting into the world of fine art is far and away from the only reason Paskiewicz has her sights set on the UGA 62-and-up program.

“Part of me feels like this is an opportunity to take better care of myself as I age. I will be introducing myself to community, people [and] connections,” Paskiewicz said. “They say in studies, longevity of life is [tied to] your connection to others. That’s what makes you live the longest.”

Paskiewicz calls the program a “little pot of gold over on the other side of town,” a place where she can receive and absorb information more readily than she did when she first went to college at University of Wisconsin-Madison for her art degree.

“I did terrible in art history and I should’ve done great,” Paskiewicz said. “It’s my field and I did terribly because I hated it. I didn’t want to study what they did in Egypt or whatever and now I would be. I would love to know. You have a different attitude when you’re older.”

Older and wiser

The UGA student body has no shortage of new faces, but every semester, students may find a Gee, Burns or Paskiewicz next to them in class. Although one of the biggest misconceptions is that all those in the program know each other.

“Someone will ask me, ‘do you know so-and-so?’ And they assume we all hang out together,” Burns said. “I occasionally see a gray-haired person on campus and I’m like, ‘professor or over 62?’”

In that same vein, Gee said he has become friends with a lot of students on the younger side but does not socialize or go out with them outside of class. Burns shares the sentiment that the other undergraduate students aren’t exactly his age group and it would feel strange to get too involved at the university.

Twelve years after his first day at UGA, Gee continues to sit in classes. With his life experiences, wisdom and formal classroom education, he still learns and observes new things everyday.

“I think [my favorite thing] is the optimism the students have [through] all the four years of college experience where they find themselves and [what] they think they want to do,” Gee said. “Although, what you think you want to do doesn’t always turn out [to be] what you end up doing. It’s just fun to be around people who are optimistic about the future.”

GRADUATION REGALIA

4 things things

that make the

class of 2023 unique

Lilly Kersh

Every graduating class of seniors is special in its own way, but the class of 2023 is leaving the University of Georgia as an especially unique group of students. From experiencing a pandemic to celebrating some of UGA’s biggest wins, these alumni will have stories to tell about their college years for the rest of their lives.

Experiencing the pandemic

In March 2020, the world came to a halt when the coronavirus pandemic began affecting daily life. Most of the class of 2023 graduates were on their first college spring break as freshmen when they got the news that class would not resume in-person.

This year’s graduates had every year of college affected by the pandemic, with initial changes in their freshman year and lasting differences throughout their time in Athens. Classes switched online, Zoom entered daily routines and student life changed forever. The class of 2023 had their college experience affected by health concerns, masking, testing, quarantining and more.

While life seems much more normal now, with optional masking and most aspects returning in-person, the class of 2023 will forever be among the group of students who experienced getting their degree in the pandemic and working through the challenges of being in university throughout a global health event.

Back-to-back football national championship victories

The class of 2023 experienced not one, but two college football national championships, unheard of in the history of Georgia football and rare in college football history in general.

As juniors and now seniors, these students cheered on the Bulldogs through two major wins, celebrating between the hedges and in the streets of Athens. Georgia’s last national championship win hadn’t taken place in over 40 years, making the 2021 and 2022 championships truly

memorable for enrolled students and a historic time in UGA’s legacy.

Turbulent election years

The state of Georgia made history by having two runoff elections, both while the class of 2023 attended UGA. Louisiana and Georgia are the only two states in the country that hold runoffs in general elections when no candidate receives a majority of the vote. Runoffs took place in the 2020 US Senate elections and the 2022 midterm elections. On Jan. 5, 2021, Democratic Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock defeated incumbent Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, respectively, in runoff races. On Dec. 6, 2022, Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock was re-elected to the US Senate, defeating Republican and former UGA running back Herschel Walker in the runoff.

As Georgia became a political battleground garnering national attention, UGA’s campus hosted candidates from both parties. The class of 2023 was on the frontlines of these pivotal elections, experiencing two runoffs in just four years. For reference, there have only been 12 statewide runoff elections in Georgia’s history since its current election system was adopted in 1968.

A changing Athens restaurant scene

With the trials and tribulations of the pandemic came a lasting change to the city UGA calls home. A number of Athens establishments closed their doors in the past four years, making the class of 2023 some of the last students to experience local spots.

Caledonia Lounge, The Grit, Uncle Ernie’s Pub n’ Grub, The Max Canada, Mama Jewel’s Kitchen and Classic City Eats all shut their doors within this time frame. Even downtown chain restaurants Subway, Scoville Chicken, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and Cinnaholic have been replaced, contributing to a changing food scene.

While many restaurants were able to reopen, such as Gyro Wrap, The Grill and The Globe, the class of 2023 said goodbye to many local favorites for good.

At the University of Georgia’s spring 2023 graduations and commencement ceremonies, graduates from various degrees and programs celebrated the milestone in regalia, most notably caps and gowns.

The tradition of the cap and gown dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Professors and students alike wore gowns daily, according to the American Council on Education.

In the late 19th century, representatives from U.S. colleges and universities met to make recommendations for the dress code still in use today, according to the UGA commencement website. The graduation dress code standard was established in 1932 by a newly formed committee created by ACE, which also made updates and changes throughout the coming decades.

The color of caps and tassels, hoods and gowns—also known as doctoral gowns, vary based on this area and level of study—bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral.

Graduates completing their bachelor’s wear the traditional black robes and a mortarboard or tams cap with a tassel representing their area of study.

Those graduating with their masters and doctoral degrees at UGA are distinguished by a black hood with silk lining in the color of their respective university. UGA hoods are thus lined in red and black. The hood symbolizes a graduate’s continued commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, according to the Princeton University Princetoniana Museum website.

Students graduating from UGA with their doctorate also wear a velvet tam cap, gowns faced down front with velvet with three bands along the sleeves and a gold tassel. The three bands along the sleeve are used to represent the graduate’s area of study.

Graduation dress is used to symbolize a student’s achievements and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. The graduation ceremony acknowledges a student’s transition to the next stage of life with the moving of the tassel from right to left.

— Morgan Willis

SIDNEY CHANSAMONE/STAFF

The tassels on a student’s cap at Georgia’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 12, 2023. SIDNEY CHANSAMONE/STAFF

Spring 2023 Staff

Beloved Bulldogs Uga through the years

John James

Entering the annual G-Day spring football game on April 15, Georgia fans looked forward to seeing a variety of new faces.

The Bulldogs brought in a number of talented freshmen and transfers, injecting the team with a dose of intrigue. Even with all those new faces, perhaps the most-anticipated debut came before the game even started.

Boom, a 10-month-old English bulldog, received the signature Uga spiked collar at G-Day, officially adding him to Georgia’s line of beloved mascots. The Seiler family have owned and cared for every Uga dating back to 1956, raising the dogs from their home in Savannah, Georgia.

Now, Boom is carrying on a legacy of the bulldogs who barked before him. Here’s a look back at each of his predecessors, all the way back to the beginning.

game of his tenure. Seiler’s Uga Three attended six bowl games in nine years, culminating with the greatest prize in college football.

Uga IV, Seiler’s Uga Four: 1981-89

Seiler’s Uga Four carried on the successful legacy of his predecessors, appearing at a bowl game during every year of his span as Uga. He was also the first mascot ever invited to attend the Heisman ceremony.

Over nine seasons, Uga IV compiled a 77-27-4 record, though there is one flaw in his resume: before a road game against Vanderbilt in 1986, Seiler’s Uga Four jumped off a hotel bed, injuring himself in the process. He was briefly replaced by his son, Otto, who led Georgia to a 3-1 record during his time as the interim Uga.

Uga V, Uga IV’s Magillicuddy II: 1990-99

Uga IV’s Magillicuddy II endured a widespread era of success. In the 1998-99 season, Georgia claimed four NCAA team titles – women’s swimming and diving, women’s gymnastics, men’s tennis and men’s golf – and placed second in the Directors’ Cup race. His success was recognized by Sports Illustrated in 1997, when he was voted the magazine’s “Best Mascot of the Year.” He also appeared in Clint Eastwood’s “Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil,” which was filmed in his hometown of Savannah, Georgia.

Uga VI, Uga V’s Whatchagot Loran: 1999-2008

Until this past year, Uga V’s Whatchagot Loran was the winningest mascot in Georgia history, ending his reign with an 87-27 record. Along that line, Uga VI was also the biggest Uga in university history, weighing in at 65 pounds — 20 pounds heavier than Uga V. Despite losing the ‘winningest’ title, Uga VI is still holding onto one title. From his start at the Georgia-South Carolina game in 1999, Uga VI oversaw more games than any other Uga thus far.

Uga VII, Loran’s Best: 2008-2009

Loran’s Best was introduced to fans at Georgia’s season-opener in 2008, a 45-21 win over Georgia Southern. Uga VII won 10 games during his first season, capping off the year with a win at the Capital One Bowl.

Uga VII only had one full season as Georgia’s mascot, passing away unexpectedly in 2009 due to heart issues. At the next game, players wore a commemorative decal on their helmets, and a wreath was placed on Uga VII’s doghouse.

Uga 0: Before the Seilers

Georgia’s inaugural football season took place in 1892, featuring a game against Auburn in what was the start of ‘The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.’

Georgia’s mascot for the game wasn’t a dog, though. On February 22, 1892, Georgia was represented by a goat. Its tenure lasted until 1894, when the team first featured a dog as its mascot.

Trilby, a female bull terrier, was also the mascot for the Chi Phi fraternity. According to some, Trilby and her 13 puppies were the inspiration for the ‘Bulldog’ moniker that Georgia still bears.

The last of Uga’s predecessors was an English bulldog named Mr. Angel. Mr. Angel was the first English bulldog to serve as Georgia’s mascot, a tradition that’s stuck for the past 80 years.

Uga I, Hood’s Ole Dan: 1956-66

The first Uga wasn’t actually born to the Seiler family. He was given to Cecelia Seiler by a friend and made his first appearance during Georgia’s home-opener against Florida State University. Hood’s Ole Dan was given the title Uga I as an abbreviation for the University of Georgia.

After his death, Hood’s Ole Dan was buried in a marble vault near the main gate of the south stands at Sanford Stadium. His next seven successors were all buried there alongside him.

Uga II, Ole Dan’s Uga: 1966-72

Ole Dan’s Uga was introduced during a pregame ceremony at homecoming in 1966. Georgia beat Kentucky 27-15 in the homecoming game, and proceeded to win every remaining game that season.

That was the start of a successful run for Ole Dan’s Uga. Until his retirement in 1972, he presided over two SEC championship victories and five postseason appearances for the Bulldogs.

Uga III, Seiler’s Uga Three: 1972-80

Seiler’s Uga Three had a very successful time as mascot. He oversaw the 1980 season, when Georgia football claimed its first national championship in school history.

Uga III retired after that season, ending his career on the 100th

10 places in Athens to try before you graduate

Jayden Henson

DOOLEY’S BAR AND GRILL

$–$$ 259 E. Broad St.

Don’t miss out on trying this bar-fare restaurant, named after beloved football coach Vince Dooley. Popular items include the buffalo chicken rangoons, served with a sriracha honey lime sauce, as well as the “Junkyard Dawg,” a deep-fried hot dog wrapped in bacon and served on the basic grilled cheese or a bun.

ZZ & SIMONE’S

$$ 1540 S. Lumpkin St., Suite 4

This newer addition to the Five Points neighborhood carries well known Italian entrees like rigatoni alla vodka and chicken parmesan as well as classic Italian pizzas. Save room for tiramisu or gelato.

ADD DRUG

¢ 1695 S. Lumpkin St.

The counter at this old-school pharmacy offers a nostalgic experience and great value. Stop by for coffee and eggs for breakfast, or a creamy shake and hot dogs for lunch.

PALOMA PARK

$$ 235 W. Washington St.

Opened in 2021, this popular spot takes a lively approach to TexMex, with fusion items like chimichurri fries, Southern chicken tacos and nachos grande. Drinks match the vibe with margaritas and, yes, palomas on draft.

SLATER’S STEAKHOUSE

$$$ 1653 S Lumpkin St.

Impressing a date? Parents in town? Head to Slater’s for cooked-to-order steaks like the 16-ounce ribeye and entrees such as duck with celery root puree and a bigarade sauce. Add-ons include decadent sauces such as the au poivre, made with black peppercorn, cream and cognac; bone marrow butter; crab Oscar; and more. This steakhouse may be fancy, but not too fancy for onion rings, complete with a side of black pepper aioli.

WEAVER D’S DELICIOUS FINE FOODS

$ 1016 E Broad St.

Made famous for owner Dexter Weaver’s slogan, “Automatic for the People,”

Uga VIII, Big Bad Bruce: 2010-11 Big Bad Bruce was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2010, causing a short reign for UGA VIII. He appeared at the final six regular season games that year, but due to his condition, he missed the 2010 bowl game.

Uga VIII was named after the late Dr. Bruce Hollett, a professor at Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine and a longtime caretaker of the Uga family.

Uga IX, Russ: 2012-2015

When Russ officially began his tenure as Uga in 2012, it wasn’t his first appearance as Georgia’s mascot. Russ served as the interim Uga after Uga VII’s death, and was called upon again after Uga VIII died.

Georgia won the SEC East twice during Uga IX’s reign, claiming a pair of bowl victories during that time as well.

Uga X, Que: 2015-23 Que was inducted as Uga X before a matchup against Georgia Southern on Nov. 21, 2015. He is the winningest Uga in Georgia history, surpassing Uga VI this past season. His 91-18 record includes two SEC championship victories and back-to-back national championships.

Uga XI, Boom: 2023-present Boom is the newest Uga, adopting the moniker prior to the G-Day game on April 15, 2023.

Uga XI is arriving at a time of unprecedented success for Georgia football. If the team can keep this up, then Boom may be challenging Que’s winningest record sooner, rather than later.

which became the title of an R.E.M. album, this bright green restaurant on East Broad Street is popular for juicy fried chicken and signature meat-andthree plates. Try the sweet potato souffle or broccoli casserole.

MAMA’S BOY

$-$$ 197 Oak St.

Consistently voted Best Brunch in Athens by The Red & Black readers, Mama’s Boy turns out indulgent fare like salmon cakes Benedict and Georgia peach French toast. You don’t want to miss trying this classic breakfast spot in the Classic City.

CALI N TITO’S

$ 1427 S. Lumpkin St.

This lively spot features empanadas, fish tacos and Cuban sandwiches. The spacious outdoor seating makes it a popular destination for groups, making it a good place to stop before or after graduation with friends and family

HOME.MADE

$$ 1072 Baxter St.

Updated Southern fare shines at this elegant, understated restaurant. The menu varies, but staples such as pecan trout and stellar vegetable plates are cozy and familiar, as are snacks like deviled eggs and cheese straws. Start next door at its glam companion cocktail bar, Sidecar.

TRAPPEZE PUB

$$-$$$

269 N Hull St.

Famous for its enormous craft and imported beer selection, this pub at the corner of Hull and West Washington streets serves superior bar fare, catering to carnivores with items such as the Double Pig (braised pork plus bacon). But vegetarians and vegans have options like the veggie Reuben. Try the signature raspberry ketchup.

CHAIR Libby Hobbs

COMMITTEE

AT-LARGE MEMBERS Carson Barrett, Ana Chirinos, Claire Han, Dawn Sawyer, Melanie Velasquez

Professional Staff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charlotte Norsworthy 706-433-3009 | cvarnum@randb.com

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About Us

Publishing online daily at redandblack.com and in print each Thursday of the academic year by The Red & Black Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions: $84. All rights reserved. Reprints by permission. Opinions expressed are those of contributors and not necessarily those of The Red & Black Publishing Company Inc. The Red & Black has covered the University of Georgia and Athens since 1893. Independent of the university since 1980, The Red & Black is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit company with the dual missions of training students for future careers in journalism and serving our community as an independent news source. We receive no funding from the university and are self-supporting through advertising, events and donations.

Corrections

The May 4, 2023 issue of The Red & Black published an article on A3 and our website that did not meet our journalistic reporting and ethics standards. The story in question was about multicultural student organizations and was titled “Lack of staff leaves multicultural student organizations without direction.” The Red & Black sincerely apologizes for these errors made in the reporting and editing process. The Red & Black has since removed the article.

As a student-run news organization with the mission of training journalists, we know that mistakes happen and we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible.

If you spot a factual error, please let us know by sending a correction to editor@randb. com. Corrections to items in print editions are published in the next possible print issue. Corrections for online-only articles are posted at redandblack.com/corrections. This

PRICING

GUIDE

¢ Entree + Sides, under $10

$ Entree + Sides, $10-20

$$ Entree + Sides, $20-30

$$$ Entree + Sides, over $30

Record for Que, the winningest Uga in Georgia history.

A senior’s perspective

How COVID-19 altered my college experience

Doti

Michael

It was March 15, 2019, and I was beyond excited to have been accepted into the University of Georgia, which was one of my top schools I applied to. Fast forward to the end of April, and I chose to go to UGA for the next four years.

Being a reserved kid from upstate New York, I was super excited for the new adventure. I was ready to adjust to the southern lifestyle, live far away from home and make plenty of new friends.

I was the only kid from my graduating class to choose Georgia, so I had a completely clean slate. Thankfully, my randomly assigned roommate went to high school in Fulton County, and most of his friend group also went to UGA. Therefore, I was lucky enough to already be welcomed into a decent-sized group of friends.

As an intended journalism major, there were plenty of opportunities for me to get involved in before being accepted into Grady. Oddly enough, The Red & Black was the last extracurricular organization I got involved in. Through the other extracurriculars, I made valuable friends and contacts with people in Grady, and they were impressed I was so involved at such a young age.

I was having a blast freshman year, and by the time March rolled around—although I was bummed it was coming to an end—I was super excited because I had a lot of fun plans after spring break.

It is a bit weird how the world works sometimes. I went home for spring break, and I was on my way back from Stew Leonard’s with my mother. She was talking about how quickly the break was going along, and she was sad I would have to go back in a few days. Later that same day, COVID-19 began its global takeover.

Within a few days, spring break went from a week long, to three weeks long, to five months long. Monday night, March 16, 2020, I got the email from Archnews, stating no one was allowed to return to UGA for the rest of the spring semester.

A few hours had passed, and I was just shocked. Quickly that shock turned into devastation. I was having the time of my life at college, and suddenly, I wasn’t allowed to come back. I was just crushed.

Thankfully the sadness didn’t last too long, because I was only a freshman, and I still had three normal years ahead of me. That turned out not to be the case.

It was March 26, and I had returned to Athens. Instead of spending the weekend celebrating my roommate’s birthday and then going to tour CNN in Atlanta, I was moving out all my things and roaming around a once-vibrant ghost town.

It was a long and mostly slow process getting through quarantine, but things slowly started reopening. The only thing on my mind, though, was if I would return to UGA in August. One night at the end of June, another Archnews email appeared in my inbox. This was a laid out plan to return to some form of in-person activity in the fall.

Once again I was shocked immediately following the email. Much quicker than the one in March, the shock turned to joy. I now knew I was coming back.

I knew it wouldn’t be the same as freshman year, but I was willing to take any sort of college experience that wasn’t in my bedroom and on a computer screen at home.

The adjustment wasn’t easy. I returned to the dorms and had another randomly assigned roommate, but we got along well. Similar to last year, I became a part of his friend group.

Walking around campus certainly felt different. Most people did not leave to go to hybrid classes, but I wanted to escape with any chance I got.

The scariest part was the uncertainty of having a big COVID-19 outbreak as everyone returned. All of my friends from freshman year kept saying we are going to get sent home in a few weeks, but I kept holding out hope.

By the time junior year came around, things had almost completely returned to normal.

As happy as I was for that to be the case, I had forgotten how crowded campus can get, so that was an adjustment. It was so worth the adjustment, though.

Senior year was probably my best year to date. COVID-19 taught me a valuable lesson, and that’s to cherish the smaller moments and live in the present. With every passing year I tried to do that more and more. I certainly took much more photos and videos sophomore year and beyond than freshman year and before.

In the end though, as awful as the pandemic’s impact was, I wouldn’t have my college experience any other way, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me.

Editor’s note: Michael Doti is a member of the class of 2023 with a degree in journalism.

Thursday Crossword

Book a fellow Bulldog

Consider hiring a student to take your grad photos

Katie Tucker

If you haven’t stood in it, you have surely seen it — the long, single file line of people clutching caps and gowns stretching down College Avenue and ending at the Arch. Waiting in line to take graduation photos here will make you question a lot of your choices leading up to that point. Should I have shown up to take photos at 5 a.m.? Should there be a time limit for poses? There has been a consistent line here for six weeks. How is this still the line every single day?

I asked myself these questions over the past few weeks while taking other peoples’ graduation pictures. Equipped with my camera, I stood in line with nine different students achieving various degrees along with other graduates and their accompanying photographers, ranging from parents wanting to take a quick picture on their phones to teams of photographers with light stands in tow.

When it comes to getting grad photos done, the range of planning and excitement surrounding them differs. Some people’s parents booked a photographer at the beginning of the semester, whereas others realized they still haven’t sorted this out when the first week of May rolls around. Some people are overjoyed about this opportunity to dress up and take pictures in front of the places on campus that meant the most to them, while many people see this additional item as just another tick on the graduation checklist or maybe even anxiety-inducing.

I think that this nervous feeling can be alleviated in a simple way — making the choice to hire a University of Georgia student photographer to take graduation photos. In the hunt for a photographer, this section of candidates are often overlooked, especially by parents.

Many times, the circle of clients for student photographers is condensed to their close friends or classmates. But UGA student photographers hold a key advantage, even if they’re strangers to the person they’re photographing. Student photographers are peers, and that existing connection creates a sense of comfort that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

Personally, I knew some of my graduation clients well beforehand and some not so much. As we shuffled forward in line for the Arch and made our way to other spots around campus, we swapped stories of the year and shared similar fears about post-grad life. I ran and grabbed us much-needed coffee at the downtown Starbucks during 8 a.m. sessions. I hyped them up while posing them like I would any friend. We schemed over what poses would be funny or what hidden campus spots we could think of that might make for good backgrounds.

One of the most common bits of feedback that I received at the end of each of my sessions was how comfortable each student felt during the entire process, which not only makes the ordeal less scary but just makes for better photos.

One person I photographed told me that they hoped their personality would shine through in their photos and they would not look too stiff or unlike themselves. An added layer of ease, which comes from a student-to-student relationship, allows people to show not only their true smiles but their true selves. People obviously want to look their best for graduation pictures, and I think it’s alright to be selfish in this context and be reflected in the best light possible. Outside of wedding photos, graduation pictures might be one of the only times people have an allotted hour and a half to celebrate themselves pictorially.

No matter how you feel about the graduation photo process, this experience provides a snapshot of your life at a pivotal time, leaving college and entering a new chapter — whether it’s a career, graduate school or just a break from academics. As cheesy as it sounds, graduation photos should be a celebration of the difficult process to get your degree.

What better person to capture this celebration than someone who is celebrating right alongside you, a student either in the thick of their college career, or like me, on the way out? While it’s up to you to decide how you will navigate this element of the process, remember that there are student photographers who not only want to do this but can bring a touch that no one but students can. As for the fellow student photographers, keep in mind your unique situation is marketable so value your services and expertise. For students that are already thinking about their graduation photos for the upcoming semesters, I urge you to consider your fellow Bulldogs in the process, especially for a sense of familiarity and comfort during often unfamiliar process.

Editor’s note: Katie Tucker is a member of the class of 2023 with a degree in journalism.

NESSA TAM/ STAFF

A UGA graduate gets his photo taken at the Arch on May 12. KATIE TUCKER/STAFF

CLASS OF 2023

Congratulations & Best Wishes to Scott Bailey! We are so proud of you! Love, Kathy, Malinda & Bobby

Congratulations and best wishes on your graduation, Matt! We are so proud of you. Here’s to much fun, happiness, and success! Go Dawgs! Much love, Daddy, Mama, Brad, and Megan!

You have given us a great reason to celebrate with you. What a fantastic journalist you will be, fill this world with your gift of words. We are so proud! Love Mom, Daddy and Brother

Averi, words cannot express how proud we are of you. Having you graduate from college will be a huge accomplishment, but seeing you grow into the young lady you are has been a blessing! We love you!

Congratulations!”

Sam, We’re so proud of you and how far you have come. Ever since you were a baby, we’veonly wanted you to achieve great things and live your best life, and it looks like you are headed down that path now. We love you so much and are so proud of you!! Mom & Dad

Linda, We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished at UGA! So beyond excited for your next adventure at AU Law. DC bound! Your big, bright future awaits. Love you, MDJ&F

Maddie, only time will provide the perspective with which you can look back on the accomplishments and experiences of your UGA years with the same pride and appreciation we feel now. Mom, Dad & Robb

Jamie Alexa Derkasch we are beyond proud of you! There truly is nothing you can’t accomplish if you set your mind to it! Love, Mom, Dad, Robert and Kaylee

We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments at UGA. Your future is so bright and the sky is the limit!

We are so proud of you Dillon for all your hard work and accomplishments over the last four years. Looking forward to your next chapter in life. Love, Dad & Peyton

Madeline, we are so proud of your accomplishments at UGA! Keep bringing the sunshine & dreaming big! Love, Mom, Dad, Addison, Taco & Bella See ya real soon!

We are all so proud of you! You are an official UGA Grad! Me, Cassidy, Karlee, Brandi, Papa, Nanny, Keke, Erin, Peyton and Riley are so proud of you. However, we know your mom would be the proudest of you and your success! Always follow your dreams!

Congratulations, Jacqueline! We love you and are proud of all you have accomplished these past four years. God bless you and keep you safe. With love from your entire family.

Congratulations to my beautiful daughter, Jessica. We are so proud of all your accomplishments! On this special day, we wish you happiness and for all your dreams to come true. No matter how tough or how great you become in life’s journey, always give God the praise and glory. Never forget that you will always be our brightest star. We believe in you! We look forward to seeing what God has in store for you in life’s next chapter. We Love you! Mom, John, Sarabeth & Olivia Kate

Ireland, I am so proud of you in all that you’ve accomplished!! From the moment you were born, you have never stopped amazing me. Look out world, here she comes!!! Love, Mama

Congratulations to our lovely daughter! We are so proud of you and all your hard work during your time at UGA. We wish you nothing but the best for your future!! Love, Mom and Dad

Ryan, we are so very proud of you and how far you have come! You continue to make us proud everyday! Love, Mom, Dad and Kyle

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

To our beautiful daughter, Dania. It’s hard to believe that your special day has arrived, and that you are graduating from the University of Georgia. We are proud of what you have become. Your kindness, wisdom, and your ability to connect with people are amazing traits. We wish you a great future in the journalism world. Dream big work hard and always remember your roots and strong foundation. Love, Baba, Mama, Sami & Laila

Congratulations Mackenzie! We are proud of your achievements! The future’s so bright…well Mom and Dad know the rest-LOL! You are loved by many Koleffs, Keebles, and Henlines!

Congratulations on your graduation from UGA! It’s truly been a blessing watching you grow and develop these last couple of years. Can’t wait to see what you’ll do next. The sky is the limit so aim high in all you do. Go Dawgs! Mom, Dad, Laura, Lyddy and Maggie

Congratulations baby! It’s been a privilege to watch you grow into the woman you are. I am so proud of you! Stay humble and keep God first. Love Mom

Congratulations! We’re so proud of your accomplishments at UGA, especially all your hard work at The Red & Black. Can’t wait to see what the future holds. Love, Mom and Dad

Katie - We are extremely proud of you and your achievements. Put your life lessons to good use and do good. Love, mom, dad and Alex

Maddie Daniel

Keshondra Shipp

Sam Cockerham

Matthew Bartel

Mackenzie Koleff

Ryan Jones

Dillon Edelson

Linda Cullen

Dania Kalaji

Jacqueline GaNun

Jamie Alexa Derkasch

Jessica Lynne Rao Haley Wolf

Tim O’Brien

Ireland Hayes

Madeline Franz

Michael Doti

Stuart Steele

Jasmine Herrera

Savannah Gaines

Scott Bailey

Katie Tucker

Sidney Bishop

Averi Caldwell

Jessica Gratigny