Our Georgia Commitment: Getting to Know Howard (BBA ’82) and Becky Young (AB ’82)

By: Halleigh Woods

Howard BBA ’82 and Becky Young AB ’82, began dating during their sophomore years at UGA and eventually married. More than four decades later, their connection to UGA remains as strong as ever, spanning three generations of Bulldogs. Together, they have donated to support athletics, scholarships, professorships, and the new UGA School of Medicine. Howard, chair of the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees, and Becky, a founding donor to Georgia Women Give and member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Environment and Design, extend a Bulldog legacy of giving back. 

We spoke with the Youngs to learn more about their Bulldog journey. 

Where does your UGA story begin? 

Howard: My parents met at UGA, so I grew up knowing I would be a Bulldog. I studied in Terry College, and along the way, met Becky. 

Becky: I came to Athens to study in Franklin College, never expecting to meet my future husband here. Together, we raised three children who all went to UGA, and now we have five granddaughters and one grandson, each with plenty of red and black in their closets. 

What is a treasured UGA memory? 

H: Our first date for the Georgia vs. Kentucky game in 1979. I still have the ticket stub. 

B: The Lindsay Scott touchdown against Florida in 1980. That moment united the entire campus, and we rode that excitement all the way to the national championship.  

What keeps you connected to UGA? 

H: Giving back to the place that gave us so much. Every trip to Athens feels like coming home, and we make any excuse to come back. 

B: Our children, our lifelong friends and our social life—which mostly revolves around UGA football games! 

Your giving to UGA spans across campus and disciplines. What prompted you both to support UGA in this way? 

B: We were both raised to give back. Without UGA, we would not have our family the life we’ve built together, so we want to do all we can to pay that forward. we would not have our family or the lifelong friends we have made. Plus, there’s just so much happening in every corner of campus, and it’s exciting to still be a part of it.  

Do you think of UGA differently now compared to when you first stepped on campus? 

H: I am more proud of my diploma than ever. UGA’s reputation as an academic and athletic powerhouse is well-earned. We love seeing how the university evolves and improves over time, like the Double Dawgs program, for instance. There are always new opportunities waiting! 

Becky, what inspired you to join Georgia Women Give? 

B: Georgia Women Give engages a philanthropic community of successful alumni and friends who want to pay that forward to current and future students. It really is an energizing way to connect with others who care about UGA and pool our resources to help the next generation. 

You’ve given to help build the new UGA School of Medicine. What does it mean for you to be part of that? 

H: It is a big moment in UGA’s history and addresses a critical need for Georgia. Sadly, there is a shortage of physicians in the state, and this school will play a major role in addressing it. It will also open up research opportunities and expand what the university can do for the state. 

What would you say to the UGA community about involvement and giving? 

H: Think of giving to UGA as an investment. Every class that graduates is prepared to take on the challenges of today’s world. The UGA Foundation takes its role as steward of donor resources very seriously, ensuring every dollar is managed with utmost care, spent efficiently, and directed exactly where donors intend to make the greatest impact. 

B: You get more back than you give. Your support can change a student’s life, and that impact carries forward to future generations.