The Pulse – June 2026

Hello, team!

As we continue moving toward our ambitious $300 million fundraising goal, I want to sincerely thank each of you for the commitment and care you’ve brought to your work this year. Everything we’ve accomplished is a clear reflection of the dedication and momentum I see across every team. I want to specifically thank the Office of Special Events for planning and executing another terrific Commencement Ceremony last month, as well as all of our DAR staff who volunteered at this event. We have an incredible team who is always willing to help, and as I’ve said before, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and collaborative group.

As we enter the final month of the fiscal year, I encourage us to continue supporting one another, collaborating and finding meaningful ways to make an impact as we approach June 30. At the same time, I hope each of you will take moments—both now and throughout the summer—to rest, recharge, and create space for the renewal that fuels our best work. Sustaining this level of excellence requires balance, and you’ve more than earned the opportunity to pause and replenish.

How can I help you and your teams close out this fiscal year strong? Are there donors I can call, thank you notes I can write, or meetings you would like me to join you for? Please reach out to me with your creative ideas and requests. Let’s finish this year strong together as we continue making the best even better!

With Gratitude,

Upcoming Alumni Chapter Events

• New York City Chapter: Media Night
  • Wednesday, June 10
  • Hearst Tower, NYC, NY 
  • 6-9 p.m.

1961 Club Celebration and Footsteps Award  

The 1961 Club Celebration presented by the Black Alumni Leadership Council is Friday, June 5th, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at The Bellyard Hotel, 1 Interlock Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. In addition, we will be honoring the 2026 Footsteps Award recipient at this year’s event.  

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!

2026 UGA Development Interns

A partnership between DAR and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the UGA Development Internship is an opportunity for undergraduates to work with fundraisers and development support teams in a hands-on learning experience to explore how donor gifts transform into life-changing research, scholarships, and other higher education advancements. During the 8-week summer internship (June 1 to July 24), interns will work full-time at 1 Press Place and attend a CASE Internship Conference in Washington, D.C.

We are pleased to introduce this year’s interns:

David Nelson
Hometown: Cumming, GA
Major: BBA Marketing, Terry College of Business
Expected Graduation: May 2027

Ella Johnson
Hometown: Athens, GA
Major: AB English, AB Classics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences; Morehead Honors College
Expected Graduation: May 2027

If you have questions about partnering with the interns, please contact Christy Dasher and Kathy Bangle.

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:

# of mentors – 6,642 (621 new registrations)

# of mentees – 7,850 (2,796 new registrations)

# of connections – 3,198 (includes 16-week, quick chats, and circles)