UGA Profiles - Winter 2014

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Winter 2014

Profiles Winter 2014

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UGA Extension emphasizes radon, poison awareness during Children’s Health Month Becoming a parent can mean being hyper aware of the dangers household items—like the stairs, electrical outlets and sharp table corners—can pose to a child. However, some the biggest threats to a child's safety aren't visible to the naked eye.

This fall, University of Georgia Extension agents started working with local hospitals to help teach new moms and dads about the dangers of radon.

They also teamed up with parents for Children's Health Month in October to work to keep Georgians aware of the environmental dangers that could be in their homes—from radon, lead paint and poisonous household chemicals.

"We want to make sure that parents have the tools and information needed to keep their homes healthy and safe for their families," said Pamela Turner, a UGA Extension housing specialist in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. "We want children to be safe in the environment where they live, where they play, where they sleep—to have that comfort of being at home."

For more information about keeping potentially harmful products—including lead and household poisons—out of the hands of children, see www.fcs. uga.edu/ext/housing or call 800-ASK-UGA1. For more information about UGA Extension's radon awareness program, see www.ugaradon.org or email Becky Chenhall at chenhall@uga.edu or Morgan Barnett at morgan22@uga.edu. Read the full article here.

GRU/UGA Medical Partnership awarded AAMC Shining Star

By Alison McCullick, Director of Outreach and Communication, GRU/UGA Medical Partnership

T

he Georgia Regents University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership Community Health program received one of the Shining Star Awards presented by the Group on Regional Medical Campuses at the Association of American Medical Colleges' annual meeting in Philadelphia Nov. 1. The Shining Star Awards highlight outstanding contributions to medical education on regional medical campuses.

Directed by Dr. Laurel Murrow, the Community Health program at the Medical Partnership received the Star of Community Achievement Award. Developed in part to teach the precepts of community health through service learning, the program also contributes to the social mission of a partnership medical campus situated on the campus of the state of Georgia's land-grant university.

The Community Health program develops teams that consist of eight medical students working with two faculty coaches and a community supervisor. Throughout the first year of medical studies, teams are linked with a community agency to learn about the population the agency serves and how the agency's mission fits within the needs of the greater community. In collaboration with a community supervisor and the agency, the students develop and execute a project that benefits the agency and their clientele.

For more information about the GRU/UGA Medical Partnership see http://medicalpartnership.usg.edu.

Left: Medical Partnership students host a Teddy Bear Clinic for local elementary school students to learn about good health practices and encourage regular pediatric check-ups.

"The Community Health Program demonstrates how exceptional students guided by distinguished faculty can have a transformative impact on our state. I congratulate the students, faculty and administration of the GRU/UGA Medical Partnership on this well-deserved honor."

Interim UGA Provost Libby V. Morris

"In this true process of servicelearning, students begin to understand the complex nature of health problems affecting the local area while delivering much needed services to specific populations.

Dr. Barbara L. Schuster, GRU/UGA Medical Partnership Campus Dean

"A key component of the program's success arises from the strong relationships with community agencies established each year. The Community Health Program serves as an innovative means for the Medical Partnership to achieve its social mission through community collaboration."

Dr. Laurel Murrow, assistant professor and clinical educator at the GRU/UGA Medical Partnership

"The Community Health program helps these future physicians immerse themselves in the community where they live and learn and begin to take a leadership role in addressing health issues such as obesity and depression that affect essentially all of us."

Dr. Peter F. Buckley, Dean of Medical College of Georgia at GRU

UGA Graduates Live Far and Wide

By Nicole L. Younker, Ph.D., Director of Alumni Career Services, UGA Career Center

It doesn't matter where you are, doesn't matter where you go, If it's a million miles away or just a mile up the road Take it in, take it with you when you go Who says you can't go home?"

Bon Jovi, "Who Says You Can't Go Home"

Y

oung adults nationwide may have used Bon Jovi’s lyrics as an excuse to settle back into the familiar nest of home after college, but you won’t see as many UGA graduates under mom and dad’s roof after walking under the arch.

Although the majority of UGA students have hometowns in the state of Georgia, many of them do not return to their hometown after graduation.

Employment and graduate school are the most influential factors in new graduate decisions about where to go after college. Seven of the top 10 graduate school choices for UGA alumni are in the state of Georgia, but employment has taken UGA grads all over the globe.

For the class of 2012, fewer than half of the top 10 out-of-state destinations were even in the Southeast.

Popular destinations in bordering states included

The dots represent number of alumni from each state

Charlotte, NC, Nashville, TN, Charleston, SC, and Memphis, TN. Rounding out the list of major cities for UGA grads were Boston, MA, Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, Dallas, TX, New York, NY, and Washington, D.C., according to the UGA Career Center’s 2012 post graduation survey.

A 2012 study of relocation patterns among recent UGA graduates even discovered a correlation between moving out of state and increased happiness, with those respondents reporting a higher quality of life and higher job satisfaction.

For Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, “there’s no place like home,” but UGA graduates have learned to "take it with them when they go." Wherever Bulldogs land, they can get involved with their local UGA alumni chapter and never miss a beat!

The dots represent number of alumni currently residing in each state

Events 2/7 Guest Lecture: Charles W. Mills More information 2/8 Men's Basketball vs. Texas A&M 2/9 Women's Basketball vs. Mississippi State 2/13 African American Choral Ensemble More information December 12/21-22 Russian Ballet Theater: The Nutcracker More information 12/28 Women's Basketball vs. Illinois Alumni Discounted Athletics Tickets More information January 1/5 Women's Basketball vs. Tennessee 1/9 Second Thursday Concert Series: Evgeny Rivkin, piano More information 1/11 Men's Basketball vs. Alabama 1/12 Women's Basketball vs. Texas A&M 1/16 Women's Basketball vs. Arkansas 1/17 Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Breakfast More information 1/17 Gymnastics vs. LSU

1/18 Men's Basketball vs. Arkansas 1/22 Men's Basketball vs. South Carolina 1/23 State of the University Address 1/25 Exhibition: Art Interrupted: Advancing American Art and the Politics of Cultural Diplomacy More information

2/14 Gymnastics vs. Missouri 2/15 Men's Basketball vs. Ole Miss 2/16 Women's Basketball vs. Florida 2/20 Women's Basketball vs. LSU 2/21 2014 Alumni Leadership Assembly More information

1/25 2014 Bulldog 100 Celebration More information

2/25 Men's Basketball vs. Missouri

1/27-31 UGA Founders Week

2/26 - 3/1 Core Concert Dance Company More information

1/29 Men's Basketball vs. Vanderbilt 1/30 Women's Basketball vs. Kentucky FEbruary 2/1 Gymnastics vs. Kentucky 2/6 Men's Basketball vs. LSU

UGA Calendars ยง Check out the complete Alumni Association Calendar. ยง Events at the UGA Performing Arts Center. ยง Only select athletic events listed above. See the complete athletics schedule. ยง There are lectures, seminars, and guests presenters on a wide variety of topics nearly everyday.

See the full listing of UGA events open to alumni.

meet

Dr. Adam Eichelberger Adam Eichelberger ’03 DVM, Veterinary Medicine Director of Animal Health Programs, State of South Carolina

G

rowing up on a farm in South Carolina, Dr. Adam Eichelberger always knew that he would become a veterinarian, which is why graduating from the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 is one of his proudest moments. With a degree in-hand, he knew he was making a difference after his first client thanked him sincerely for treating his horse.

As a horse veterinarian, Eichelberger spent a lot of

time driving hundreds of miles between calls treating animals throughout South Carolina. He expected to treat horses or cows for the rest of his career but, he became curious if there was a better way to use his time to constantly help clients, rather than just a few every day.

A decade later, Eichelberger is influencing the veterinary profession as the director of Animal Health Programs for the state of South Carolina. In this role,

he works for the South Carolina State Veterinarian’s Office to enforce state regulation issues with the livestock and poultry industries.

Regarding his role with the state, Eichelberger says, “I can provide outreach and service to many more people, and I feel like I am making a difference in people’s lives, whether it’s farmers, veterinarians, 4-H'ers, or people in my office.” He adds, “Hearing people say ‘thanks’ is when I know I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.”

In recognition of his hard work in the veterinary field, the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine presented him with the Young Achiever Award during their 50th Annual Veterinary Conference and Alumni Weekend.

“Contributing to our universities is critical. It made a difference in our lives so we can now make a difference in other people’s lives,” says Eichelberger.

He notes that, in his time at UGA, he gained both academic and life experiences important to him and his career. He believes that a contribution to UGA ensures that current students and graduates are able to receive outstanding opportunities, noting that his time, “spent in Athens and UGA degree continue to be relevant on a daily basis.” He stays connected to UGA through constant communication for veterinary purposes, continuing education opportunities and reaching out to recent graduates from the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine who seek to work in South Carolina. He also returns to Athens when possible for alumni events and stops by the Alpha Psi house, the veterinary fraternity of which he was a member.

It is easy to see how contributions to UGA are an investment in students who are committed to making a difference.

Dr. Eichelberger recalls many fond memories of his time at the University of Georgia. In addition to studying and treating animals in the Veterinary Hospital, he notes that one of his most memorable experiences was playing for the flag football championship in Sanford Stadium.

Meghna Davé

meet

Meghna Davé ’09 BBA International Business Founder, Maelu Designs www.maeludesigns.com

M

eghna Davé took a leap of faith, and the results have been fruitful. Davé graduated from the University of Georgia in 2009 and began consulting in New York. Though she enjoyed her job in the corporate world, she didn’t feel completely fulfilled and decided to take time off. Her break led her to a backpacking trip in Asia, where she visited a small village in India. Because of her family’s Indian background, she was vaguely familiar with a unique and natural method of dyeing fabrics that the artists of this village used. While staying in the village, she developed a relationship with a family of artisans and learned the craft. “I am a textile fiend, so I was in heaven,” she says.

Upon returning to the United States, Davé began to sew scarves for friends as gifts. With the encouragement of her loved ones, she opened a successful shop on Etsy. As demand for her scarves grew, she came to a crossroads - it had always been her desire to have a fulfilling career with a flexible lifestyle; work that she could feel good about while being able to raise a family someday. She began to realize that she could develop a socially responsible business and work for herself. With these ideas, she founded Maelu Designs.

Maelu Designs is a small company with a business model of sustainability. Davé creates handmade scarves and headbands made with sustainable textiles and natural fibers and vegetable dyes. National e-commerce websites, such as FAB, One Kings Lane, Scout Mob and BRIKA, recognize the company's appeal. Her goal for the company is to sustain it as a small business that gives her flexibility while focusing on social responsibility. A portion of profits from Maelu is donated to the Global Fund for Women.

So far, the most challenging part of owning her own business is being a “one-woman show” and having all of the creative, and sometimes stressful, decisions fall on her shoulders. Davé plans to hire employees next year, beginning with part-time help for administrative work. She also has plans to expand the product to include bags and other projects.

When looking back to her college experience, Davé says, “UGA was really good to me.” She took advantage of the resources available, including study abroad, scholarships and campus involvement, which she says groomed her for success in the business world.

She stays in contact with many UGA alumni; in fact, while living in New York City, three of her roommates were UGA alumni and colleagues whom she met through the Arch Society. Davé was impressed that there are networks for UGA graduates all over the world—even in Shanghai, where some of her friends studied abroad. “Everyone is willing to reach out and help other people and create a network,” she says.

Now that she is back in Georgia, she tries to attend UGA activities and a football game annually.

Aside from Global Fund for Women, Davé also contributes to the University of Georgia. She gives because of her great college education and the many resources she received while a student. “It’s a worthy cause to give back to the institution that has given so much to you,” she says. “I want others to have opportunities, and those are able to happen because people keep giving.”

Davé truly knows plenty about giving, from giving to causes she believes in, giving back to the environment by using a sustainable business practices, or giving back to her alma mater.

Profiles Dantarius Wright BBA ’13 Finance Financial Analyst Kimberly-Clark Corporation Roswell, GA Currently reading… The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald In 10 years... I hope to have established a scholarship foundation for high school students looking to attend college. It is my hope to limit the amount in loans a high school student has to take on in order to pay for college.

In addition, I hope to have a senior leadership position with best consumer goods company in the world: Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

Favorite part of your job… Although I haven't started my job as of yet, the thing that I am looking forward to would be traveling across the country to different locations, and coming up with creative ideas on how the company can cut down on overall costs. The fact that I will have interactions with different executives is also a plus!

Great UGA memory… Attending my first Georgia/Florida football game was my greatest UGA memory. It was a great time hanging with my friends, and taking a much needed break from classes for the weekend. To top it all off, upon winning the game, we participated in the greatest chant ever with other UGA students. It was truly an amazing moment.

Kacie Darden: Race Across America The first thing that one sees on the “Power, Pedals, and Ponytails” blog is this quote by Susan B. Anthony: “Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel. The picture of free, untrammeled womanhood.” How fitting, then, for Kacie Darden and Dani Grabol, a (literally) dynamic duo who participated in Race Across America in June.

Darden, who graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS and MS in 2005, is a middle school science teacher who began competing in endurance events in 2008. Though she has completed four Ironman triathalons, one could argue that Race Across America is her most amazing feat. Nicknamed “The World’s Toughest Bicycle Race,” the Race Across America is a 3000-mile adventure that Darden and Grabol raced in a relay format, setting the new twoperson female record for this race in 8 days, 2 hours, and 35 minutes.

The duo raced under the team name “Power, Pedals, and Ponytails” to raise money for Camp Twin Lakes, which is a network of camps in Georgia providing life-changing camp experiences each year to thousands of children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and other life challenges. Power, Pedals, and Ponytails has raised over $37,000 for Camp Twin Lakes.

Have any UGA traditions of your own? I love going to North Campus during the summer time. Every other weekend, I take a little time to go there as the sun is setting, to think. That part of the campus is so beautiful to me, and it is a great place to go if you need a little relaxation. I normally go there to reflect, read a book, or listen to music. I may take a nap from time-to-time, as well.

Inspired by… my mother, Sherry Wright. She has been so instrumental in helping me succeed in school. Without her support, I do not think I would have attended college, period. She is truly the angel that watches over me, and I thank God for providing me with such a loving parent in her.

Stay up-to-date with Power, Pedals, and Ponytails on their Facebook page. Go Kacie!

40 Under 40 honored at Georgia Aquarium Elizabeth Elmore, UGA Alumni Association, Asst. Director of Communications The UGA Alumni Association hosted the third annual 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon on Sept. 19 at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. This annual gathering recognizes 40 outstanding alumni under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions to business, leadership, research, the arts, community, education and philanthropy. In addition, they maintain a commitment to the University of Georgia and uphold the Pillars of

the Arch - wisdom, justice and moderation.

This year’s class was selected from a pool of approximately 500 applicants nominated by friends, family, business associates and UGA faculty and staff.

For a full listing of the honorees, visit the Alumni Association's website.

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Clockwise from top middle: Ashley Mays and Lauren Wheeler '09 showing their UGA pride at Yacht Week in Croatia; For their first anniversary, Burl Johnson '07 and Jessica Torrence Johnson '06 traveled through London, Paris and Rome, representing UGA at each of the sites; Although a law student at the University of Tennessee, Marriah Page '13 represents her undergraduate alma mater at the UGA vs. UT game; Jeremy Santiago '09 serves at sea as a Supply Corps Officer with the United States Navy; Mara Maddox '96 and Alexander tailgate for a UGA football game; Samantha Kacho ‘08 is pictured with Nina Dobrev on the set of "The Vampire Diaries" where Samantha co-starred in the hit series.

On the cover: (Top left): Cain Harrelson '08 traveled to Nepal and made the treacherous journey through the Himalayas, where he "Called the Dawgs" from the "top of the world." (Top right): Tosha '05 and Dwayne Wright '06 celebrate their first Halloween as a family of four with their children and future Bulldogs Amaya and Quince. (Bottom row left to right): Cameron Sims, Heather Sims '99, Brooke Sims and Renita Reddy '00 celebrate Reddy's UGA football-themed baby shower; Kristen Vauiso '07 and Haley Galvin '08 tailgate before a UGA football game; Nikki '07 and Richard O'Neil '05 pose at Cloud Gate in Chicago.