Spring 2021 Issue
2021 Thank a Donor Day
Each spring on Thank a Donor Day messages of gratitude from students pour in to show appreciation for you, our donor family. This year we’re sharing those messages in a special video that you are seeing ahead of its release to the larger Bulldog community. The featured students show their appreciation for everything you do to enhance their college experiences, because your gifts make their dreams of public higher education come true. Go Dawgs!
Donor Spotlight
Neicy Wells (second from left) with friends and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at the 2019 Presidents Club Reception.
The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., established the Fortitude 1969 Fund to recognize 50 years of sisterhood at the University of Georgia. Alumna L.D. “Neicy” Wells (ABJ ’96) led the charge. Just as her support system guided her college experience in the right direction, she hopes this scholarship will do the same for future generations of students.
Why I Give
Jack Bush (second from right), walking with fellow students. Photo taken prior to March 2020.
Even before Jack Bush (BSME ’20) embarked on his engineering career with Lockheed Martin last year, he took Bulldog commitment to a new level by agreeing to establish a scholarship for minority students at UGA pursuing their own engineering dreams.
Impact of Giving
John Gentry, recipient of the White Fox Farm – Karen and Dewey White Large Animal Scholarship.
Karen (M ’65) and Dewey White partnered with friends of UGA’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital to establish the White Fox Farm – Karen and Dewey White Large Animal Scholarship to support a first-year doctorate of veterinary medicine candidate interested in practicing large animal medicine in a rural Georgia community. This type of support, named for their farm in Georgia, is key to sustaining the growth of Georgia’s agriculture industry.
“Mrs. Karen and Mr. Dewey White recognize the dearth of veterinary students entering the large animal field, especially in rural settings, such as where my farm is in Hawkinsville, Georgia,” says John Gentry, recipient of the scholarship. “This scholarship will allow me to work in a rural community with more confidence and provide veterinary services to an underrepresented clientele.”
Impact of Giving
The Warnell Young Alumni Committee.
The Warnell Young Alumni Committee supports UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Since the group’s creation in 2004, it has raised more than $350,000 for encouraging alumni participation in the school, classroom renovations, and endowments. In 2015, the John Parker (AB ’73) family began matching sponsorships for the school’s annual Reid Parker Memorial Golf Tournament.
The committee works closely with Dean Dale Greene to determine needs within the school. The committee named a classroom, had it renovated with state-of-the-art technology, and has funded multiple endowments.
The Presidents Club Charter Scholarship was created more than 30 years ago to attract and retain undergraduate students with outstanding academic achievements. Today, the fund has grown to $600,000 and supports more than ten scholarships per year. We’ve gathered “thank you” messages from two of these outstanding scholars to show the meaningful impact that scholarship support makes in the lives of our students.
“There is no other place that welcomes students as warmly as UGA. From the teachers who work dutifully in the classroom, to the dining hall workers and custodial staff who are so warm and kind, UGA has provided a family. Thank you for providing your support and allowing this campus to truly become my home.”
– Kathryn Boyle ’22, Atmospheric Sciences major
“Thank you for contributing to the Charter Scholarship. The only reason I can pursue so many studies, to participate in multiple extracurriculars, and to have high goals for the future is because of you. I am enjoying my time at UGA the best way possible, and I truly want you to know that your scholarship has helped me achieve greater heights.”
– Yun Lin ’21, Accounting major
You answered the call during Giving Week in April, during which time we sent out the call to support UGA. Alumni and friends like you from 120 Georgia counties, 50 states and nine countries made gifts to support various areas of campus, including all 17 schools and colleges. More than 4,000 Bulldogs – alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends – united to raise over $2 million during the University of Georgia’s third annual Giving Week. Thank you for helping support tomorrow for students, faculty and the communities we affect!
Upcoming Events
Philanthropy At Work Society Reception – August 27
40 Under 40 – September 10
Presidents Club Reception – October 1
The University of Georgia continues to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 and will update you as decisions are made regarding in-person events and programming.
For further information on upcoming events, visit the UGA Alumni calendar and/or UGA’s master calendar.