Issue 37 • December 19, 2025 • Athens, GA
Director's Letter
As we wrap up our final Friday Flier of 2025 and gear up for Christmas and New Year's festivities, I caught myself getting a bit nostalgic about how I ended up at the Georgia Center. I'm now in my eighth year with UGA PSO, having disembarked from the Small Business Development Center, where I was the Northeast Area Director. A huge part of whatever success I had there—and probably had some impact on the reason Dr. Jones tapped me for this role—was the legendary (and late) Mr. Abit Massey. Hanging in my office is a tribute to Mr. Abit that distills some of his life philosophy into bite-sized wisdom. In the spirit of holiday cheer (and because who doesn't need a laugh before the eggnog hits), here are some of his guiding principles—may they spark a smile, a chuckle, or at least a thoughtful nod and perhaps some adoption:
Live Like Mr. Abit:
- Treat everyone you meet with dignity and respect. (Even the person who steals your parking spot in the South Deck.)
- Make new friends every day. (Networking is good for your soul and career.)
- Always remember the importance of family. (They’re the ones who’ll still love you after you burn part of Christmas dinner.)
- Help people strive to reach their full potential. (Or at least their full coffee potential on Monday mornings.)
- Serve your community with time and resources. (Bonus points if it involves selling someone on coming to the Savannah Room for Celestial Chicken in honor of Mr. Abit.)
- Say what you mean and mean what you say. (No passive-aggressive emails allowed.)
- Enjoy and treasure every day—laugh, smile, and make it count for yourself and others. (Because tomorrow might bring fruit cake.)
A proud 1949 graduate of UGA’s College of Business Administration (now the fancy C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry College of Business), Mr. Massey was famous for his tireless energy and masterful advocacy for Georgia, agriculture, and—above all—the poultry industry. As a Capitol lobbyist, he mixed sharp intellect with Southern charm to get things done. My two favorite Abit-isms: “Life has been very good to me. I tell people to meet as many people as you can because it’s fun to know people, and you never know what doors will open,” and the classic, “I’d give up eating chocolate, but I’m not a quitter!” A huge thank-you to everyone for your hard work and dedication to the GC, our guests, and an additional shout out to our GC leadership team—where you’ll get a kick out of their personal messages in the flier (some are downright creative masterpieces). As we dive into 2026, let’s channel Mr. Abit: eat more chicken, make more friends, laugh more loudly, and tackle the year with the kind of energy that makes people wonder if we’ve been secretly adding more sugar to our sweet tea. Together, we’ll make 2026 not just prosperous, but downright fun. I can’t wait to keep serving alongside you. Go Dawgs!
P.S. - Pass the hot wings or another round of collard green casserole.
Holiday Bash Brings Festive Fun, Culinary Creativity and Ornament Flair to Year-End Celebration
The inaugural Georgia Center Holiday Bash was a wonderful celebration of teamwork and holiday cheer! Thank you to everyone who joined in the festivities, contributed delicious dishes, and showcased creativity through ornaments and culinary masterpieces. The event was a wonderful way to close off a year that once again saw the Georgia Center team step up to the challenges.
The spirited Cooking Competition, where standout dishes ranged from Christmas Tree Bread to Baklava and "Grape Tidings We Bring," allowed some team members to showcase their well-known (and, for others, well-hidden) culinary talents in a spread that was equally delicious as it was beautiful.
Congratulations to all the winners for their incredible talent!
The inaugural Ornament Contest brought an extra layer of holiday cheer to the Georgia Center, transforming creativity into festive sparkle. Employees showcased their artistic talents with an array of unique designs, from UGA-inspired ornaments proudly displaying school spirit to intricate handmade creations that captured the magic of the season. Each entry reflected personal flair and imagination, turning simple decorations into conversation pieces that brightened the halls or, at the very least, prompted a smile.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Thank you all for making this celebration a success, and a special word of appreciation to those who planned and steered this amazing get-together—wishing everyone Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas.
Some Special Messages From Around The Georgia Center
Happy Holidays from Georgia Center F&B
As the year comes to a close, the Food and Beverage team wanted to take a moment to say thank you.
We have the privilege of supporting your work every day, whether it is fueling early mornings, helping set the tone for important meetings, or celebrating milestones alongside our guests. None of what we do would matter without the collaboration, communication, and trust we share across the Georgia Center. This season is a reminder of how hospitality brings people together. It takes every department working in step to create the experiences our guests remember, and we are grateful to be part of a team that does that so well. We hope the holidays bring you time to rest, enjoy good food, and share meaningful moments with those you care about. Thank you for being such valued partners, and for making the Georgia Center a special place to work and serve. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a healthy, happy New Year.
The 12 Projects of IT
(To the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas”) On the first project of IT, my team gave to me: Email migration to UGA. On the second project of IT, my team gave to me: Two MyID Logins, And email migration to UGA. On the third project of IT, my team gave to me: Three Defender installs, Two MyID Logins, And email migration to UGA. On the fourth project of IT, my team gave to me: Four Teams migrations, Three Defender installs, Two MyID Logins, And email migration to UGA. On the fifth project of IT, my team gave to me: Five Helpdesk upgrades! Four Teams migrations, Three Defender installs, Two MyID Logins, And email migration to UGA. On the sixth project of IT, my team gave to me: Six POS upgrades, Five Helpdesk upgrades! Four Teams migrations, Three Defender installs, Two MyID Logins, And email migration to UGA. On the seventh project of IT, my team gave to me: Seven User Account Audits, Six POS upgrades, Five Helpdesk upgrades! Four Teams migrations, Three Defender installs, Two MyID Logins, And email migration to UGA. On the eighth project of IT, my team gave to me: Eight Power BI Dashboards, Seven User Account Audits, Six POS upgrades, Five Helpdesk upgrades! Four Teams migrations, Three Defender installs, Two MyID Logins, And email migration to UGA. On the ninth project of IT, my team gave to me: Nine Teams Phone setups, Eight Power BI Dashboards, Seven User Account Audits, Six POS upgrades, Five Helpdesk upgrades! Four Teams migrations, Three Defender installs, Two MyID Logins, And email migration to UGA. On the tenth project of IT, my team gave to me: Ten PCI trainings, Nine Teams Phone setups, Eight Power BI Dashboards, Seven User Account Audits, Six POS upgrades, Five Helpdesk upgrades! Four Teams migrations, Three Defender installs, Two MyID Logins, And email migration to UGA. On the eleventh project of IT, my team gave to me: Eleven cameras watching, Ten PCI trainings, Nine Teams Phone setups, Eight Power BI Dashboards, Seven User Account Audits, Six POS upgrades, Five Helpdesk upgrades! Four Teams migrations, Three Defender installs, Two MyID Logins, And email migration to UGA. On the twelfth project of IT, my team gave to me: Twelve AI licenses, Eleven cameras watching, Ten PCI trainings, Nine Teams Phone setups, Eight Power BI Dashboards, Seven User Account Audits, Six POS upgrades, Five Helpdesk upgrades! Four Teams migrations, Three Defender installs, Two MyID Logins, And email migration to UGA.
Happy Holidays to all from the CE Team
Long ago (well… earlier this year), in a season busy and bright, Continuing Education was buzzing from morning till night. Programs were launching, ideas taking flight, As learning spread outward, a beacon of light. More than 15,000 learners, youth and adults alike Found knowledge, opportunity, and pathways to like. Across classrooms and screens, across counties and states, CE opened doors wide and expanded the gates. But every great story has heroes within, And ours shone brightest when growth came from in. Suzanne, Melissa, Cheryl, Drew, Maci, and Kiel Leaned into learning with drive and with zeal. Three master’s degrees, two doctorates too, And a master’s certificate earned by the crew. Just like young Rudolph discovering his glow, Their achievements lit pathways for others to know. And speaking of glow new stars joined the sleigh, Phillip, Zoey, Miranda, Jeff, and Shelley this way. Each brought fresh talents, new sparks, new ideas, Strengthening CE in all the right arenas. When fog rolled in and the projects piled high— This team didn’t pause, didn’t wonder “why.” We came together quickly, steady and true, Tackling project after project the way CE do. From webinars reaching thousands worldwide, To STEM competitions filled with statewide pride, Our public service mission stayed clear in sight Helping learners everywhere find their light. Looking back now, the lesson is clear: What makes CE special isn’t just what we do here. It’s the people, the purpose, the heart of the team, Working together toward one shared dream. And as we look ahead to the year drawing near, New opportunities sparkle with hope and good cheer. With partners in the School of Medicine, Social Work, and Pharmacy too, Small Business Development and more exciting work is in view. So thank you, CE team and the GC too, for shining so bright, For guiding our learners and leading with might. May your holidays be joyful, restful, and true, And may next year bring even more light because of you.
Happy Holidays from Finance & HR!
We’ve crunched the numbers and checked the policies twice, and it turns out the Georgia Center team has been very nice! We promise not to put you on the naughty list… unless you forget to submit your timecards. We hope everyone enjoys a break filled with joy, laughter, and absolutely no emails! We are looking forward to an amazing 2026 with all of you. From your favorite bean counters and people wranglers in Finance & HR
Holiday Greetings from the Georgia Center Facilities Division
’Twas the season of joy, and throughout every hall, The Georgia Center was bustling, united and all. Sales and Events planned with sparkle and cheer, While Continuing Education brought wisdom near. Food & Beverage prepared feasts with delight, As Marketing and Comms made our message shine bright. Finance & HR kept everything sound, While the Hotel and Housekeeping spread comfort around. Maintenance worked with care, steady and true, Ensuring each space felt merry for you. Together we thrive—coordination our art, Cohesion and friendship the beat of our heart. From all of our divisions, with tidings so great, We wish you warm holidays to celebrate! May joy fill your days and peace light your way, Happy Holidays from Facilities today!
A Very SEM Christmas
This year at the Georgia Center…wow, what a ride, Sales and Event Management hit milestones with pride. From contracts to calendars to babies to “I do,” We somehow did it all (with coffee… lots of it too).
We two rockstars who jumped in and saved the day. New faces, fresh energy, skills on display— Honestly, we’re wondering how we survived before they came to stay.
Our work family grew in the cutest of forms, With baby boys Ezra and Kayden stealing the norms. Sleepless nights? Worth it. Adorable? Yes please. SEM now schedules meetings around nap times with ease.
Love was also in the air and the sand and sun, As one teammate said, “I do” and jetted off for beachside fun. While we checked timelines and banquet event orders instead, He was saying vows with ocean waves overhead.
We proudly celebrated a former NFL Cheerleader too, Honored for her service and all that she brings to the crew. Proof that SEM has rhythm, leadership, and flair— And could probably handle halftime shows if needed, we swear.
We graduated Leadership Academy and Women’s Staff Leadership strong, Because developing leaders is kind of our thing all along. And let’s pause for applause…this one’s pretty major… Our first Assistant Director of Event Management entered the chamber!
We signed and executed the biggest contract to date, A moment that made us cheer… and immediately check the rate. And yes, we planned ahead (because that’s how we roll), Booked for Spring already…how’s that for a 2026 goal!
Which, by the way, is shaping up nicely already, With another SEM baby and TWO weddings on the ready. Clearly, we plan events at work and in life, Because balance is key…and calendars are our vice.
So Happy Holidays to this incredible team, We’re blessed by the faces, the personalities, the dream. Here’s to laughter, milestones, and all that’s in store SEM proves year after year, we always bring MORE!
Show Your Georgia Center Spirit – Branded Items Now Available!
We’re excited to announce the launch of our Georgia Center online store, featuring a variety of items proudly displaying the Georgia Center logo. This is a great way to show your GC pride—whether you’re at work, at home, or out in the community.
Important Notes: The Georgia Center does not receive any payment or profit from these sales. This initiative aims to make branded merchandise available to any employee who wishes to purchase it. Only current employees are allowed to purchase items.
Thank you for helping us represent the Georgia Center with pride! We can’t wait to see you sporting your GC gear.
For questions, please reach out to the MarCom team.
Wellness Corner
The days between Christmas and the New Year can feel full—in the best ways and the busy ones. In the middle of it all, remember to take care of yourself. Self-care can be simple: get a little extra rest, step away from the to-do list for a bit, or enjoy a quiet moment just for you.
As we head into the new year, take a breath and give yourself credit for all you’ve carried and accomplished. Here’s to closing out the year feeling refreshed and ready for what’s ahead.
Credits:
Images by Adobe Stock, GC Marcom, and individual GC contributing employees.