About the Award
The Teresa Harris Guthrie Award is given annually to an outstanding student employee who has made a positive impact on the Division of Development & Alumni Relations at UGA through the demonstration of one or more DAR SIC’Em values: Servant Leadership, Innovation, and Commitment. The winner will receive a framed certificate and $500 cash prize funded by the Teresa Harris Guthrie Memorial Fund.
The award was established in memory of former DAR employee Teresa Harris Guthrie. Her smile, outgoing personality, and endless positive attitude made Teresa a joy and a comfort to be near. Her co-workers, family and friends raised money to create this award in memory of her dedication and mentorship to the students who worked with her.
Eligibility
Any undergraduate student enrolled at UGA and employed by DAR is eligible. DAR supervisors submit nominations in response to a call issued each spring.
Please note: graduate students, including graduate assistantships, research or teaching assistants, as well as volunteers, are not eligible. Students employed by schools, colleges or units are not eligible.
Nomination Process
Once the call for nominations is issued, supervisors may submit nominations via a Qualtrics form. Every part of the nomination form must be completed to be considered. An awards committee will score nominations on a 0-30 point scale based on the strength of nomination, including but not limited to:
Value: Full description of how the student worker demonstrated the value
Action: Detailed narrative of the student worker’s actions
Impact & Scope: The impact and scope of student worker’s actions
2024 Award Recipient
Griffin Dunn received the 2024 Teresa Harris Guthrie Award in Spring 2024. We asked him to answer a few questions to get to know him a bit better.
Please explain your job title and who you serve in the Division of Development & Alumni Relations.
My job as the videography intern for the UGA Career Center focuses on creating entertaining, informational and engaging content that informs students of resources and events. I am responsible for making relevant, short-form videos for social media along with long-form videos for presentations, websites, and just about anything else!
What was it like interviewing for the student employee job?
While the interview process was intimidating, it was an encouraging and educational experience. This was the first “adult” job that I applied for, so being treated as an adult and a professional made me confident that this was a team I wanted to be a part of.
How have you balanced academics, student teaching,
extracurriculars, and work?
I have been able to develop a healthy work-life balance largely through the
encouragement and guidance of my supervisors. My academics have always been prioritized along with my mental well-being and for that I am incredibly grateful.
Did the student employee opportunity match your expectations?
My time at the UGA Career Center has exceeded my expectations. It has been one of the most welcoming and supportive environments to work and grow in. I am very grateful for the creative freedom that I have been trusted with to make the best videos that I can, and I’m being paid to work on campus!
What has been most surprising about your work?
I have been most surprised by the growth that I have been able to see in myself as both a professional and videographer. I have been able to develop a more consistent workflow and learned more about my own creative process. Largely through the guidance of my supervisor, Jessica McLeod-Waddell, I have seen major improvements in my organization, timeliness and professionalism. I have learned way more than I ever thought I would in this position.
What would you tell other students considering a student employee position with DAR?
You should absolutely apply! Working with DAR gives you the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself. If you want to be in an authentic, purpose-driven environment then this is the place for you!
