The Pulse – July 2026
Team,
We did it – again! Back‑to‑back years surpassing the $300 million fundraising mark is no small feat, and I couldn’t be prouder of our division. This level of support fuels student scholarships, expands study abroad opportunities, helps us recruit top students, and strengthens our ability to retain and reward world‑class faculty and researchers. It also enhances the student experience through essential programs—from food scholarships to emergency support—and improves quality of life in communities across Georgia. You all proved what is possible when a team commits to excellence day in and day out. Reaching $300 million in FY25 was a milestone achievement and sustaining that level of excellence again this year required determination, collaboration, and heart. Repeating a record is the mark of a championship‑caliber team, and that’s exactly what we are!
What inspires me most is not just the final fundraising number, but the collective effort represented behind $300 million. You traveled, stewarded, strategized, created, analyzed, wrote, built, secured, welcomed, hosted, taught, led and innovated. You supported one another, stepped in where needed, and kept our mission at the center of every conversation. Every gift closed, every event executed, every fund agreement drafted, every system maintained—your fingerprints are on this success. We were no doubt DARing to Level Up this year, and the results speak for themselves.
As we start a new fiscal year, I hope you’ll take time to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that we accomplished together in FY26. We’ll do this as a division at our End of Year Celebration on July 30, and I look forward to seeing everyone there. Please take time away this summer and enjoy moments with family and friends – you’ve certainly earned it. Rest, recharge, and come back ready to jump into another great year together!
Thank you once again for your passion, your collaborative spirit, and your unwavering commitment to UGA’s students, faculty, alumni, and the Bulldog Nation. I am so proud of the impact we are making together.
Go Dawgs!
Upcoming Alumni Chapter Events
- Tampa Chapter: SEC Media Days Celebration
- Tuesday, July 21
- Top Shelf Sports Lounge | Tampa, FL
- Nashville Chapter: SVRC Networking Event
- Thursday, July 23
- Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery | Nashville, TN
Campus Parking Update
UGA Transportation and Parking Services (TPS) has notified campus of changes to Departmental Permit (DP) Policies effective Wednesday, July 1st, 2026. DAR, as well as units across campus, will have fewer DP Permits available for use once the FY26 permits expire on July 31. There are parking areas across campus that will no longer allow a DP in FY27. Surface lots inside the “Core Campus Perimeter” of Broad Street, Lumpkin Street, Carlton Street, and East Campus Road will NOT be available for DP use as shown in red on the map. DPs can be used in the following decks within the Core Campus Perimeter:
South Deck (S11)
North Deck (N06)
Tate Center Deck (N11)
I-STEM Deck (S06)
Hull Deck (W05), Carlton Deck (S15), and the PAC Deck (E20) are available for use as well as any lot shaded green on the DP Restrictions Map.
As a reminder: we have our current allotment of DPs available until July 31, but the new DP lot restrictions go into effect on July 1.
Parents Leadership Council Surpasses $10 Million
Since its inception 14 years ago, the Parents Leadership Council has raised over $10 million to support a variety of presidential priorities and pivotal programs across campus. Over the past academic year, PLC raised and awarded a record $1.6 million in 145 grants, including a $100,000 donation to the President’s Venture Fund.
Football Pre-Season Solicitation
You get UGA gear. Students get a better future. Donate $5+ and get an exclusive embroidered UGA keychain.
Bulldog 100 Nominations
Bulldog 100 nominations are open through July 31. Nominate a deserving Bulldog-owned or -led business today! Selection criteria, past honorees, and a link to nominate are available at alumni.uga.edu/b100. Thank you for your continued support of this program!
Tasty Tailgate Recipe Submissions
With another season of Georgia Football coming up we want to know what you all eat or drink at your tailgates. Submit a recipe today (and include pictures/videos if you’d like) for a chance to have it featured on UGA Alumni socials during the season!
Name a Squirrel Campaign Receives Award
The FY25 Name a Squirrel campaign won silver in the Circle of Excellence for Annual/Regular Giving Campaigns from CASE! According to the judges, “The University of Georgia team delivered a clever and highly creative campaign that leaned into a core part of student life. By fully committing to a ‘this or that’ giving structure flavored with puns and humor, the team achieved excellent donor reactivation and impressive return on investment. Ultimately, this initiative proves that a simple, well-executed concept can drive massive engagement when an institution embraces its unique traditions and sense of fun.”
Shoutout to Annual Giving and DARCOMM for their collaboration on this effort!
40 Under 40 Announcement
Our class of 2026 40 under 40 will be announced on Wednesday, July 22. Additional information will be shared ahead of the announcement, but please hold this date and prepare to celebrate our newest class of alumni leading the pack!
Mentor Program Update
Since July 1, 2025:
# of mentors – 6,669 (644 new registrations)
# of mentees – 7,955 (2,901 new registrations)
# of connections – 3,300 (includes 16-week, quick chats, and circles)
