What. A. Year.
Let me start with a big THANK YOU to each and every one of you — you are the reason we are about to close out the most successful fiscal year in the history of the University of Georgia. You help us provide even more financial support to students, researchers, and other members of our university community. And you are why DAR is such a great place to come to work each and every day. THANK YOU. Please give each other a pat on the back for a great year. I hope that at some point this month or next, you will find some time to rest and relax — you deserve it! |
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Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations and Executive Director of the UGA Foundation |
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What You'll Find in This Month's Pulse |
- 📈 Fundraising Update
- Upcoming DAR Meetings 📆
- Events for Alumni + Friends 🤝
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👩🏫 UGA Mentor Program Update
- PayPal + Venmo Have Arrived! 📱
- Coastal Georgia Summer Plans 🌴
- 🗽 NY Area: Summer Plans, Teams Chat, Hotel Recs
- 🏥 School of Medicine Update
- 💝 Parent Giving Team Achieves Record
- 1961 Club Hosts Reception 🥂
- 💼 CASE Development Interns
- 💯 Bulldog 100 Nominations
- Summer Issues of Georgia Magazine 📖
- 4️⃣0️⃣ 40 Under 40 Unveiled July 17
- Announcing Consolidus Logo Merchandiser
- News from MARCOMM 📣
- GAIL Tips & Tricks
- Pledge Analysis App is Live
- DAR in the News 📰
- Kona Ice at One Press Place 🍧
- DAR Headshot Schedule 📸
- 🔔 Ring the Bell: Fundraising/Engagement Success Stories
- 🌟 DAR Stars: Megan Jenkins + J.J. Thomas
- ✈️ Regional Programs Travel Schedule
- Open DAR Positions 🎉
- 👨💼 Staff Announcements
- 🥳 Just for Fun: #TBT for our VP!
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Alumni Participation Rate (APR)
With the addition of the UGA license tag donors, we have officially surpassed our APR target and achieved our goal of 15 percent. Thank you so much for your hard work to help UGA achieve this lofty goal. It's truly a team effort! Questions? Email Heather Duiser. |
Overall Fundraising Totals
We are pleased to share that we have surpassed $265 million! We plan to publicly announce this year's fundraising results on July 16. Clarke Schwabe is coordinating that announcement. Thanks to our UGAF team for helping to close this year's books to provide this year's results in such a timely manner.
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Georgia Women Give
Great news! Georgia Women Give has recruited 142 founding donors (as of 6.24.24) — thanks to so many who have helped to drive this initiative's success. This month, a UGAF trustee even made commitments in the names of his daughters for them to be a part of this group. Questions? Contact Siara Abdulla.
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Affinity Council New Member Orientation July 17, 2024 | 5:45-7:45 PM Atlanta, GA |
DAR End-of-Year Celebration July 31, 2024 | 3-5:30 PM Athentic Brewing Company
RSVP by July 12 |
UGAF Board of Trustees Orientation August 22, 2024 Athens, GA |
Fall Development Meeting September 9, 2024 Tate Grand Hall |
| UGAF Board of Trustees Meeting October 3-4, 2024 Athens, GA |
Alumni Assoc. BOD Fall Meeting October 11, 2024 Athens, GA |
DAR 101 October 15, 2024 Stelling Study, Business Learning Community |
UGAF Board of Trustees Meeting February 20-21, 2025 Athens, GA |
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Events for Alumni + Friends |
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40 Under 40 Class of 2024 Announcement July 17 | Details to come |
Affinity Councils New Member Orientation July 17 | 5:45-8:15PM ATL Alumni Center |
Orlando UGA Day at Wekiva Island
July 28 | 8AM-4PM Wekiva Island (Orlando, FL) |
| Fall Classes Begin August 14, 2024
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40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon September 6, 2024 Tate Grand Hall |
Beat Week vs. Alabama September 23-28, 2024 *New opponent! |
Dawg Day of Gratitude October 16, 2024 UGA Campus - Various Locations |
Oyster Roast for a Reason November 23, 2024 Skidaway Island, GA |
Fall Commencement December 13, 2024 Stegeman Coliseum |
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UGA Mentor Program Update |
During FY24 (as of June 24): - 2,108 new mentee registrations
- 609 new mentor registrations
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1,600 mentorship connections
- 145 programs that served 9,850+ students, alumni, faculty, staff
Since the Mentor Program launched: 6,636 connections (16-week and Quick Chats)
Are you or someone you know interested in learning about the UGA Mentor Program? Register for UMP 101 on August 16!
View other UMP updates in the latest e-newsletter.
Questions? Email Bethany Bagwell. |
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🎉 PayPal + Venmo Have Arrived! |
Great news! As of June 14, PayPal and Venmo have been enabled as payment methods on UGA's primary donation page and we have seen early success around these new options. As we prepare to include them on other donation pages, we want you to be aware of the following: - Recurring Gifts: PayPal/Venmo is not yet supported as an option for recurring gifts.
- Event Registrations: PayPal/Venmo will not be offered for event registrations due to the complexity of issuing refunds. This may be reconsidered in the future.
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Implementation Schedule: The Advancement IT team will begin updating each donation page to include these new payment options starting the week of July 1. We anticipate this process will take several weeks and the team will begin with the most active pages. You do not need to request this update for specific pages. However, if you have a planned fundraising effort in early July and desire these payment options be enabled on a specific page, please email askit@uga.edu.
- New Donation Pages: All new pages will have these payment methods included.
Questions? Need more info? Please contact Jeff Garmon. |
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Coastal Georgia - Summer Plans |
Here are a few upcoming events in the coastal Georgia area. If you have events to add or donors you'd like invited, please email Christina Varnedoe. -
July - ENGR Visit; Savannah
- July 30 - SPIA Event; Savannah
- August 23 - Pharmacy Event: Savannah Bananas Game; Savannah
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NY Area: Summer Plans, Teams Chat, Hotel Recs |
Here is an overview of the NYC area activities taking place this summer: - June 30-July 2: VP Michelle Cook + Steve Pitts in NYC visit with Student Affairs prospects and donors.
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July 14-16: TCOB + Music Business in NYC: MBUS Director David Barbe and Associate Director Lane Marie O’Kelley will host an MBUS happy hour mixer in Manhattan on July 15 (location TBD). Laura-Ashley Lester will also be in NYC visiting with prospects/donors.
- July 19-22: VP Walton in NYC for a CASE 50 conference.
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July 21-23: SPIA Dean Auer in NYC for prospect/donor meetings.
If you are interested in joining the NY Metro Steering Committee chat in Teams, please email Ellie Engquist. Alysse and Ellie maintain a list of Manhattan Hotel Recs that is available in the Teams chat or by emailing Ellie. Alysse Capitanelli’s maternity leave will begin around August 15. If you'd like to discuss strategic initiatives in NYC between August-November 2024, please let Alysse know by July 15 to schedule a chat! |
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School of Medicine Updates |
Just a reminder that DARCOMM has produced documents to assist in School of Medicine fundraising. They can be found on the Development Toolkit: -
A doc focused on the new building.
- A one-pager that lists available naming opportunities.
- A customizable template w/SOM-specific photos and assets.
If you have questions about SOM fundraising, contact Matt Mize. If you have questions about these documents, contact Clarke Schwabe.
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Parent Giving Team Hosts Recruitment Events + Achieves Record Participation |
Kudos to the Parent Giving team for recruiting a record number of families to the Parents Leadership Council this year (120) and thanks to the colleagues across campus who helped reach this milestone!
No rest for the weary, though! The Parent Giving team is hitting the road this summer to meet with current Parents Leadership Council members and recruit new parents to join these engaged individuals. Here are the scheduled events. If you know a parent who should be invited or have questions about an event, contact the associated team member or Kaitlyn Schwarzenbach.
Territories for the Parent Giving team's fundraisers are also now available on their team's DAR webpage. |
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1961 Club Hosts Annual Reception |
The Alumni Relations team hosted the annual 1961 Club Celebration on June 14 to recognize donors who've supported the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund with gifts of at least $196.20 during FY24. Since 2018, this fund has provided 100+ scholarships to 34 students and the endowment is just $40,000 shy of reaching $1 million.
The Atlanta event attracted approximately 80 attendees, including the family of Hamilton E. Holmes, Sr., alumni, faculty, staff, Black Alumni Leadership Council members and President Shayla Hill, DAR VP Jill S. Walton, and sponsor Jasmine Flowers Mazyck of Flowers Communication Group.
During the event, Justice Robert Benham (JD '70) received the 2024 Footsteps Award. Benham's distinguished legal career is accented by his commitment to his alma mater, where he supports law students who have overcome adversity and plan to serve rural or legally underserved communities. |
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Introducing CASE Development Interns |
DAR is proud to host UGA students Nikhilesh Gujjula and Rachel Jordan as development interns this summer. In partnership with CASE, the internship will give them the opportunity to work with fundraisers and development support teams in a hands-on learning experience. Nikhilesh is from Cumming, Georgia, and is majoring in management information systems. Rachael is from Lincolnton, Georgia, and is majoring in public relations.
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Bulldog 100 Nominations Open Through July 31 |
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Summer Issues of Georgia Magazine |
You can find copies of the Summer issue of Georgia Magazine on the publication rack outside the second floor breakroom of One Press Place or by emailing Elizabeth Elmore. There are plenty of copies, so please use as many as you can in your outreach efforts. |
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40 Under 40 Honorees Unveiled July 17 |
DAR is planning to announce this year's 40 Under 40 class on Wednesday, July 17. Information will be shared in more detail with school/college colleagues in the coming weeks, including assets to help elevate the news and celebrate these impressive Bulldogs. Questions? Email 40u40@uga.edu. |
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Announcing Consolidus Logo Merchandiser |
Consolidus + UGAMart - Consolidus is a new logo merchandiser that UGA has contracted with to allow faculty and staff to more easily purchase branded merchandise. You are not required to use this vendor, but the bid threshold does not apply to them due to the university contract. A punchout has been created in UGAMart to make ordering easier and all approvals can be tracked in the system. Please note: this does not apply to athletic marks. Procurement will hold three virtual trainings for campus personnel: July 2 (10AM), July 9 (3PM), July 23 (10AM).
The punchout will allow campus users to order logoed and promo materials with a fully integrated electronic approval process, with no need to submit a trademark approval form to MARCOMM. Services provided by this vendor include design, setup, and proofing with graphic designers trained on the UGA brand standards. Once approved by the local user, the purchase will flow to both the major unit and MARCOMM for final logo approval.
Email Kipp Mullis (trademarks@uga.edu) with questions or for the training login info. |
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News from the Division of Marketing & Branding |
There is a new "Brand and Identity" training in PEP that is open to all staff and interns.
A reminder that UGA needs to remain brand-compliant with designs, even those created using Artificial Intelligence. This includes manipulating our mascots and their representations. Questions? Check in with Lacey Creech.
Please help to amplify message to parents and students about campus safety updates that you see this summer. DARCOMM will keep an eye on this information as well. |
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Just a reminder to check your monthly GAIL Tips & Tricks email from the Office of Client Services. The latest issue features topics such as: -
Event registration tips for the year-end closing schedule
- Reminder to update appeal and source codes for FY24
- New online GAIL 101 training classes
- New constituent display name formats
- UGAF Policies & Procedures refresh
- And more!
Questions or want to receive the Tips & Tricks e-newsletter? Email Cindy Bond. |
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Pledge Analysis App is Live! |
Several weeks ago, the creation of a new dashboard to provide insights into "pledges" was announced. After multiple demos (big thanks to Cole McDaniel!) and feedback from DAR staff, it’s ready for GAIL users to access! -
Click here to access the dashboard.
- SSO sign-in will likely be required.
- Select a "sheet" to begin using the app.
**FYI: In demos, you previewed Filters, Pledge Analysis, and Solicitor Info. Dashboard and Write Off Review are new sheets.
As you navigate the dashboard, please continue to share feedback that will help maintain reports that are intuitive, actionable, and meeting campus's diverse needs.
If you need a refresher demo or want to schedule a team review, please reach out. Otherwise, a "navigational" guide (part 1 and part 2) will help you work through the app.
Questions? Contact Danielle Free and Jason Burdette. |
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Here are a few recent bits of news from DAR: |
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Kona Ice at One Press Place |
Thanks to the Employee Experience Committee for hosting Kona Ice at One Press Place on June 21. It was a fun way to "beat the heat!" View photos. |
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📸 DAR Headshot Schedule 📸 |
Have you scheduled a headshot with Edwin Hammond? Fill out a scheduling form below; headshots are taken in front of 1 Press Place. |
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Partnering for Law and Athletics
You know we love a good fundraising collaboration that leads to a donor supporting both academics and athletics. Kudos to Elizabeth Kozak for referring a donor who endowed a $200,000 award to Georgia Law to Patrick McLaughlin with the Georgia Bulldog Club. That individual is now a $100,000 Magill Society donor. #Teamwork at its finest!
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A Spring Success Story
In February, J.J. Thomas contacted Franklin's Alison Godley to let her know about a $500 pledge that came in through the Engagement Center. The donor, a 58-year-old radiologist, also mentioned a desire to make a major gift! A few months later, Franklin was pleased to report that the donor established a $60k scholarship and had capacity to do more in the future! Congrats to J.J., Alison, Ali Elyaman
and Chandler Boyle on beginning this donor's giving journey at UGA. Go Dawgs!
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Collaboration Propels Generous Gift from Renowned Bridal Gown Designer
Anne Barge Clegg recently documented a significant gift to name UGA's Historic Clothing and Textile Collection and create three new endowments. One fund benefits UGA Libraries; the second benefits FACS; and they both support preservation and use of the collection. The third honors Anne's aunt, sculptor Jean Williams, to benefit Lamar Dodd.
This was a collaboration of epic proportions with Leandra Nessel driving the conversation, supported by Patrick Knowles, Suzanne Griffith, Kate Arnold and Lindsay Carter-Tidwell
, with additional partners helping to honor Clegg’s vision including: Jeremy Ransom, Kathy Bangle, Clarke Schwabe, Lauren Cook, Jill Bateman, Siara Abdulla, Andrea Parris, Rachael Andrews, Elizabeth Elmore, Jordan Dotson, Sarah Baines, Jan Blaine, Kimberly Brown, Sara Cook, Adam Roell, Catherine Henry, Kathy Ortstadt, Lynsee Miller, Maggie McAllister, Lara Mathis (UGA Architects), Heather Malcom, Anne Moser, and Johnathon Barrett, not to mention all the deans, directors and faculty involved. Great job, team!
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Megan Jenkins Did you know that Admin. Specialist Megan is originally from Maryland and she's competed in a CrossFit competition? |
| J.J. Thomas J.J. is an assistant director of annual giving, is from Toccoa, Georgia, and won't turn down a invite to Blind Pig for lunch! |
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The Regional team will be traveling to the following cities soon. |
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Chris Jefts Douglas/Waycross/J'ville, GA (July 17-18)
Rome/Cartersville (July 23-24) Vince Thomas Gainesville, GA (June 26-27) Columbus, GA (July 9-11) Jacksonville, FL (July 23-25) Rob Carrico Greenville, SC (July 9-11)
Richmond, VA (July 23-26) Ellie Engquist NY Area (Month of July) Christina Varnedoe Savannah, GA (Month of June) Athens, GA (July 25-26) Katie Adams Tampa / St. Petersburg, FL (July 23-25) Chattanooga, TN (July 30-31) *tentative |
| LaRisa Chambers San Francisco, CA (June 25-28)
Chandler Boyle Charlotte, NC (July 23) Virginia Beach, VA (July 31-Aug. 1) Kyle Bryson Athens, GA (June 24-27) Alysse Capitanelli New York (July 1 + 22) Elizabeth Kozak Athens/ATL, GA (Week of July 29) *tentative Michelle Rotondo Athens, GA (July 1 + 9 + 31) |
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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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Welcome to Kyle Bryson, Regional Director of Development, Regional Programs
- Welcome to Matthew Brown, Development Officer, Regional Programs
- Best wishes to William Carter, leaving the Office of the Vice President
- Best wishes to Whitney Prescott, leaving UGA Career Center
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Best wishes to David Letostak, retiring from Advancement IT on June 30 🎊
Have a change for the DAR online directory? Email Abbie Jones with your change(s). |
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Did you know? VP Walton was a UGA Orientation Leader back in the day? If you didn't catch this #TBT from LinkedIn, you're missing out! |
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Do you have information for an upcoming edition of the Pulse?
Send it to Elizabeth Elmore. |
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