January 2018 Issue
Donor Impact
Our donors help bring world-class researchers to the University of Georgia.
These experts inspire our students to think big and find new solutions to the issues facing us all. Our faculty members also are solving grand challenges for our state, nation, and world through their research.
Dr. Gregory Robinson is one of the world’s most notable chemists. His research has reshaped how scientists view chemical bonding between commonly found elements. Such discoveries can lead to countless improvements – from computer chips to solar panels.
Watch the video to learn more about UGA Foundation Distinguished Professor of Chemistry Gregory Robinson.
An aspiring teacher, Courtni Reese will make a daily impact on young lives with the help of her scholarship.
Expanding her horizons
At the University of Georgia, Courtni Reese has found her independence. Growing up, she never pictured herself leaving Bowdon, a small city of around 2,000 people in Western Georgia. Now, she can’t imagine what her life would be like if she hadn’t ventured to Athens to attend UGA. In the future, the early childhood education major hopes to encourage more students in rural areas to attend college.
“My life was changed when I was accepted into UGA. I really started seeing myself as a successful student and leader from that point on.”
Upon acceptance, Courtni was awarded a scholarship based on her academic merit and financial need in affording tuition. Not only has Courtni’s scholarship helped her financially, but it also has given her confidence to succeed as a student and become a future teacher.
“I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to come here because I know UGA has changed the direction of my future,” Courtni said. “It feels good to know that someone believes in me and to reap the benefits after working really hard [in high school].”
A guiding light for young students
Courtni comes from a long line of teachers. Her grandparents, mother and aunt all taught at schools in her hometown. She came to college with a clear goal: to become a teacher, too. During her junior year, Courtni was accepted into the College of Education and immediately began student-teaching. She most enjoys working with students who “need a guiding light.”
“These kids are shaped by the small acts of kindness and compassion that fill their day-to-day lives,” Courtni said. “As a student-teacher, you have the power to control those little things. You can teach them that they are smart, beautiful and kind. On that day, you may be the only person that tells them that. I think that opportunity is really just priceless.”
Returning to her roots
While at UGA, Courtni has become increasingly interested in rural education. She understands how much her college experience has shaped her future, and she wants others to recognize that value. Growing up, many of her peers didn’t view college as an attainable goal. She wants to ensure that students in places like her hometown realize that “college is an option and they should go.”
“I would like to change lives,” Courtni said. “I want to be that one person that a child looks back on and remembers: ‘she believed in me.’”
And with her scholarship support, Courtni is well on her way to doing just that: changing the lives of young people by simply believing in them.
Venture Fund Impact
Last fall, one of many programs supported by the Venture Fund was the UGA Career Center’s Dawgs Suit Up scholarships. Through this fundraising effort, the Career Center was able to award scholarships to 310 of the more than 1,300 students who attended Dawgs Suit Up. In September, these students received full professional outfits completely free of charge at JCPenney. They now have the professional attire they need to pursue their dream jobs.
“This scholarship has been so helpful in relieving the stress that goes along with buying professional attire. I will be using my purchase for medical school interviews, and this scholarship came at just the right time!”
– Cody Blanchard ’18
“I have been trying to use my two part-time jobs to scrape together enough money for professional clothing. I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders, and I thank all of you for investing in UGA students’ success and future.”
– Ye Kim ’18
“Thank you for giving me the ability to walk into a room and be proud of who I am and what I look like.”
– Kellie Walls ’18
“As a low income student, it would be difficult for me to set money aside to buy clothes like these because so many other things take priority. Thanks to this scholarship, I was able to buy some of the most fundamental tools to making a good impression and obtaining the possible job of my dreams.”
– Thelma Aguilar Gutierrez ’19
The Venture Fund supports exciting opportunities for students that arise outside of regular operating budgets across UGA’s campuses. Many Presidents Club members choose to designate their leadership level gifts to the Venture Fund.
Thank you for ensuring that the UGA community can act on teaching, research and service priorities as determined by our university’s administration.
Upcoming Events
January 22
Founders Day Lecture in the Chapel
January 27
2018 Bulldog 100 Celebration
January 29
Women of UGA Mentorship Mondays
March 22
TEDxUGA 2018
March 26
Women of UGA Mentorship Mondays
April 20
Alumni Awards Luncheon
May 4
Spring Commencement
For further information on upcoming events, please visit the Alumni Association’s calendar and UGA’s master calendar.
Recent News
In July 2017, the minimum requirement for Presidents Club qualification was raised, for the first time in 25 years, from $1,000 to $1,500. In addition, new Presidents Club levels were established and materials were updated to align with the University of Georgia’s new branding.
In August 2018, fiscal year 2018 members will receive the first Presidents Club decals, which will correspond with your giving level, based on the cumulative giving total achieved during fiscal year 2018. We hope these decals will serve as a daily reminder of our gratitude for your leadership support.
Presidents Club Levels:
- Bronze $1,500 – $4,999
- Silver $5,000 – $9,999
- Gold $10,000 – $24,999
- Platinum $25,000 and up
Thank you to the more than 740 President Club members who attended the 2017 President Club Reception on November 3.
Why I Give
“We believe donating to the Presidents Club is one significant way to be involved with our daughter and her higher education. Even though we are not UGA alumni, we are still part of the UGA nation through the Presidents Club and we can make a positive impact, not only on our student, but also on others we do not even know yet.”
–Mr. Philip L. Howard and Mrs. Kathleen L. Howard
