Teresa Harris Guthrie DAR Student Worker 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 values: Leadership, Impact, Collaboration. 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.

Teresa’s legacy is carried forward through this award thanks to the many generous donors to the Teresa Harris Guthrie Memorial Fund.

Eligibility

Any undergraduate student enrolled at UGA and employed by the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is eligible. DAR supervisors will 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 should submit nominations online. Each part of the nomination form must be completed to be considered. An awards committee will review nominees based on the strength of the 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 and Scope: The impact and scope of student worker’s actions

2025 Nominations Close Feb. 21

2025 Award Recipient

Emaleigh Cone received the 2025 Teresa Harris Guthrie Award in April 2025.

Jill S. Walton, Emaleigh Cone, Nedra Newton-Jones

The 2025 Teresa Harris Guthrie Award was presented in April 2025 to Emaleigh Cone, a third-year student from Dacula, Georgia, majoring in graphic design. We caught up with Emaleigh to learn a bit more about this outstanding UGA student.

What is your role as a Division of Development and Alumni Relations student employee?

I currently work with the Research and Prospect Management team. My day-to-day consists of gathering and organizing information related to UGA donors and potential prospects.

How did you learn about this position and why did you decide to apply?

I was made aware of the opening in RPM through a friend that has experience collaborating with the team. While the job may not pertain to my degree, I have always had a fondness for analytics. This stems from the side of myself that has keen observational skills and is meticulous. I found the idea of trying a new field refreshing and intriguing.

What has your position taught you and/or how has it prepared you for the future?

This position has given me a new outlook on what it means to be professional. The environment requires a level of collaboration, self-accountability, and a strong work ethic. Trust is extremely important in these settings. Trust that the work will be done in a timely manner and with excellent quality. I have learned how rewarding it can be to have that kind of faith placed on you, and to be able to provide helpful work in return.

What is one surprising thing you learned about UGA, DAR or RPM?

The care and consideration that I received in the office and from my boss was unexpected but very welcomed. My schedule can be taxing and change in a moment’s notice depending on required work by teachers. The DAR staff are understanding and supportive of my college journey, which makes me feel well taken care of and more eager to provide my assistance.

What has been most rewarding about your role?

The experience that I have gained will shape how I approach future jobs and how I will carry myself with regard to attitude and ethics.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

After graduation, I intend on exploring my graphic design career options, especially ones that pertain to the book publishing field. I hope to work with other creatives to help bring an idea or brand to life.

What would you say to those who donated to this fund in Teresa’s honor?

I would love to say thank you for supporting students that recognize the value of having a positive workplace environment that allows for growth. The award is highly encouraging for the students that continue to work hard for DAR.

Recent Winners

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