UGA Profiles - Spring 2016

Profiles T H E

U N I V E R S I T Y

O F

G E O R G I A

®

THE E-MAGAZINE FOR RECENT GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA • SPRING 2016

IN THIS ISSUE...

• Featured alumna: Kaitlin Miller (AB ’13, AB ’13, ABJ ’13) • “Give That Dawg a Bone” card writing campaign • Meet our student callers

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“I was always taught that we should give back. The University of Georgia has been a great resource for me in so many ways. Our alumni support makes UGA’s future so bright.”

C. Rex Richardson (BBA ’04, MBA ’09)

Make a GEORGIA FUND gift today

Help UGA better serve you!

The UGA Alumni Association is partnering with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to publish the first UGA alumni directory in more than five years. This directory will be a valuable tool for graduates seeking to reconnect with each other and will help the Alumni Association more efficiently communicate exciting campus developments and upcoming activities across the country.

Be on the lookout for emails, postcards and phone calls from PCI to update your information for your entry in the directory. Once completed, the UGA Alumni Directory will be available for purchase by graduates of the university. Alumni choosing to purchase a published directory will also make a gift to the UGA Foundation as part of the transaction. Questions? Call PCI’s customer service desk at (800) 982-1590 or visit alumni.uga.edu/directory Thank you in advance for your support, Bulldogs!

Give That Dawg a Bone!

Young alumni are helping prospective Bulldogs learn what sets UGA apart from the rest

What are newly accepted students asking themselves when deciding whether to commit to the University of Georgia?

Of course, obvious questions come to mind, like: Will I fit in? Is UGA too big? Will I be happy? Luckily, these high school students heard from alumni like you through the “Give That Dawg a Bone” effort this year.

More than 405 alumni volunteers mailed handwritten cards this spring to 7,100 newly-admitted students in 40 states, Washington D.C. and Ontario. These notes enthusiastically explain why UGA is a great choice and encourage students to commit to our university.

“When I first heard about the ‘Give That Dawg a Bone’ card writing campaign, I thought back to all of the emotions I felt as a high school senior about to make an enormous decision,” says Bryan Miller (BBA ’08, AB ’08). “What

ultimately led me to UGA wasn’t the impressive number of high-achieving undergraduates nor statistics on postgraduation salaries. It was the intangible sense of ‘fit’ that I felt when talking to current students, walking down Sanford Drive and meeting faculty.”

As a former “Give That Dawg a Bone” card recipient, Chris Godfrey (BBA ’11) received his card and it helped him make the choice to attend UGA. He now enjoys the chance to share with students how they can get involved and take advantage of the opportunities to grow while at UGA.

“By writing letters to incoming students, I think we can positively make an impact on their perception of UGA and what they are joining—an active community and network of students, alumni and faculty who help each other through education and beyond,” says Godfrey.

Bryan Miller (BBA ’08, AB ’08)

Majors: Management Information Systems, Spanish Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

FIRST YEAR

29,980 applicants applicants 29,980

for Admitted for the theFreshman First Year Class Estimated number

of incoming

1st year students

APPLICANTS

Admitted approximately Admitted

12,224 students 12,224 students

5,300

Stay tuned for more stats on the academic achievements of UGA’s newly admitted students!

UGA’s incoming class of students continues to set new records for academic quality. Although the University of Georgia has no rigid standards for GPAs or test scores, competition for admission is stronger than ever.

“I would say to other UGA graduates that there is a steady stream of top talent entering UGA each year. This card writing campaign is one of the many ways to tell these top students that UGA is a place to grow, achieve and belong,” advocates Miller. He adds, “Receiving handwritten, stamped mail is a rarity today. With each card, I can create an individual connection with a student, showing them that UGA is a place where you can truly belong.”

“Give That Dawg a Bone” participation is just one of the many ways Miller and Godfrey stay connected to their alma mater. Both are recent donors and active participants in

Terry Third Thursday events. Miller encourages alumni to

“find a way to give back to the University that works for you and make it happen!”

Interested in writing to newly-admitted students in the future? Visit alumni.uga.edu/admissions/ to get involved.

“find a way to give back to the University that works for you and make it happen!”

Chris Godfrey (BBA ’11)

Major: Management

Hometown: Powder Springs, Georgia

Alumni Profiles CURRENTLY READING...House of Prayer Number 2: A Writer’s Journey Home by Mark Richard. It’s a beautiful memoir. I’m reading it for one of my classes in graduate school.

IN 10 YEARS...I’m not sure what I’ll be doing! I’m currently at Vanderbilt University and interested in chaplaincy work. Who knows, though? Life is full of surprises!

FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB...since my primary ‘job’ right now is being a graduate student, I would say that I love having the time to dive into an area of study that fascinates me.

GREATEST UGA MEMORY...I have such fond memories of time spent on North Campus. It was my favorite hangout spot on pretty days...and I loved all the puppies.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY UGA TRADITIONS OF YOUR OWN?...I went to Snelling as much as possible as a freshman because I loved the warmth and kindness of an employee there named Ms. Sandra.

Claire Coenen (AB ’11) Religion

ADVICE TO CURRENT STUDENTS...Seek out mentors.

WHY I GIVE...UGA gave me great friends, mentors and professors. The people at UGA make it what it is. I want to support the UGA community.

CURRENTLY READING...Joshua Angrist’s Mostly Harmless Econometrics (#nerdalert) IN 10 YEARS...I hope to be continuing my research on the policies and practices impacting higher education.

FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB...Wearing my Dawg gear around University of Florida’s campus (where I am currently an assistant professor of higher education).

GREATEST UGA MEMORY...Meeting my wife during my second year as a PhD student within the Institute of Higher Education.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY UGA TRADITIONS OF YOUR OWN?...Every time I am back on campus I make it a point to stop at Herty Field. I also make sure that I say hello to the amazing professors and staff within the Institute of Higher Education.

Dennis Kramer (PHD ’14) Higher Education Policy

ADVICE TO CURRENT STUDENTS...Make the most of your college experience.

Engage in research, join clubs and organizations that are outside of your comfort zone, and take a moment each day to take in the beauty of UGA’s campus. There is not a better institution to attend.

WHY I GIVE...Because being a part of UGA is being a part of the Dawg family. It does not matter where you come from, once you step on campus you are home. I want as many students to have that similar feeling I had when I stepped on campus my first day.

CURRENTLY READING...Casino Royale by Ian Fleming.

IN 10 YEARS...I will have my own design firm.

FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB...Designing parks, trails and planning for future generations.

GREATEST UGA MEMORY...Fall game days in Athens.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY UGA TRADITIONS OF YOUR OWN?...Hosting game watching events with UGA’s Philly Alumni Club.

ADVICE TO CURRENT STUDENTS...Work harder than you feel you need to and be more involved than you want to. It’ll pay off in the end.

WHY I GIVE...My wife and I like to celebrate our university and help current students succeed in every way possible.

Matthew Bradley (BLA ’08) Landscape Architecture

CURRENTLY READING...The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen. The book explains how companies miss out on new waves of innovation. And, it provides practical examples of companies’ successes and failures when it comes to innovation and new ways of thinking.

IN 10 YEARS...I trust that my family will be in good health and spirit and I hope to be celebrating the academic and extracurricular successes of my children. I look forward to being that overly excited parent in the stands cheering on his kid. I also hope to have checked off a few destinations from my bucket list, one being Bora Bora!

FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB...Seeing the tangible impact and results of employees’ performance from the knowledge, skills and tools that my team delivers to them on a consistent basis.

Willie Mazyck (BSED ’04, MED, MED ’06, MBA ’14) Technology Studies Institutional Technology

GREATEST UGA MEMORY...It’s hard to name just one. UGA affords so many experiences. I’d have to say lettering in Track and Field. Growing up, I always wanted to compete as a NCAA Division I student athlete. Competing in the strongest collegiate conference was a dream come true! And then there’s always Saturdays “Between the Hedges!”

ADVICE TO CURRENT STUDENTS...Stay committed to achieving academic excellence, but also take advantage of the phenomenal extracurricular experiences being offered to you. Always look for ways to build your network; it will bode well for you post-UGA. There isn’t a place that I’ve visited or worked where there isn’t a UGA alumnus present.

WHY I GIVE...I feel obligated to give back because UGA is part of the reason I celebrate the successes that I have today.

Upcoming Events APRIL 4/15 2016 UGA Alumni Awards Luncheon More 4/15 UGA Night in Six Flags Over Georgia More 4/15-4/16 MPA 50th Anniversary Activities More 4/16 G-Day Game More 4/17 Women’s Tennis vs. South Carolina More

4/18 UGA in Texas: Houston Alumni Reception More 4/19 UGA in Texas: Dallas Alumni Reception More 4/20 UGA in Texas: Austin Alumni Reception More 4/26 Richmond Bulldogs After Business Hours More 4/29-5/1 2016 Alumni Seminar: UGA Newsmakers More

2016 Alumni

Seminar

April 29-May 1, 2016 This year’s program highlights UGA Newsmakers, individuals whose work has been in national and international headlines, including keynote speaker, award-winning journalist and alumna Deborah Roberts (ABJ ’82).

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! 2017 Bulldog 100 Nominate an outstanding grad today!

REGISTER

Get Details

MAY

5/16 UGA in Savannah More

JUNE

5/1 Softball vs. Ole Miss More

5/17 Baseball vs. GA Tech More

6/8 2016 Alumni Career Fair More

5/3 Georgia Remembers: A Candelight Memorial Service More

5/25 Alumni Virtual Resume Critique More

6/17 Young Alumni Night at SweetWater Brewing Company More

5/7 Gardens of the World Ball More 5/10 Richmond Terrapin Tasting More 5/13 Spring 2016 Undergraduate Commencement More

Young Alumni Night at SweetWater Brewing Company

2016 Alumni Association Awards Luncheon Friday, June 17, 2016 9 p.m. to midnight Mix and mingle with hundreds of other young alumni from UGA. more

Friday, April 15

Meet Our Student Callers Jared Marcotte ’17 Hometown: Marietta, Georgia Major: Finance and International Business Favorite part of calling? Getting to share my excitement and passion for UGA with individuals who also share this feeling.

Why others should give? I believe others should give to the University of Georgia because this university values its students and provides so many outstanding opportunities, allowing them to grow academically as well as preparing them for the competitive job market ahead of them. The gifts that individuals supply make all this possible.

Favorite call? One caller chose to donate to the Georgia Fund because he received a scholarship thanks to the Georgia Fund. He mentioned he wouldn’t be where he was without that help. Hearing that made me realize the work I was doing was tangible and truly helpful to students.

Catherine Garrett ’16 Hometown: Athens, Georgia Major: Health Promotion Favorite part of calling? I enjoy speaking to UGA’s alumni and getting to hear where their degree has taken them.

Why others should give? UGA is such a terrific place, and giving back to UGA ensures students will continue to have a top-notch educational experience.

Favorite call? I spoke with an alumna who graduated with my current major. It was refreshing to know she was successful and enjoyed her career path—plus she gave!

These students will be calling alumni to tell you about all of the incredible reasons to give to the University of Georgia.

Kimberly Estick ’18 Hometown: Conyers, Georgia Major: Pharmaceutical Sciences Favorite part of calling? Having the opportunity to speak to different people from across the country, and because it helps students like me.

Why others should give? It really does help hardworking and deserving students. Personally, if I didn’t receive a scholarship funded by the Georgia Fund, I doubt I would be able to attend UGA. Favorite call? After donating to the Georgia Fund, an alumnus told me that if I ever needed an internship before pharmacy school I should give him a call.

Favorite UGA experience? I was riding an Orbit Bus last fall before the Auburn game, and the bus driver was playing Redcoat Band tunes.

When our fight song began, everyone began singing along. There is an undeniable sense of unity between the students here at Georgia.

Trisha Perry ’17 Hometown: Folkston, Georgia Major: Sociology Favorite part of calling? I enjoy talking to alumni—specifically those who majored in sociology—to learn from their experiences.

Why others should give? Giving greatly benefits students through study abroad opportunities and scholarships.

Favorite call? My favorite calls are with former employees of the calling center. Their encouragement and donations are uplifting.

Favorite UGA experience? For the final in my freshman year Odyssey class, “Social Media and Flash Dance,” my classmates and I danced three times in the middle of campus and walked away as if nothing happened.

Tennessee and Alabama Dawgs! Take action TODAY to ensure that a UGA plate is offered in your states.

The alumni chapters in Tennessee and Alabama have rallied together to campaign for University of Georgia license plates. Each state requires that 1,000 cars be pre-registered to make these tags available. Help us reach our goal and pre-register by the deadlines below!

PLACE MONTH DECAL HERE

Saddle up, Bulldogs, because the University of Georgia is coming to Texas for a series of alumni receptions in Houston, Dallas and Austin. All alumni, friends and parents are invited to attend. A portion of your registration cost will support UGA student scholarships.

TENNESSEE

PLACE YEAR DECAL HERE

G A

Get the UGA Tennessee Plate University of georgia Deadline: June 30, 2016 *$10 of each pre-registration is a Georgia Fund gift to support university-wide scholarships ®

Get the UGA Alabama Plate Deadline: October 31, 2016

PLACE MONTH DECAL HERE

PLACE YEAR DECAL HERE

dwgfan

HOUSTON

with President Jere W. Morehead (JD ’80)

April 18 The Houstonian Hotel 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

DALLAS

with President Jere W. Morehead (JD ’80) and Head Football Coach Kirby Smart (BBA ’98)

April 19 Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

AUSTIN

with Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Kelly Kerner

April 20 Westwood Country Club 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

USE #UGA16 TO WISH THE CLASS OF 2016 GOOD LUCK ON MAY 13!

To register, please visit alumni.uga.edu/texas

#UGA16

Q&A with Kaitlin Miller

(AB ’13, AB ’13, ABJ ’13)

Hospitality Coordinator for Chick-fil-A Corporate Majors: Economics, International Affairs and Public Relations Hometown: Stone Mountain, Georgia

KAITLIN MILLER is currently the Hospitality Coordinator for Chick-fil-A Corporate in Atlanta, Georgia. She shows her support to UGA through donations to the Terry College’s Institute for Leadership Advancement S. Truett Cathy Memorial Campaign. As an undergraduate, Kaitlin was involved in Palladia, Blue Key Initiatives, Dean William Tate Honor Society and the Honors Program. Kaitlin was also a Visitors Center Tour Leader and was chosen as the 2013 Commencement Speaker (watch her speech here!)

What attracted you to UGA? The incredible range of opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom—from relationships to studies to campus involvement—and the number of doors it could open for me in the future.

People would be surprised to know that…I’ve never had a 10-year (or really even a five-year) life plan. I’ve learned that the best journeys can only be taken step-by-step in faith, and that they lead to destinations we rarely expect and are far better than any we could have planned for on our own.

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Possibly Cindy Lou Who, because I really love Christmas.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done? Make decisions to turn down great opportunities for the sake of other opportunities that were better.

I simply cannot live without…Jesus, my amazing family and friends, and (about three daily cups of) coffee.

I give to UGA because…It’s a reinvestment in the place that invested so much in me.

What’s the most important thing you learned at UGA? That the undertakings that demand the most effort and courage are often the most rewarding, that you can learn something from every single person you meet, and that the truth is rarely popular, but is unquestioningly worth standing for—because it will always ultimately be brought to light.

Three things that inspire you…The Bible, people who lead and serve with humility, and stories of those who selflessly sacrifice earthly comforts for deeply meaningful causes that will long outlast them.

Describe your UGA experience in five words…Educated by relationships, challenges, adventures.

UGA Faculty/Staff with the greatest impact on you…Dr. Jan Barham, Dr. Christine Franklin, Eric Johnson, Dr. Bill McDonald, Dr. David Mustard

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

CLICK TO SUBMIT Clockwise from top left: Brooke Simon (AB ’08) smiles during her first Ironman Triathlon. Her team raised over $250,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society during its training season. Vy Do (BS ’10) is pictured among the elementary school students he taught while in Xi’an, China. Ashley Henson Evans (ABJ ’05, MA ’08) and her husband Brant Evans (BA ’06, MED ’08) pose in front of Machu Picchu after a five-day hike through the Andes Mountains. Andrew Williams (ABJ ’11, BBA ’11), Jim Hollandsworth (AB ’02) and Ross Bradley stand outside Your Pie Snellville with school supplies collected by The Path Project, a nonprofit led by Jim and his wife, Melinda Hollandsworth (BS ’99). Amblessed Onyema (BS ’14), Tejumola Apata (BS ’14), Maureen Egbosiuba (BSA ’14), Stephany Imansi-Jacob (BS ’14) gather to celebrate Tejumola and Maureen’s next journey—medical school at Morehouse School of Medicine. Jordan Wilson (BSW ’13), Sadie Lambert (BS ’13) and Alison Prater (BSED ’13) stop for a photo in Vik, Iceland, one of many stops on their six-day road trip.