Fueling future generations with the Weizenecker Family
Once Stephen Weizenecker and Dr. Evis Babo set foot on campus, they quickly fell in love with the captivating opportunities and welcoming people.
As Atlanta residents, their first introduction to the school was when the couple’s eldest daughter, Eve ’29, chose to attend UGA. As a rising freshman at the time, she opened the door for Stephen and Evis to explore everything that the campus had to offer. During this process, their desire to be involved parents in conjunction with their aspiration to give back, sent them on a meaningful journey.
In 2024, the Weizeneckers’ attended a gala that honored a friend for his impact and career. Upon discovering more details about the recognition, they were introduced to the Parents Leadership Council. They found the PLC to be full of like-minded individuals who strive to make a difference in students’ lives. With the organization in front of them, it was only a matter of time before it became a part of their story too.
“The PLC has provided a deep sense of community, making a massive university feel wonderfully small and intimate,” Evis said. “Through it, I’ve reconnected with old friends from the Atlanta area and met so many incredible new ones. At this stage of life, our focus should be on giving back, and being part of this organization feels incredibly rewarding.”
In joining the PLC, Stephen and Evis were amazed by the ambition of not only other parents, but professors and students too. Their careers also began to play into their passion for the people that make UGA special.
Stephen is currently a partner at Barnes & Thornburg, a law firm based in Atlanta. His work in entertainment law gave him a deep appreciation for students pursuing careers in film and provided valuable insight into the industry and its opportunities.
Due to his background, the Terry College of Business and the Department of Theatre and Film students stood out. He found the students to have profound talent and ambition to succeed, which only spurred his commitment to them.
“We were thinking about different ways that we could help, and what really stood out to both of us when we talked about it was the UGA film students,” Stephen said. “Specifically, how we can help them remove some of the barriers standing between them and their dreams.”
The natural answer came in the form of a film scholarship fund that gives more film students the chance to make their dreams a reality. Through the fund, the Weizeneckers hope to start a legacy of supporting future generations and encouraging others to start similar scholarships.
“The inspiration came from my father, who passed away a couple of years ago. His grandfather helped him pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, and my dad supported me in becoming an entertainment lawyer,” Stephen said. “We have to pay it forward and keep this chain of generosity going.”
Evis also incorporates her passions into philanthropic efforts. She is a successful dentist and owner of Peachtree Smile Center, a dental care practice based in Atlanta. Her career has led her to get involved with the Georgia Dental Association, where she served as a past president, as well as other prestigious schools and dental organizations.
As they became more involved with the PLC, the couple has found UGA’s new School of Medicine to be a point of excitement. With Evis’ background and their youngest daughter, Erin, considering a career in dentistry, they love to hear how medicine is growing and hope to also see a dental school in the future. The medical school represents a myriad of possible career opportunities that they seek to create for potential students like Erin.
“Having come to this great country as an immigrant, I deeply value educational programs that expand opportunities for the younger generation,” Evis said. “The vision to open a medical and nursing school in Athens is nothing short of incredible. It would not only create new pathways for students but would also immensely benefit the health and well-being of the wider community.”
“We have to retain these talented people, strengthen our state and grow its future through the great minds that we’re educating,” Stephen said.
Together, Stephen and Evis are leaving an inspiring legacy of ambition and enthusiasm for students chasing their dreams. Their drive to help others makes UGA and the wider community a place where no dawg ever barks alone.
Want to know how you can get involved? Consider joining the Parents Leadership Council and supporting students through philanthropic efforts. Learn more ways your family can make an impact by contacting parents@uga.edu.
