Arlene and Charles Woods
Donor Recognition
Investing in the future
Arlene and Charles Wood dedicated their careers to educating students. Arlene spent much of her career as a band director and Charles as a high school history teacher. Their journey as educators was inspired by the great teachers who served as role models in their own lives, motivating them to pay it forward to future generations.
“Teachers were the most wonderful people in my life, especially my high school band director,” said Charles. “One day, he walked up to me, encouraging me to join the band and taught me to play the flute, even though he was a percussionist. Teachers like him made a huge difference in my life and played a significant role in directing me toward the classroom.”
The Office of Gift and Estate Planning helped Arlene and Charles translate their passion for education and teaching to a planned giving legacy that will support students far into the future.
Redcoat Band alums’ shared connection to music and education
Arlene (BM ’68, EDS ’82) and Charles (AB ’66, MED ’68, EDS ’72) Woods both grew up with a strong connection to music and education. Before enrolling at the University of Georgia, Arlene was already drawn to the university through 4-H programs and high school sponsorships with the Georgia Redcoat Marching Band. Charles, on the other hand, had two teachers who were Redcoat Band alumni, and he had the chance to attend many UGA football games during high school.
Their paths crossed in the 1960s when they became official members of the Redcoat Band, where they met in the flute section. Arlene, the section leader, was the only female in the group. They spent much of their time together during their Redcoat Band experience, often going to the dining hall and studying together. They both consider their time in the Redcoat Band to be the most significant part of their UGA experience.
Donors Charles and Arlene Woods’ 1966 Redcoat Band photo.
“If you look at the solar system, and there’s the sun — that’s the Redcoats. It was like being in a family,” said Arlene. “It was like having a special sorority, fraternity, or organization where everyone had the same goal, went to the same places, and had the same expectations. You didn’t think of the entire university population as intimidating because you had a center to always return to.”
Combined, the couple has five UGA degrees. Arlene, a Double Dawg, earned her bachelor’s in music education in 1968 and her educational specialist degree in music education in 1982. Charles, a Triple Dawg, earned his bachelor’s degree in history in 1966 followed by his master’s in social science education and educational specialist degree in education. Arlene and Charles dedicated their careers to educating students.
Today, Arlene and Charles continue their impact with UGA as committed donors. While philanthropy is not new to them, their planned gift contributions have been deeply personal, reflecting their own experiences as rural students with a passion for music and history. Their bequests to the university include a scholarship for first-chair members of the Redcoat Band, a scholarship for first-generation students, and a fund supporting a professorship in UGA’s History Department.
“As you move forward, it’s important to remember that someone has invested in your future, with great hopes that you’ll make the most of it,” said Arlene. “And if at some later time you are successful, return the favor.”
