Summer 2019 Issue
Announcements
Save the Date
Presidents Club Reception
October 11, 2019
Donor Impact
On April 11, UGA hosted its eighth annual Thank a Donor Day. More than 900 students came to Tate Plaza to express their gratitude for donors like you. The common thread through every student’s experience at UGA is the impact of your generosity.
Thank you for making UGA what it is today.
Inspiring Children with Nature
Inspiring children with a love of nature is the mission of the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden, which was dedicated earlier this year at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Donors like you came together to raise $4 million for the garden, which enhances Alice H. Richard’s legacy of caring for nature, young people, and the state.
Designed with learning and accessibility in mind, the garden offers a variety of educational play experiences: a canopy walk, a granite map of Georgia, artificial caves featuring rocks from local quarries and fossils, and a Theater-in-the-Woods, among others.
“The generosity of our donors has allowed us to create an engaging new garden that is attracting diverse new audiences to the State Botanical Garden,” said State Botanical Garden director Jennifer Cruse-Sanders. “We are so excited to share these themes with the communities in Georgia and beyond as a way of achieving our mission for service and outreach.”
Venture Fund Impact
The National High School Mock Trial Championship came to Athens this year, and the Venture Fund supported the UGA School of Law as it hosted both the opening ceremonies and the final debate round. High school students from across the country participated and learned about the U.S. judicial system through this experience. Thanks to Venture Fund donors, the UGA School of Law rented Herty Field for the event, provided gift bags for the students, and sponsored lectures on the Socratic method by law school faculty.
The Venture Fund supports exciting opportunities for students that arise outside of regular operating budgets across UGA’s campuses. Many Presidents Club members choose to designate their leadership level gifts to the Venture Fund.
Thank you for ensuring that the UGA community can act on teaching, research, and service priorities as determined by our university’s administration.
Solving Grand Challenges
Gerald Henry has a mission: to make athletic fields safer for athletes. His research on how sports field conditions factor into injuries has earned him and his team invitations to speak around the world. His research also earned him a professorship that includes financial support for the Athens Turfgrass Research and Education Center.
“I am very proud to be one of two American scientists to speak at the upcoming European Turfgrass Society Field Day in Padova, Italy,” said Henry. “Our productivity in performance testing of sports fields has led to numerous invitations to speak regionally, nationally, and internationally.”
His graduate students have earned numerous awards and scholarships, and several have joined the faculty at universities across the country. In these roles they will raise the profile of UGA as they pursue solutions to society’s challenges.
Being a part of the Bulldog family goes beyond a degree. UGA is launching its first university-wide mentor program, and we’re looking for committed leaders like you to inspire the next generation of Bulldogs who will lead, discover, and serve.
The UGA Mentor Program personalizes the mentoring experience, connecting you with students no matter your location or schedule. Create a profile on the website, and accept a student request for mentorship based on your unique experiences. We only ask that you commit to a 16-week mentorship, investing 1-2 hours per month. Visit mentor.uga.edu today and help a student see their future.
Upcoming Events
August 23
Philanthropy at Work Society Reception
Formerly the Faculty, Staff, Retiree Donor Appreciation Event
September 13
40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon
in Athens
October 11
Presidents Club Reception
October 14-19
Homecoming
For further information on upcoming events, please visit the Alumni Association’s calendar and UGA’s master calendar.
Why I Give
“The quality of education I received in graduate school at UGA was exceptional. I will always support the University of Georgia and its graduate and undergraduate programs. I give because UGA gave so much to me: education, experience, and support. Go Dawgs!”
–Lelia Vaughan (PHD ’83)
