How one Destination Dawg inspired a gift for future Bulldogs
By: Meghan Kaniewski
For many recent graduates, the Destination Dawgs Post-Graduation Fellowship provides a bridge between college and career. For Benjamin Harrison, the experience became something even more meaningful: an opportunity to inspire a gift that will help future Bulldogs follow in his footsteps.
Last spring, Harrison, a former Destination Dawgs Post-Graduation fellow, interned with the College of Family and Consumer Sciences Development and Alumni Relations team. In addition to supporting advancement efforts, he became an enthusiastic ambassador for the Destination Dawgs program, sharing his own journey with alumni and donors.
One of those conversations was with UGA Foundation Emeritus Trustee Carl Swearingen (ABJ ’67, MA ’69). During a Zoom meeting, Harrison reflected on his experience as a Destination Dawgs fellow, from discovering the program and navigating his first years at UGA to finding meaningful internships and ultimately helping lead this year’s Dawg Day of Giving campaign.
As part of Dawg Day of Giving, Harrison created videos and LinkedIn content encouraging support for Destination Dawgs. His outreach helped generate more than 100 gifts, unlocking an additional $10,000 in challenge funding for the program.
Then the conversation took an unexpected turn.
Moved by Harrison’s story and commitment to the program, Swearingen announced that he wanted to personally match the challenge and contribute to Destination Dawgs. The surprise left Harrison momentarily speechless.
“It brought me to tears. I was overjoyed because my story made an impact on a fellow UGA alum,” says Harrison.
Benjamin Harrison poses next to a poster demonstrating his graduate research.
Following the call, Harrison immediately shared the news with Lisa Ulmer, director of the Destination Dawgs program, who celebrated both the generosity of the gift and the impact Harrison had made as a program ambassador.
“What makes this moment so special is that Benjamin’s authentic reflection on his experience motivated someone to invest in future students,” Ulmer remarks. “We’re incredibly grateful for this gift, which will help more Destination Dawgs gain the confidence, experience, and support they need as they transition from college to career.”
For Swearingen, the decision to give was deeply personal. Harrison’s authenticity, gratitude, and passion for helping future students succeed reinforced the value of investing in the program.
“Destination Dawgs is one of many wonderful programs offered by the University of Georgia that help students like Benjamin and his colleagues be successful in their careers and lives,” says Swearingen. “[Destination Dawgs students] truly bleed ‘Red and Black’ being exemplary models for others to achieve their dreams.”
The unexpected gift will help expand opportunities for future Destination Dawgs fellows, ensuring more students receive the support they need as they transition from college into meaningful careers.
For Harrison, the experience served as a powerful reminder that sharing one’s story can inspire others to make a lasting difference.
