Hello, team!
As we continue moving toward our ambitious $300 million fundraising goal, I want to sincerely thank each of you for the commitment and care you’ve brought to your work this year. Everything we’ve accomplished is a clear reflection of the dedication and momentum I see across every team. I want to specifically thank the Office of Special Events for planning and executing another terrific Commencement Ceremony last month, as well as all of our DAR staff who volunteered at this event. We have an incredible team who is always willing to help, and as I’ve said before, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and collaborative group.
As we enter the final month of the fiscal year, I encourage us to continue supporting one another, collaborating and finding meaningful ways to make an impact as we approach June 30. At the same time, I hope each of you will take moments—both now and throughout the summer—to rest, recharge, and create space for the renewal that fuels our best work. Sustaining this level of excellence requires balance, and you’ve more than earned the opportunity to pause and replenish.
How can I help you and your teams close out this fiscal year strong? Are there donors I can call, thank you notes I can write, or meetings you would like me to join you for? Please reach out to me with your creative ideas and requests. Let’s finish this year strong together as we continue making the best even better!
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Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations and Executive Director of the UGA Foundation |
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Here is where we stand as of June 1. Questions? Please email Danielle Free.
$1.7M remains in matching funds for undergraduate scholarships. |
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| DAR End-of-Year Celebration
July 30 | 3 - 5 p.m. West End Zone Athens, GA UGA in Boston August 4 Boston, MA UGA Night at Atlanta United
Presented by the Latino Alumni Council August 15 | 7:30 p.m. Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, GA Freshman Welcome August 15 | 6:00 p.m. Reed Plaza and Sanford Stadium UGA in Charlotte September 15 Charlotte, NC Dawg Day of Giving March 18, 2027 |
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What You'll Find in the Pulse Blog |
Read the monthly Pulse blog
To learn more about each of these topics head over to the Pulse blog post!
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- Upcoming Alumni Chapter Events
- FY26 Year-End Closing Schedule
- 1961 Club Celebration and Footsteps Award
- Bulldog 100 Nominations
- 2026 UGA Development Interns
- 40 Under 40 Announcement
- Mentor Program Update
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California May 30 - June 5 |
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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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Katie Adams
Athens, GA (June 3-4) Tampa, FL (June 28-30) |
Chandler Boyle Athens, GA (June 2-4) |
Matt Brown Ringgold/Dalton/Chickamuaga (June 9-10) |
Ali Elyaman
Chicago, IL (June 9-12) |
Courtney Hart Athens, GA (June 11) |
Chris Jefts Dalton, GA (June 16-17) Thomasville, GA (June 29-30) |
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| Elizabeth Kozak Athens, GA (June 3-4, 22-24, July 30-31) Sea Island, GA (June 11-12) |
Joey Lynn Denver, CO (June 10-12) |
Kate O'Reilly Greenville, SC (June 10-12) Western NC (June 24-26) |
Michelle Rotondo Athens, GA (June 4 & 9) |
Christina Varnedoe Fernandina Beach, FL (June 10-12) |
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Leadership Giving Team Travel
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Zack Robbins
Gwinnett County, GA (June 2-4) |
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Michelle Versfeld Atlanta, GA (June 10 & 23) |
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Parent Giving Team Travel
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Courtney Ayers
Dallas, TX (June 3-5) New Jersey (June 17-19) Atlanta, GA (Various Trips) |
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| Meredith Glenn
Greenville, SC (June 11-12) Savannah, GA (June 23-25) Atlanta, GA (Various Trips) |
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Mason Black
Seattle, WA (May 31 - June 3) |
Kate Lantz Boston, MA (August 3-5) |
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| Mary Beth Mallard Boston, MA (August 3-5) |
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A remarkable cross‑campus collaboration is paving the way for a transformational blended gift that will benefit multiple areas of the University of Georgia. What began as an introductory meeting quickly evolved into a model of teamwork and relationship‑building across DAR.
Following the donor’s initial conversation with Katie Adams, these colleagues worked together to provide thoughtful stewardship and guidance through complex giving considerations: Emily Munnell, Robby Poister, Shearron Hamlin, Patrick Knowles
, Erica Lowman, Andrea Burruss, Natalie Glenn, Laura Ashley Lester, Rebekah Seabolt,
Courtney Hart, Faith Perry. Their coordinated approach not only exemplifies how DAR and UGA unite around a shared purpose, but it amplifies our engagement across campus, with connections through Donor Relations & Engagement, Alumni Councils, Terry College initiatives, and the College of Public Health. Touchpoints like birthday cards, Sky Suite attendance, Board of Visitors guest opportunities and Georgia Women Give reinforced thedonor’s confidence in UGA’s mission. From tribute giving to mentorship introductions and alumni events, every interaction reflects the strength of UGA’s collaborative spirit.
While the gift is still being finalized, the ask itself represents a milestone worth celebrating—a testament to the power of partnership and the collective impact of UGA’s development teams. |
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Thank you to everyone who generously volunteered your time and energy to pack commencement bags. Together, we packed over 8,400 bags to welcome our newest alumni into the Bulldog Nation. Your collective effort made the process efficient, fun, and was a true reminder that we are better together. Your support means so much. |
📸 DAR Headshot Schedule 📸
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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 Jordan Arnold, Career Consultant, Career Center Welcome to Julia Straka, Development Officer, Leadership Giving
Welcome to Tara Lamb, Associate Director of Employer Relations & Data Analytics, Career Center - Welcome to Jamison Wood, Major Gift Officer, Parent Giving
Welcome to Caroline Moore, Annual Giving Officer at the Terry College of Business, Constituent Programs
Welcome to Jonah Reschly, Assistant Director of Development at Franklin, Constituent Programs Congrats to Megan Brock, named Director of Academic Integration, Career Center
Congrats to Karine Bauch, named Director of Prospect and Portfolio Management at the Terry College of Business, Constituent Programs Best wishes to Erin Collins, leaving UGAF Financial Accounting Best wishes to Emerald Toller Anderson, leaving DARCOMM Best wishes to Ruth Seiler, leaving the Terry College of Business, Constituent Programs
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Do you have information or a suggestion for an upcoming edition of the Pulse? |
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