Spring 2016 Chairman's Letter

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER / SPRING 2016

Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe that the end of the school year is nearly here. As we get ready to send off another talented group of students, it’s important to also take the opportunity to celebrate our achievements and reflect upon our future goals.

As we prepare for the public phase of the comprehensive capital campaign, UGA is refreshing its visual identity to be more consistent and functional. Our communications teams are also building the overall strategic brand and messaging for

both the the campaign and our institution at large. Crucial to these efforts is input from our trustees, alumni and donors. Questions, comments and recommendations can be directed to Karin Usry at kusry@uga.edu.

The foundation’s generous support has allowed learning at UGA to expand outside the classroom and we are thrilled to see that not only have these opportunities expanded but participation has also grown. The fact that more students than ever are participating in events like the CURO Symposium points to the success of the university’s continued efforts to attract talented, ambitious and passionate students.

Thank you as always for your dedication to the University of Georgia. We look forward to seeing you in St. Simons Island for the UGA Foundation Spring Board Meeting on June 16 and 17. Until then, go Dawgs!

Sincerely,

Ken Jackson Chairman

Campus News Board of Visitors Welcomes Largest Group of New Members in History Please help us welcome the largest group of new members to UGA’s Board of Visitors in its history. These 32 new members are experts from a variety of backgrounds and include emeritus trustee Justice Robert Benham of the Georgia Supreme Court. We are grateful that they have signed on to help spread the university’s mission and strengthen its ties with elected officials, business leaders and community organizers.

We invite all of you to attend the next Board of Visitors meeting on Wednesday, May 11 at the Buckhead Club in Atlanta. It will focus on UGA’s Experiential Learning Initiative. For more information, see here.

New Members and their Business Affiliations Include: Brian Beckwith, Formation Capital LLC Robert Benham, Georgia Supreme Court Jennifer Bennecke, Jenson Strategic Partners Rudy Beserra, Coca-Cola Otis Brumbly III, Marietta Daily Journal and Neighbor Newspapers Rodney Bullard, Chick-fil-A Foundation Natalie Childs, community volunteer Timothy Echols, Public Service Commission Amanda Eversole, Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Aaron James, Georgia Aquarium Kim Jones, Sweetwater Brewing Company Mary Pat Matheson, Atlanta Botanical Gardens Geoffrey Meacham, Barclays Ceasar Mitchell, Atlanta City Council Hala Moddelmog, Metro Atlanta Chamber

Jann Moore, Caterpillar Inc. Brand Morgan, Brand Banking Company James Morgan III, J.L. Morgan Company Inc. Michael Potts, Lancope Elizabeth Ralls, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Elizabeth Richards, community volunteer Christian Robinson, J.P. Morgan Samuel Smith, Rainmaker and Associates Inc. Richard Stamper, Fineline Technologies Catherine Tabor, Sparkfly Charles Tarbutton, Sandersville Railroad Company Ryan Teague, Office of Governor Nathan Deal Kirby Thompson, SunTrust Bank Jane Thorpe, Alston & Bird LLP Pat Upshaw-Monteith, Leadership Atlanta Neil Williamson, Cox Radio Atlanta Scott Williamson, Coca-Cola

Emeritus trustee and former Coca-Cola CEO Doug Ivester (BBA ’69) hosts reunion for Deer Run Fellows

For the past six years, Doug Ivester has graciously opened his doors to promising students from the Terry College of Business for a unique learning experience on his plantation in South Georgia.

On April 2, the Deer Run Fellows celebrated with a reunion at LRG Provisions in Athens, GA.

Each semester Deer Run Fellows are selected through a competitive The Deer Run Fellows reunion at LRG Provisions in Athens, Georgia. application process and, once chosen, attend on-campus classes led by the Dean of the Terry College of Business, Benjamin Ayers, and centered around a weekend retreat at Ivester’s property. The retreat teaches important business, leadership and goal-setting skills through engaging activities unique to the operations of a modern plantation.

Former Deer Run Fellow Kate Houghton (BBA ’12) said that having the opportunity to ask Ivester about his achievements and challenges in such a relaxed and fun environment made ‘the experience so much more impactful.’

UGA is greatly indebted to Ivester and all supporters who provide opportunities like this for student learning to expand outside the classroom.

Photos from the Deer Run Fellows retreat on Doug Ivester’s plantation in Leary, Georgia.

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government to help set strategic goals

Last fall, I was pleased to appoint Mr. Neal Quirk to chair the Strategic Planning Committee to help lead the first revisions to the foundation’s strategic plan since 2011. The Strategic Planning Committee met in February and through a very productive, informative and engaging meeting, set the tone for what should be a successful planning process.

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government has been brought on board to assist building a working set of data that will help guide the Strategic Planning committee. Please make yourself as available as possible for an interview with the Carl Vinson Institute’s team as we seek your input. The committee will meet again in May and will present an update to the board at the Annual Meeting in St. Simons.

A heartfelt thank you to Neal and the committee as they carry out this important task to create a strong and relevant strategic plan for the future of the foundation and, ultimately, the university.

Committee Members: Neal Quirk (Chair), Kathryn Ash, Ruth Bartlett, Terry Brown, Richard Courts, Cindy Coyle, John Crawford, Bill Douglas, Ken Jackson, Steve Jones, Kelly Kerner, John Mangan and Trey Paris.

Record Participation for Undergraduate Research Symposium The Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities had record-breaking participation at its Symposium at the beginning of April with over 400 students presenting original research. In years past, students have presented on an impressive array of topics, from the effect of a non-native species of seaweed on Georgia’s coastal habitats to the optimal locations for Georgia Power to capture solar energy.

This year’s symposium included research from Nikhil Gangasani ’18 on a potential vaccine for a strain of the

pneumococcal pathogen, bacteria that causes serious Faculty member Fikri Avci, left, and CURO student Nikhil illnesses such as pneumonia and meningitis.

Gangasani in the Center for Molecular Medicine’s lab.

Gangasani is a CURO Honors Scholarship recipient and started research within three months of arriving on campus his freshman year. The foundation’s support for CURO’s summer fellowship grants and research stipends means students like Gangasani are able to participate in research throughout their time on campus.

Previously, only honors students could apply to present at the Symposium, but this year more than half of the presenters were outside of the Honors Program. Next year, we are proud to report that CURO’s $1,000 undergraduate research stipends will be offered to 500 students, increasing from 250 students in years past.

Awards & Honors

UGA Honors student earns Carnegie Junior Research Fellowship

Foundation Fellow Bert Thompson Jr. ’16 has focused his studies at UGA on a hot-topic in recent U.S. foreign diplomacy: nuclear nonproliferation.

Thompson has been awarded the highly competitive Carnegie Junior Research Fellowship. After graduation, he will be joining 13 young scholars chosen from across the nation as research assistants at the Carnegie Endowment in International Peace.

As a Foundation Fellow, Thompson has participated in unique learning and leadership experiences across the globe, including studying in Washington D.C., Verona, Italy and Oxford, England.

Two UGA students receive Goldwater Scholarships

Foundation Fellow Catherine Callaway ’17 and Ramsey Scholar Morrison Nolan ’16 have each received 2016 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships, a nationallyrecognized award for undergraduate students in the STEM fields.

Callaway is a biology major with a concentration in neuroscience and is also pursuing a combined

master’s degree in artificial intelligence.

Nolan is pursuing degrees in geology and chemistry and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in invertebrate paleontology. His goal is to be a professor or museum curator.

Two additional UGA students—Aneek James and Hannah Mason—were given honorable mentions for their research in electrical engineering and biochemistry, respectively.

Foundation Fellow presents research in Washington, D.C.

Foundation Fellow and CURO Summer Fellowship recipient Erin Hollander ’17 presented research in the nation’s capital during the 20th annual Posters on the Hill.

Hollander’s research focuses on a bacterium that is especially important to the dairy industry.

“It was a cool opportunity to go to Capitol Hill and talk with politicians about science and share the real advances that are being made and how they can translate into benefits for everyone,” said Hollander.

Research News

Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd contributes to groundbreaking climate change study

developed a new H1N1 vaccine. They presented their data at the World Vaccine Congress in Washington, D.C.

This new vaccine protects against multiple strains of the virus at once making it more consistently-protective than previous vaccines.

This achievement brings researchers one step closer to developing a universal flu vaccine.

Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences, recently contributed to a new report on the effect climate change has on extreme weather events, such as heat waves, drought and major snow and ice storms. Dr. Shepherd took part in a 10-person committee which presented its findings to government officials in Washington D.C.

In their new report, Dr. Shepherd and his colleagues identify qualitative data that shows how climate change can influence the magnitude and frequency of extreme weather events. In the future, this research may protect communities from the damage these events can cause.

College for Family and Consumer Sciences identifies health cost for motivated at-risk youth

Dr. K.A.S. Wickrama, who holds the Georgia Athletic Association Professorship in Family and Consumer Sciences II, led a study which found that young adults who are fighting to overcome adversity are more likely to suffer from poor-health later in life.

Wickrama and his team found that the amount of stress experienced by young adults working to break out of a cycle of poverty increased their risk of developing diseases like diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Their findings show a need for more support for motivated young adults who strive to better their socioeconomic status.

Dr. Ted M. Ross leads the creation of a new vaccine for H1N1 influenza

Dr. Ted Ross, Director of the Center for Vaccines and Immunology and the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Infectious Diseases, and his team have

Upcoming Events

We hope each of you will be able to Return to the University of Georgia for the 2016 Alumni Seminar, an annual three-day educational gathering for UGA alumni and friends. This year’s program highlights UGA Newsmakers, individuals whose work has been in national and international headlines, including keynote speaker, journalist and alumna Deborah Roberts (ABJ ’82).

The weekend features lectures, tours and interactive seminars showcasing the best UGA has to offer. The entire UGA community—alumni, family, friends, and fans—is invited to participate and learn why UGA is one of America’s leading public universities. Register here.

April 29-May 1, 2016

May 11, 2016 11:30 AM

May 13, 2016 10:00 AM

May 13, 2016 7:00 PM

June 16-17, 2016

2016 Alumni Seminar: UGA Newsmakers University of Georgia Athens, GA More

UGA Board of Visitors Spring Meeting Buckhead Club 3344 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA More

Spring Commencement—Graduate Ceremony Stegeman Coliseum 100 Smith St Athens, GA More

Spring Commencement—Undergraduate Ceremony Sanford Stadium 100 Sanford Drive Athens, GA More

UGA Foundation Spring Meeting St. Simons Island, GA More

University of Georgia Foundation 394 South Milledge Ave., Suite 100 Athens, GA 30602-5582 (706) 542-6677 www.ugafoundation.org