For Michael (AB ’81) and Doris Boudens, supporting students means more than helping them pay their educational expenses. It means giving future leaders the opportunity to grow as individuals while at the University of Georgia.
At a glance
Having experienced the struggle of balancing work and school, Michael and Doris Boudens give to UGA so students can thrive.
The confidence Michael developed at UGA aided in his successful, long-term career with Wellington Management Company.
For generations to come, the Boudens’ Georgia Commitment Scholarships will provide financial and mentorship support so students can earn their degrees and fully engage in campus life.
“Doris and I want to give young adults the opportunity to receive an education because we know how it betters people’s lives.”
-Michael Boudens (AB ’81)
Michael and Doris Boudens know firsthand that a college degree demands determination. As students, both worked to financially support their educational goals. Juggling a job, academics and campus activities took discipline. But each found a supportive environment that helped them graduate and develop skills that led to future success.
Because the Boudens attribute many of their accomplishments to their education, they established four Georgia Commitment Scholarships in 2018. These scholarships will provide driven students with the financial and mentorship support to fully benefit from their UGA experiences. Michael also volunteers his time and talents as a member of the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees.
“I feel so fortunate to have achieved what I’ve done because I had a foundational experience at Georgia,” said Michael. “Doris and I want to give young adults the opportunity to receive an education because we know how it betters people’s lives. We are hugely committed to that.”
Originally from New York, Michael did not set foot on UGA’s campus until his first day as a Bulldog. He immediately fell in love. His family’s finances demanded that Michael pay for his own tuition. Though this was hard, he prioritized taking advantage of the totality of opportunities at UGA.
“I had to be disciplined with my time. I had the dual burden of paying for everything and yet maintaining strong academics,” said Michael. “That built my character and gave me a sense of organization and focus that helped me later in life.”
Michael thrived at UGA and found support from friends and professors. Overcoming challenges gave him self-confidence—a key component to his professional pursuits.
“I took challenging classes and succeeded in them. These were data points that confirmed I had the strength of character and force of will to get through difficult things.”
Michael came to Athens planning to become a dentist, but a macroeconomics class opened his eyes to a new path. He discovered an aptitude for business and earned a degree in economics from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences in 1981. Today, Michael is enjoying a long career with Wellington Management Company and is proud of its worldwide expansion. But the best benefit? “It’s where I met my wife.”
A graduate of George Washington University, Doris also appreciates the opportunities her education afforded her. Through Michael, she’s formed a close connection to the University of Georgia. The couple has two daughters, Allison (MACC ’14) and Brittany (AB ’10), who are UGA graduates. She also enjoys spending time with the students that she and Michael support through the Georgia Commitment Scholarship program. From overcoming long commutes or paving the way as first-generation college students, she admires the students’ drive and resilience.
“These are incredibly impressive and passionate students who are engaged with their studies,” said Doris. “When you consider what they’ve had to do to commit to their academics—they are exceptional.”
Though the Boudens now live outside of Boston, distance has not diminished their dedication to the university. In fact, the arrival of their first grandchild has already inspired dreams of a future Bulldog in the family.
“The UGA community exists around the world,” said Michael. “You have this institution that you can come back to, that you can continue to feel a part of. And that’s a lifelong experience. It’s terrific for our family to have that connection and continuity.”
