The Pulse – May 2026

Hello, team! 

April was another full and energizing month for our division, and it’s a clear reflection of the dedication and momentum I see across every team. As we work hard to close out the fourth quarter and continue moving toward our ambitious $300 million goal for the second straight year, I want to sincerely thank each of you for the commitment and care you’ve brought to your work this year. Every role truly matters, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and collaborative group. I also want to share a special congratulations with the Senior Signature campaign team for once again setting a new student donor record—what an incredible accomplishment.

I’m especially excited as we look ahead to Commencement and the chance to celebrate our graduates as they officially join our alumni family. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered their time for the ceremonies and helped with packing Commencement bags—your behind-the-scenes efforts make a real difference.

As we enter the final two months of the fiscal year, I encourage us to continue checking in on one another and consider how you can help a colleague in their work. Let’s seek out ways to collaborate, to lead in whatever space we are in, and to communicate impact to our teams and to donors. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything I can do to support you or your team—I’m always glad to help.

With Gratitude,

Upcoming Alumni Chapter Events

• Chicago Chapter x Mentor Program Networking and Career Panel
  • Tuesday, May 5
  • MATTER – Chicago
  • 6 p.m. CST
• Savannah Chapter: Evening at Skidaway Institute
  • Tuesday, May 12
  • UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium
  • 6-8 p.m.
• Seattle Chapter x College of Environment + Design Student Networking
  • Tuesday, June 2
  • Location TBD
  • 6 p.m. PST

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. Invitees should RSVP by May 22. 

Bulldog 100 Nominations

Bulldog 100 nominations will be opening soon. Be on the lookout for a division email with the nominations link and criteria. Please nominate Bulldog-owned or led businesses at the top of their game!

Career Outcomes Survey

The Career Outcomes Survey is live for May 2026 graduates. Please encourage your recent graduates to complete the survey if they have been hired by an employer or accepted by a graduate program. Students who complete the survey will be entered for a chance to win a prize valued at up to $500.  

Mentor Program Update

Since July 1:

# of mentors – 6,625 (604 new registrations)

# of mentees – 7,727 (2,682 new registrations)

# of connections – 2,999 (includes 16-week, quick chats, and circles)

UGA Spring Staff Appreciation Celebration: May 19 

Please RSVP to attend the Staff Appreciation Celebration on May 19 at Stegeman Coliseum from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A complimentary lunch will be provided, and all attendees will receive a small token of appreciation. Complimentary parking is available in the Carlton Street Deck with overflow parking in the South Deck. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to step away briefly, connect with colleagues and celebrate the impact you make on UGA and its community.

DAR 101

It was a wonderful day hosting new DAR hires last month for this spring’s DAR 101. These day-long workshops are great ways for recent hires to meet other new employees while learning about the different DAR teams so they’re ready to collaborate in their new roles!