Hi, it’s me again … and for the last time officially in this forum. So, I thought I would write something as a going away missive to express my thoughts, and my love and admiration for all of you.
First: thank you. Whether you know it or not, whether we had multiple deep conversations or a glancing interaction, every one of you has made a difference in my life by being part of this team, by perpetuating the culture, and by simply doing your job so that we can produce the outcomes we seek. Every one of you has impacted me, and I will be forever indebted. The good news is that while change is hard, change is always good. And despite the changes coming, we will always be each other’s UGA family—and that is what makes us great.
Over the last nine years, we have built something. Something important that makes a difference, changes lives and creates opportunities. The good news is that it was built to last. And although leadership changes, because of the fact that y'all built this culture, and own this culture, this team will continue to get better. Your outcomes will grow and your impact will transcend borders and generations.
Thank you feels such an insufficient expression of something that feels like a huge emotion. Gratitude, and recognition of that each and every day, is the best I can do. Thank you for working together through trials that we could never have imagined. Thank you for making my family and me part of your family. Thank you for making me a better man and a capable leader. I am indebted, and I am grateful beyond measure. Now, you’ve read my far-too-many words. It’s time for you to redirect your focus to the work, and time for you to move forward making this an even better place than it has become. It’s time.
Thank you all, and of course ... GO DAWGS! |
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Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations and Executive Director of the UGA Foundation |
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Here is an update on FY23 revenue committed as of this week compared to this time in previous years. You can click on the charts to view them larger. If you have questions, please email Jeremy Ransom. |
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Here is where we stand with regard to alumni engagement so far this year. You can click on the charts to view them larger. If you have questions, please email Meredith Gurley Johnson. |
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Alumni Board of Directors Meeting April 28 Stelling Study, Terry College of Business |
Spring Development Meeting May 15 Tate Grand Hall |
| Team Stewardship
May 18 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Veterinary Teaching Hospital |
UGAF Board of Trustees Spring Meeting June 7-9 Greensboro, Georgia |
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Events for Alumni + Friends |
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| 86th Annual Alumni Awards Luncheon April 21 | Athens, GA *Invite-only |
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Tell a Graduating Student about Senior Signature
Tell a '23 grad that time is running out to donate to Senior Signature and secure their name on the class plaque in Tate Plaza! |
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Make Some Noise for Dawg Day of Giving! |
We're officially two weeks away from UGA's 24-hour, campus-wide fundraising initiative and we're Calling All Dawgs—like you—to help spread the word to Bulldogs near and far. Be sure to check out the Dawg Day of Giving Digital Toolkit to find the resources you need to support these efforts, including messaging, photography, videos, graphics, photo props, window clings and more. If you have any Dawg Day of Giving questions, please contact Sherry Abrams.
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Senior Signature Deadline is March 31 |
There's no rest for the weary following Dawg Day of Giving as March 31 is the deadline for Senior Signature, UGA's class gift fundraising campaign. As of March 16, we're pleased to report that 1,304 students in the Class of 2023 have donated and we are 40% of the way to achieving this year’s 3,250 donor goal.
A reminder that for every $30 donation through Senior Signature, students will: - improve campus for generations to come
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direct $20 to any fund at UGA
- vote on the Class Gift recipient
- be invited to Senior Send-off on May 10
- secure their name on the class plaque in Tate Plaza.
Please share this philanthropic opportunity with both undergraduate and graduate students who will earn degrees anytime in calendar year 2023. A promo toolkit is available, including the text and email schedule for the remainder of the month.
Questions? Contact Terrance Smith. |
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Class of 2022 Achieves 96% Career Outcomes Rate |
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Following each Commencement ceremony, Olivia Engesser shares updated alumni statistics that include a count of living UGA alumni (thanks, Olivia!). To consistently communicate this number externally, DAR, MARCOMM and the Office of the President agree on language to use in speeches, webpages, etc. At this time, please use "more than 350,000 living alumni" in your channels (the actual number is 350,404). Questions? Email Elizabeth Elmore.
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A Farewell Celebration Honoring Kelly Kerner |
We invite you to a celebration honoring Kelly Kerner's contributions to the Bulldog community and to wish him farewell with his next endeavor. Friday, March 31 3:30-5:30 p.m. Live Wire (227 W. Dougherty Street) Street parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Carpooling is encouraged. Attire is casual. |
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Sharing this opportunity thanks to the outreach efforts of a UGA Mentor Program ambassador, Rachel Jordan, who is helping to build connections between the program and organizations across campus. Questions? Email her at rachel.jordan@uga.edu. |
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For Georgia. For Generations. |
DAR's latest fundraising marketing campaign leads with the tagline "For Georgia. For Generations." and aims to spur on fundraising efforts into 2025. A narrative and visuals are in place (and will find a home on the DAR Resources page soon), and the video above has been developed to help tell the story. Further internal education efforts about the campaign will roll out in the coming weeks and months.
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DAR Dialogues
Earlier this month, we launched DAR Dialogue with our first speaker, Dr. Dawn Bennett-Alexander. DAR Dialogues is a DEI initiative that will focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. View a replay of Bennett-Alexander's remarks.
Holidays + Cultural Events Numerous holidays and cultural events take place during March and we've provided some opportunities to learn more below so that you can be better informed as you interact with colleagues, students and donors.
Contact Michelle Carter if you have questions about DAR's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. |
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UGA Point of Pride: R&D Expenditures |
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Katherine Skelly
Did you know that Katherine, DAR's talent management coordinator, first visited UGA during a summer orchestra camp in high school? |
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Justin Burnley Justin is the assistant director of career exploration for the Career Center and his No. 1 tip for a new DAR employee is to update their LinkedIn profile! |
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E-Newsletters from DAR Offices |
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The Regional team will be traveling to the following cities soon. |
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Chris Jefts Rome/Dalton, GA (March 27-29) Matt Mize St. Simons Island, GA (March 23-24)
Rob Carrico Austin, TX (March 22-24) Justin Hill
Jacksonville, FL (March 28-30) Katie Adams Sarasota/Bradenton, FL (March 21-23) |
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Alysse Capitanelli Athens, GA (March 22-24) Chandler Boyle Wilmington, NC (March 22-24)
Beth Zimmerman Asheville, NC (March 21-22) Elizabeth Kozak
Athens, GA (March 22-24) |
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Open Positions
This is to make you aware of position postings in the division. We encourage anyone interested in applying to do so. All UGA HR policies and procedures will apply. If you know of a potential candidate who may be a good fit for an opportunity, contact Michelle Carter. |
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National Barbie Day - UGA Style!
Thanks to Madison Ristroph in Annual Giving and her spirited desk decor, we were able to take UGA Barbie on a special campus tour on March 9, National Barbie Day. The post on Instagram about her excursion resonated with alumni, with a lot of them reminiscing about having one themselves or getting one for their children.
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Do you have important information for an upcoming edition of the Pulse? Send it to Elizabeth Elmore. |
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