UGA Profiles - Spring 2015

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U N I V E R S I T Y

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Profiles

THE E-MAGAZINE FOR RECENT GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA • SPRING 2015

In this issue: • Featured Alumni: Benjie and Jamey Shirah • UGA’s Delta Hall in Washington, D.C. • Recent construction on campus

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New Washington, D.C., facility named

Delta Hall

The University of Georgia received a commitment for a $5 million grant from the Delta Air Lines Foundation to support UGA in Washington. In recognition of the gift, UGA named the university’s new residential facility in Washington, D.C., Delta Hall. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia formally approved the naming at its meeting on Feb. 11.

“We are grateful to the Delta Air Lines Foundation for supporting UGA in Washington,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Delta Air Lines has been a strong corporate partner of the University of Georgia for many years, and this latest gift demonstrates the leadership role Delta is taking in our ongoing comprehensive campaign to advance the University of Georgia.”

For the rest of the story, click here.

EVERY GIFT MAKES AN IMPACT! SUPPORT THE GEORGIA FUND TODAY!

PLEASE DONATE

meet the

Shirahs

Benjie (BSFR ’07, MFR ’10) and Jamey (BBA ’10) Shirah How do two brothers from Hopeful, Georgia manage to take Atlanta’s entrepreneurial spirit to a new level? Well, ask the Shirah brothers, Benjie (BSFR ’07, MFR ’10) and Jamey (BBA ’10). Since UGA graduation, the businesssavvy brothers have embarked on a number of successful endeavors. From restaurant-bar establishments in three of the South’s most vibrant cities to an eye-catching sock company, business development for these two is more than a job—it’s a family affair.

With roots deep in Georgia, Benjie and Jamey grew up and worked on a farm. Their work ethic continued at the University of Georgia—a place that laid a foundation for the road ahead. As supporters of UGA and the Georgia Fund,

Benjie and Jamey owe much of their success to the time spent and relationships built on UGA’s campus.

Jamey notes, “UGA afforded me life-long relationships that have already paid dividends and will do more in the future. I was given those opportunities by people who came before me and I can only be expected to do the same.”

Benjie agrees, “I want to give students the same opportunity and experience at UGA as I did a few short years ago. Some of my best memories and experiences in life were made there.”

Benjie attributes the ability to start their first business to skills acquired while earning his Master of Forest Resources degree. “Through trial and error, innovation, and blood,

sweat and tears, my partners and I were able to solidify our concept, The Ivy Buckhead.”

In 2010, The Ivy Buckhead opened as a restaurant-bar concept that has since become synonymous with much of Atlanta’s social scene. For Jamey, this is both his most challenging and most rewarding career milestone to date.

“That was at the beginning of my career and its success allowed our team to work through the bumps and bruises that many businesses do not overcome. It reinforced the idea that things are there for the taking, you just have to go after them.”

Bumps and bruises seem to strengthen this team, as they subsequently launched South in Nashville and The Southern Birmingham—sister concepts to The Ivy Buckhead. In addition to building these venues together, Benjie serves as the managing member of the company, leading their team while developing the strategic plan, mission and objectives.

Now, almost five years later, these alumni are also playing crucial roles in developing Atlanta-based companies Kill Cliff® ™, Vida-Flo: The Hydration Station and JL The Brand.

Kill Cliff® ™, founded by a former Navy SEAL, is as a natural and low calorie replenishing beverage. Since investing in

the company in 2011, the Shirahs have leveraged personal relationships and expertise to grow the company to a national level. Vida-Flo: The Hydration Station, where Benjie is CFO and Jamey is EVP of Corporate Operations and Franchise Development, offers patrons opportunities to rehydrate or refuel with vitamin compounds—all intravenously administered by medical professionals.

And recently, the brothers launched USA-made, JL The Brand, which introduces a high quality sock company to consumers. Designed with unique patterns, JL The Brand socks are made with Pima cotton and add a subtle yet sophisticated pop to any guy’s outfit.

It’s pretty clear that a lot of hard work, family ties and a little red and black have driven these young entrepreneurs on a path of success.

School and College Roundup College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Spend G-Day weekend with CAES. Enjoy the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo on April 9, 10, and 11 at the UGA Instructional Arena on South Milledge and the CAES G-Day Tailgate on April 11 at 11 a.m. on the front lawn of Conner Hall. Everyone is invited. It is free, fun, and offers networking and fellowship. More details.

College of Education: Spend an Evening with Dean Craig Kennedy. Invitations and details are forthcoming. In the meantime, if you’re interested in attending email Elizabeth Gaughf at emg@uga.edu for early registration.

• Tuesday, June 9th – Athens • Thursday, June 18th – Buckhead • Thursday, June 25th – Gwinnett Area College of Engineering: The College of Engineering invites alumni and family to attend E-Day on G-Day on Saturday, April 11 before the G-Day game. This event is free to attend and will feature interactive exhibits from student clubs and a tailgate before the annual spring game. If you have any questions, contact Maggie Carter at maggie14@uga.edu.

Register now.

College of Environment & Design: The UGA CE+D Alumni Association Steering Committee invites alumni to celebrate our college’s roots and applaud its accomplishments at its annual

Alumni Weekend, on April 24 & 25, 2015. Save the date and get the details.

College of Family and Consumer Sciences: UGA TEDx presenter Michelle Blue shared about her business and desire to help others at the 2015 TEDx Forum. Blue graduated from UGA’s Terry College in 2013 with a minor in Fashion Marketing. During the summer of her sophomore year on a UGA Study Abroad trip to Ghana, she was influenced and inspired by the programs that empower girls through educational opportunities and resources to live independently. After this experience, she started Bene Scarves in 2013. Inspired by the culture in Ghana and committed to providing education to the girls there, Bene Scarves is committed to sponsoring tuition, books, supplies and uniforms for girls in Ghana.

College of Pharmacy: Join the UGA College of Pharmacy for the 23rd annual Albert W. Jowdy Memorial Golf Classic on Monday May 18th, 2015 at the Athens Country Club. Registration information and details are available.

College of Public Health: The College of Public Health will celebrate National Public Health Week April 6-10, 2015.

During this week, the public health community is rallying around a goal of making the U.S. the Healthiest Nation in One Generation—by 2030. Events will

cover topics including obesity, infant mortality, diabetes, heart disease and more. More information.

College of Veterinary Medicine: Dr. Stephen Everett (’10) was recently featured in the The Augusta Chronicle about his participation in the federal Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. This program will allow him to pay back over half of his $128,000 student loan debt by offering his veterinary services in several rural Georgia counties for three years. Read the full article.

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences: Actor and singer, Tituss Burgess (AB ’01), may be seen in Tina Fey’s Netflix show “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” The show follows a woman who lived in a cult for 15 years and begins a new life in New York. Burgess stars as the title character’s roommate.

This is Burgess’s second stint with Tina Fey. He also was a cast member in NBC’s 30 Rock.

Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication: Join Grady alumni and friends for the Centennial Celebration Weekend. Events include: April 16: Today’s Students/Tomorrow’s Opportunities - a showcase of student projects; April 17: 100th Birthday Field Party at Smithonia Farm; April 18: Centennial Gala - a black tie celebration

honoring 2015 Alumni Award winners and new inductees to the Grady Fellowship; April 19: Centennial Brunch - brunch on the Grady lawn and a chance to see the exciting changes and renovations to the building we call—or once called—home. More information and reservations are available now.

Odum School of Ecology: Attend an Odum Environmental Ethics Lecture on April 10 in the Jackson Street Building.

Professor Zygmunt Plater, from the Boston College Law School, will discuss the landmark case, TVA vs. Hill, better known as the “snail darter” case. Even today, thirty years after the legal battles to save the endangered snail darter, the little fish that blocked completion of a TVA dam remains one of the nations most significant environmental law battles. A reception and booksigning will follow the talk. Get more information.

School of Law: In conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the State Bar of Georgia, join UGA Law for its Law School Association Annual Meeting and Alumni Reception June 19. The meeting begins at 5:15 in the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort and the reception will follow. More information will be included in the registration materials distributed by the State Bar. Contact Kate O’Reilly with additional questions.

School of Public and Internation al Affairs: SPIA alumna Shannon Vreeland received the NCAA Today’s Top 10 Award, recognizing her for her success in academics, athletics and in the community. Vreeland helped the Lady Bulldogs win its second consecutive NCAA title and its fifth consecutive SEC championship last season. She was also a member of the team that set the American record for the 800-yard freestyle relay, while the 400- and 800yard freestyle relays eclipsed the U.S. Open and NCAA marks.

School of Social Work: Lemuel “Life” LaRoche (BSW ’02, MSW ’03) was recently honored as one four community members to receive the President’s Fulfilling the Dream Award for exemplary community service in the Athens-Clarke County School District.

LaRoche is currently a social worker, therapist, author, and poet who is dedicated to developing leadership skills in young people. He earned both is bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work at UGA, and he is also the subject of “Life of Griot” (2014), a documentary about his work in the Athens area.

Terry College of Business: Terry College Young Alumni Board applications are being accepted until May 15. The Board is interested in recruiting Terry College graduates 35 years or younger with

two years of post-graduate experience, a demonstrated interest in the Terry College, and a commitment to being an active board member. Details here.

Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources: Join young alumni at the 5th annual Warnell Weekend April 10 & 11th. Brush up on those dendrology skills or catch up with old friends during the Whitehall Mansion Reception, G-Day Game, and TWS Wildlife Supper.

More information available.

Return to the Arch Alumni Seminar

May 1-3 “Food For Thought” featuring Alton Brown

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UGA Campus Construction Update VETERINARY TEACHING HOSPITAL

BUSINESS CAMPUS FOR TERRY COLLEGE

Aerial photo was taken by Brian Davis (ABJ ’09).

He and his wife Christie (AB ’03, MED ’09) operate Further Up & and Further In, a video production company based in Athens, Ga.

SCIENCE LEARNING CENTER

FOLEY FIELD

BOLTON DINING HALL

Changes – whether large and small or understated or evident – happen on a regular basis on UGA’s campus. Take a look at five current and recent construction projects around campus.

BUSINESS CAMPUS FOR TERRY COLLEGE Construction is nearing completion on the first of three phases in the 305,000-square-foot Business Campus for Terry College, future home of the Terry College of Business. Phase 1, which will be complete by fall 2015, consists of Correll Hall, a building named for Terry College alumnus Pete Correll, chairman emeritus of Georgia-Pacific Corp. The building will house graduate programs, college administration, classrooms and an innovation lab.

BOLTON DINING HALL Bolton Dining Commons opened at the intersection of Baxter and S. Lumpkin in fall 2014. The 56,000-squarefoot building seats 1,000 becoming the largest meal plan facility at UGA. Students have access to breakfast all day, international flavors, regional cuisine, and hand-spun milkshakes at this two-story facility that even includes outdoor seating. Bolton also became the first UGA dining hall to serve dinner on Sunday nights.

Phase 2, starting in fall 2015, and the largest phase of the project, will include the addition of 2 large auditoriums, 8 classrooms, a trading room, an undergraduate commons, and many more facilities to encourage learning. Finally, phase 3 is set to be completed in 2019, with the addition of an estimated 10 additional classrooms, staff offices and conference rooms.

More Information and a live construction cam.

SCIENCE LEARNING CENTER There will be a new SLC on campus. The Science Learning Center broke ground in August 2014. Located on South Campus adjacent to Pharmacy South, the facility is scheduled to open in fall of 2016. With 33 labs and four classrooms for biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry, the new Learning Center will transform the student experience and the way science is taught on campus.

FOLEY FIELD The first pitch opening the 2015 season for UGA baseball marked the first game in the newly enhanced Foley Field. The renovations include upgrades to the seating, press box, concourse, concessions and restrooms. Additionally, premium seating section was added behind home plate. The team areas were improved as well, including team lockers, lounges, meeting rooms, and training areas. The outfield wall was completely padded and the foul-territory grass was replaced with field turf, giving it a clean year-round look. The renovations began at the end of last year’s season.

Click here for the 2015 Diamond Dawgs schedule.

VETERINARY TEACHING HOSPITAL A ribbon-cutting ceremony held on February 13th dedicated the College of Veterinary Medicine’s new Veterinary Medical Center on College Station Road.

This state-of-the-art facility includes a new teaching hospital for small and large animals, a covered equine performance arena, a building dedicated to Field Services, Production Medicine and Theriogenology, and an education building for teaching and continuing education courses. The vacated spaces in the former hospital building will be converted to research and instructional space.

For more information, more photos, or a time lapse of the construction.

upcomingevents APRIL 4/7 Concert: Christina and Michelle Naughton More 4/8 Three Minute Thesis Competition Finals More 4/9 UGA Great Southland Stampede Rodeo More 4/9 UGA Thank a Donor Day More 4/11 G-Day - School and College Events, Football Game More

4/13-17 Honors Week 2015 More

4/23 UGA Day - Rome More

4/14 Lamar Dodd School of Art Visiting Artist/Scholar Lecture: John Hatfield More

4/23 Charter Lecture: Ed Larson More

4/17 2015 Alumni Awards Luncheon More 4/17 UGA Night at Six Flags More 4/19 Baseball vs. LSU More

4/25 Cohort: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center More 4/25 Half-Moon Outfitters Cherokee Rose 5K More

4/21 UGA Day - Savannah More

Return to the Arch

Alumni Seminar

May 1-3, 2015 This year’s theme is “Food for Thought” and will feature lectures, tours and interactive seminars that showcase the best that UGA has to offer.

Come prepared with open minds and empty stomachs!

Featuring special guest UGA grad Alton Brown.

4/24 Confederate Constitution on Display More

Nominations for 40 Under 40 and Bulldog 100 close soon!

Get Details

REGISTER

4/25 Terry College Awards and Gala More 4/28 UGA Day - Albany More 4/30 UGA Day - Augusta More 4/30 Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art Annual Meeting More

MAY 5/1 Baseball vs. Florida More 5/1-3 Return to the Arch Alumni Seminar More 5/2 Gardens of the World Ball More 5/8 Spring 2015 Commencement More 5/14 Baseball vs. Arkansas More

Alumni Association Awards Luncheon Friday, April 17 Register now!

Young Alumni Night at Sweetwater Brewing Co. June 26 | 9pm-midnight

5/18 UGA Day - Charlotte, NC More 5/19 Spring Tuesday Tour of the Russell Special Collections LIbrary More 5/20 UGA Day - Macon More 5/26 Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases Conference More 5/31 2015 Peabody Awards More

Raj Shah, BSA, MPA '06, JD '10

Associate, Parker Husdon Rainer & Dobbs LLC Atlanta, GA from the Terry College of Business and the entire staff.

Favorite part of your job: Interacting with my incredibly talented colleagues. I work with a lot of UGA Alumni which makes the job more fun.

Why do you give back to UGA? My UGA experience was enriched by private giving and I want to pay it forward.

Advice to those who just graduated? Be confident in your abilities.

UGA prepares you well for both personal and professional success.

How did your education at UGA prepare you for your current pursuit? UGA law equipped me with the ability to analyze legal issues and refined my critical thinking and advocacy skills.

What inspires you? My UGA friends inspire me the most – they are good, fun people who are making a difference near and far. When I have lunch with a UGA friend or travel with UGA friends, I’m always re-energized and optimistic about the world.

What is the greatest lesson you learned at UGA? UGA friendships become best friendships for life.

Your next trip to Athens will be…Twilight in April.

Twilight is my favorite weekend in Athens – the energy in the air downtown is contagious. You really can’t beat Spring in Athens.

How did your education at UGA prepare you for your current pursuit: I owe all my academic and professional success to UGA. UGA prepared me to succeed in the field of Finance and also in the real world. I learned so much

Flashback

Take a look back at UGA History

100 Years Ago After the UGA baseball team beat Georgia Tech for the second straight game, an impromptu celebration commenced. The Red & Black described the scene: “Just after the game, the band, followed by the students, marched through the business section to the Georgian Hotel, where numerous yells were given and the band played ‘Glory to Old Georgia.’

Later the Freshmen built one of the largest bonfires seen on the campus in many years. While it was burning yells and songs again floated out on the breezes to the largest number of spectators ever seen at a bonfire on Herty Field… Every one knew Georgia had beaten Tech.”

75 Years Ago Member of the Class of 1940 agreed to add $1 to their Pandora yearbook fee in order to purchase a

class gift. They presented a clock and chimes to the University to be housed in the new library.

50 Years Ago Construction began on a new dormitory between what is now Brumby Hall and Creswell Hall. The high rise building featured air-conditioning, phones in every room, and television rooms on every floor.

25 Years Ago Herman and Mary Virginia Terry pledged $5 million to the College of Business Administration in 1990. Their gift, the largest private gift in UGA history at the time, endowed faculty chairs and student scholarships. The next year, the college was renamed the C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry College of Business.

Q&A

with Mandy Edwards Social Media Consultant & Strategist Owner/CEO of ME Marketing Services BBA '01

I am most proud of…

Two things – first, my children. My two daughters aspire to be Bulldogs just like their mom and dad (who is a Double Dawg). Second, I am proud of my successful social media marketing business, which I have built from the ground up.

People would be surprised to know that…

I have a love for the history of the British Monarchy, particularly the years 1400-1650.

First CD? Ace of Base’s The Sign Favorite book as a child?

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs You have reservations for 5. Dead or alive – who’s coming to dinner with you?

Jesus, Warren Buffett, Princess Diana, Mark Cuban and Queen Elizabeth, wife of King Edward IV. Hardest thing you have ever done?

I left a great full-time job to stay at home when my youngest was a newborn and my oldest was 4. That time off allowed me to, a couple of years later, start my own business.

I simply cannot live without…

My faith, my husband, and my daughters.

Mandy Edwards is a Social Media Consultant & Strategist and Owner/CEO of ME Marketing Services.

She shows her support of UGA with annual gifts to the Georgia Fund and is the President of the Alumni Association Statesboro Chapter. As an undergraduate, Edwards was involved in Baptist Collegiate Ministries and Pi Sigma Epsilon Marketing Fraternity. She and her husband, Ben (AB ’00) have two daughters.

I give back to UGA because…

I see it as the chance to help make the University an even better place. It’s investing in UGA’s future – for future students and opportunities.

My next big accomplishment will be…

Continuing to see my business thrive and grow.

And, to hire an assistant.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as a good wife and mom, someone who is not afraid to go after what I want and work hard to see it succeed while staying true to my faith.

Final Word?

Once a Dawg, always a Dawg -- how sweet it is!

We want to feature YOU! Send us your photos to see in a future edition of Profiles!

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Clockwise from top left: Tinsley English (’99) and Emily Cunningham (’13) at the 2014 Women of UGA Holiday Luncheon. Leigh Richey (’08), Amy Culbertson (’09), Nicole Goldsmith (’10) and Haleigh Sherbak (’09) pose with Hairy Dawg at the Terry Winter Formal. Lori Elmore (’00) and Kelcie Waller (’03) also pose at the Terry Winter Formal. Geneva Greene (’07), Ryan Carty (’09, ’13), Jin Kim (’10) at the Grady Alumni Centennial Celebration in Washington, D.C. Austin Nowlin (’13, ’14), Alyssa Abe (’14), Emily Bell (’14), Jessica Abe (’14) at the Terry Winter Formal. Jodene White (’09) and Alex Strang (’07, ’12) stop for a photo at the Women of UGA Holiday Luncheon.