Dear Team,
Our division continues to "level up," and I’m so proud of the energy, collaboration, and heart that each of you brings to our work. As we look ahead to the rest of FY26, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made and the momentum we’re carrying forward. Across the division, teams have stepped up in remarkable ways, achieving goals, building meaningful relationships, and helping to tell the story of UGA’s impact. Your dedication is making a difference, and it shows in every conversation, every proposal, and every gift secured. Our success is also a reflection of how well we work together. Whether it’s launching new funds, coordinating across units, or supporting one another behind the scenes, the spirit of collaboration is alive and well. It’s this teamwork that allows us to go further and dream bigger. And most importantly: what we do matters. Every effort you make helps to open doors for students, supports groundbreaking research, and strengthens the university we all love. As we move into the fall, we plan to introduce new initiatives to further elevate our work, especially around merit- and need-based scholarships, graduate fellowships, and experiential learning scholarships.
As always, I encourage you to keep students at the center of your storytelling, look for new ways to highlight impact, and bring faculty, staff, and deans into your donor conversations. Their voices can spark bold ideas and deepen connections.
Let’s keep DARing to Level Up! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can support you or your team in any way. |
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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 📈
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Upcoming DAR Meetings 📆
- Events for Target Audiences 🎉
- UGAF@Work Update 💼
- 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon 4️⃣0️⃣
- Game-watching Parties Underway
- Beat Week vs. Ole Miss
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Nomination Links
- Gator Hater Breakfast
- Parents Leadership Council Weekend
- Upcoming Career Center Events
- Black Alumni Homecoming Tailgate
- School of Medicine Update
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The Stew
- PAW Society
- TEDxUGA Nominations Close 9/30
- Investing in Hospitality
- Employee Engagement Committee
- Free AJC Online Subscription
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Never Bark Alone Drawstring Bags - Free!
- News You Can Use 📰
- DAR Headshot Schedule 📸
- Ring the Bell: DAR Success Stories 🔔
- DAR Staff Travel ✈️
- Open DAR Positions 🎉
- Staff Announcements 👨💼
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Here is where we stand as of September 12. Questions? Please email Danielle Free. |
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DAR Flu Clinic September 24 | 8:30-10:30AM
One Press Place, SIC 'EM Conf. Room |
Discover DAR: SCUDD Edition (CAES + Georgia 4-H) September 26 | 8:30-9:30AM
Zoom |
UGAF Fall Trustee Meeting
October 2-3 Athens, GA |
Discover DAR: SCUDD Edition (Social Work + Honors)
October 10 | 8:30-9:30AM Zoom |
Fall Alumni Board Meeting October 17 | 9AM-3PM Georgia Center, Magnolia Ballroom |
Alumni Board Past Presidents Dinner
October 23 |
Spring Development Meeting
May 11 | 9AM Tate Student Center, Grand Hall |
| Board of Visitors Meeting feat. Dean Shelley Nuss
October 23 |
Discover DAR: SCUDD Edition
(PSO + Vet Med) October 24 | 8:30-9:30AM Zoom
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DAR Annual Gator Hater Tailgate Breakfast
October 31 | 8:30AM One Press Place |
DAR Town Hall November 3 | 8-10AM Tate Student Center, Grand Hall |
Alumni Directors Fall Meeting
November 6 | 8:30-11AM Grady College, Peyton Anderson Forum |
Team Stewardship Meeting November 18 | 11AM-2PM MLC Reading Room |
Winter Development Meeting
February 9 | 2PM Tate Student Center, Grand Hall |
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Events for Target Audiences |
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Georgia Women Give Augusta Event
(hosted by Christine Anderson) September 30 |
Black Alumni Homecoming Tailgate October 4 Myers Quad |
Greenville Huddle Reception October 8 Greenville, SC |
2025 Beat Week vs. Ole Miss October 13-18 |
Georgia Women Give Fall Lunch & Learn October 17 The Georgia Club |
Presidents Club Reception October 17 Tate Grand Hall |
| Heritage Society Tailgate
October 18 Athens, GA |
Dawg Day of Gratitude October 22 Athens, GA |
Student Affairs Parent & Family Weekend November 8 |
Georgia Women Give Atlanta Event November 13 ASW Distillery (Atlanta, GA) |
RSM Classic November 20-23 St. Simons Island, GA |
Dawg Day of Giving
March 26, 2026 |
Class of 2026 Senior Signature Deadline March 31, 2026 |
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We’ve completed the "Architect and Configure" stage and aligned the UGA Foundation’s Workday system with our business processes. The project has now entered the "Testing" phase, where real-world scenarios will be run to ensure everything works as intended before going live on December 31, 2025.
We’re planning training for those impacted by this transition: - More impacted users will be invited to classroom training in November-January.
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Less impacted users (e.g., those who only run reports or submit Foundation expense reimbursements) will complete self-paced on-demand training appropriate to their needs.
Details on training will be communicated soon. In the meantime, stay tuned to the UGAF@Work project page.
Questions or feedback? Contact us at UGAF.atwork@uga.edu or reach out to your UGAF@Work Change Network representative (trusted colleagues across UGA who are ready to support you through this transition).
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DAR Celebrates 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 |
Thank you to everyone who helped to recognize this year's 40 Under 40 honorees during the luncheon on Sept. 5 and school/college-specific gatherings. A major shout-out to the Donor Relations, Alumni Relations and DARCOMM teams for their help managing this program. View photos from the event.
Please continue to elevate these outstanding young alumni to your students and alumni using the promo toolkit. Questions? Email 40U40@uga.edu.
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Game-watching Parties are Underway |
As we head into the fourth week of football season and one of the biggest games of the season, remember to encourage alumni, friends and fans to attend official game-watching parties hosted by local alumni chapters. Those in attendance are encouraged to check in using a QR code for a chance to win merch signed by Kirby Smart and those check-ins will help DAR further their engagement at other times of the year. Questions about game-watching parties? Email Mason Black.
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Beat Week is Oct. 13-18 ... Beat Ole Miss! |
UGA will take on Ole Miss in this year's Beat Week, our annual fundraising challenge against some of UGA's biggest rivals. From the Arch to the Grove, Bulldogs and Ole Miss fans the world over will compete to see which fanbase can raise the most gifts for their institution. The details: -
The campaign runs Monday, Oct. 13-Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
- Any gift counts that is $5 or more. That means any donor to any area of campus.
- Donate at beat-week.com.
Here's how YOU can help: - Use the marketing toolkit to promote Beat Week on your school/college/unit and personal accounts.
- Share content from UGA Alumni social media channels.
- Include a note about Beat Week in your newsletters/listservs.
- Spread the word through personal networking.
- Make your own gift and challenge your friends/family to give!
- Encourage students to attend campus events during Beat Week.
- BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN!
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Nomination Links - Please Read |
The division has rolled out two nominations links that many colleagues may find useful, especially those working in donor/external-facing roles:
Donor Spotlight & Story Recommendations – Help elevate meaningful donor stories throughout the year by recommending individuals in your portfolio. This will help streamline communication with central DAR teams and ensure every unit has an opportunity to participate in division-wide storytelling.
Volunteer Board/Award Nomination Ideas – Do you know someone who might be a strong candidate for a university-wide board, award, or other DAR volunteer opportunity? Volunteers are essential partners in advancing UGA's mission, and your nominations help us identify meaningful engagement opportunities.
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DAR's Annual Gator Hater Tailgate Breakfast |
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Parents Leadership Council Gathers in Athens |
Thank you to the Parent Giving and DARCOMM teams for helping to host another successful PLC Weekend for our most engaged families. More than 500 student and parents participated in the weekend, gathering for a meeting that highlighted student impact and the Odum School of Ecology, and attending an evening reception and a pre-game football tailgate. View photos from the weekend.
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Upcoming UGA Career Center Events
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Black Alumni Homecoming Tailgate
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Homecoming is all about community, pride, and celebration, and the Black Alumni Homecoming Tailgate on October 4 at Myers Quad will be the place to be. The tailgate begins three hours before kickoff. Registration is open and all alumni are welcome to attend. Questions? Email Realenn Watters.
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School of Medicine Update
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Check out the latest edition of The Scope, the School of Medicine’s quarterly e-newsletter. This is emailed to all School of Medicine donors as well as current and emeritus UGAF trustees. If you have a prospective donor who you would like to receive these updates, please email Daynes Parker to have them added to the mailing list.
Please continue to reach out to Hudson Clare early in your donor conversations, especially around scholarships. His involvement is essential as the School of Medicine finalizes the structure of scholarships for students. |
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The Philanthropy at Work Society (PAWS) recognizes UGA faculty, staff and retirees who go above and beyond in their commitment to the university by making an annual gift. Donate during this fiscal year and you'll become a member of this incredible group of supporters. Questions? Email Marsha Wages or ugadonor@uga.edu.
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TEDxUGA Nominations Due by Sept. 30 |
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Employee Engagement Committee |
The Employee Engagement Committee has been busy! We celebrated our record-breaking fundraising year and the start of the academic year by offering popcorn and cupcakes/cookies to team members all across campus and the nation. We hope everyone enjoyed their treats — we appreciate you all! |
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Free AJC Online Subscription |
📢 🗞 EXTRA, EXTRA! UGA students, faculty, and staff can sign up for an online subscription to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, compliments of UGA Libraries. This adds Georgia's largest newspaper to UGA's offerings of free online digital news, which also includes The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Learn how to sign up.
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Never Bark Alone Drawstring Bags |
There are 100+ Never Bark Alone drawstring bags in the DARCOMM suite that are fair game for anyone to use in the division. If you're interested, please email Elizabeth Elmore and Allie White and they'll confirm the quantity you need and where to deliver them. Thank you for helping us put these extra commencement bags to good use!
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Some updates from across campus and the division: |
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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 One Press Place. |
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Congrats to Melissa Roberts, Christina Varnedoe and Ruth Seiler
on closing an approx. $340k gift from the Gretsch Foundation to promote music education in high schools across rural south Georgia. The team met with Fred and Dinah Gretsch for more than a year to discuss the Gretsch Foundation's continued music legacy. They introduced the couple to faculty, shared proposals, and listened to the donors' needs to narrow the scope of their gift to reflect the couple's legacy in the music business industry. In the end, the gift will sponsor 50 students from rural areas to attend the UGA Summer Music Institute at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music.
The Terry college of Business first engaged the Gretsch family back in 2006, laying the foundation for this partnership. Christina has been helpful as a local touchpoint for the Gretsch Family in Savannah. Her meaningful stewardship and intentional relationship-building is allowing for the likely expansion of the foundation's support in the future. |
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Matthew Brown initially met with Stuart Carrington as a "young philanthropist." He invited Michelle Versfeld to join a return meeting, when they learned that Stuart's father had passed away of ALS when Stuart was young and the family established a foundation to support neurodegenerative research and care. Matthew and Michelle collaborated with Faith Perry
to organize a tour of the CARE Center and prep the center's director for the visit. Stuart was amazed by the center's work. The family foundation, along with a nonprofit event (Quiet Hero) that Stuart co-founded) has committed $50,000 to build out the Georgia-MIND Cohort, which will be instrumental in data collection for those living with neurodegenerative disorders. Matthew and Faith have done an excellent job putting plans in place to steward the family and the foundation.
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Chris Jefts and William Draper partnered to close a $50k gift that supports the UGA ice hockey club team. The donor, Jon Larson, was referred to Chris by another donor in Jacksonville. Jon and his son, Gunnar, are big hockey fans and elected to support the UGA Club Hockey Team through Student Affairs. William assisted in establishing a Club Hockey Support Fund which will cover team expenses, which are mainly travel-related.
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If you would like to schedule a visit with Jill, please contact Carol Barach to avoid double-booking. Thank you! |
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Chris Jefts Dalton/Rome, GA (Sept. 24-25) Albany, GA (Oct. 15-16) Valdosta/J'ville, FL (Oct. 30-Nov. 2) |
Vince Thomas Orlando, FL (Sept. 30-Oct. 3) |
Katie Adams Chattanooga, TN (Oct. 28-29) |
Ali Elyaman Chicago, IL (Oct. 14-17) |
Chandler Boyle
Charlotte, NC (Sept. 24-25) |
Kyle Bryson Dallas, TX (Sept. 23-25) |
Courtney Hart Athens, GA (Oct. 17, 21, 23) |
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Alysse Capitanelli New York (Month of September) Connecticut (Month of September) |
Kate O'Reilly Washington, DC (Oct. 20-24) | Michelle Versfeld Atlanta, GA (Sept. 23) Atlanta, GA (Oct. 9)
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Michelle Rotondo Athens, GA (Oct. 22) |
Weldon Kolker Charlotte, NC (Sept. 23-25) |
Madi Cox Columbus, GA (Sept. 23-25) |
Zack Robbins Thomasville/Valdosta, GA (Sept. 23-25) |
Matt Brown
Chattanooga, TN (Sept. 23-25) |
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Parent Giving Team Travel
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Courtney Ayers Atlanta and Gainesville trips - TBD |
Meredith Glenn Atlanta, GA (Sept. 23, Sept. 24) Augusta, GA (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) |
| Andrea Parris Atlanta, GA (Sept. 30) |
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Mason Black Gainesville, GA (Oct. 9) |
Kaylin Jones Savannah, GA (Sept. 23-24) |
| Mary Beth Mallard Gainesville, GA (Oct. 9) |
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Open Position Postings in DAR
We encourage anyone interested in applying to do so. All UGA HR policies and procedures apply. If you know of a potential candidate who may be a good fit for an opportunity, contact Christy Dasher.
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Welcome to Kelsey Reidle, Data Collection Specialist, Records
- Welcome to Katy Miles, Career Consultant, Career Center
- Welcome to Avery Scott, Data Collection Specialist, Records
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Welcome to BriAnn Price, Career Consultant, Career Center
- Welcome to Andrew Salinas, Foundation Relations Officer, Ecology
- Congrats to Dottie Wray, named Office Manager, Veterinary Medicine
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Congrats to Rachael Andrews, named Asst. Director of Editorial Content, DARCOMM
- Congrats to Vince Thomas, named Regional Director of Development, Regional Development
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Congrats to Melissa Lee, named Director of Development, Ecology
- Congrats to Melanie Lewis, named Career Consultant, Career Center
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Congrats to Megan Jenkins, named Development Coordinator, Medicine
- Best wishes to Justin Patton, leaving DARCOMM
- Best wishes to Kathy Bangle, retired from Constituent Programs
- Best wishes to Melanie Ruffner Vollmer, leaving Special Events
- Best wishes to Chelsea Wesnofske, leaving Career Center
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Do you have information or a suggestion for an upcoming edition of the Pulse? |
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