Issue 36 • December 5, 2025 • Athens, GA
Director's Letter
At the Georgia Center, our mission is to deliver authentic Georgia hospitality to every guest who walks through our doors, whether they’re here for a three-day conference on soil microbiology or simply because our strawberry ice-cream pie is calling. From our kitchen staff who ensure guests’ dietary accommodations to our shuttle drivers taking visitors around town, our team’s goal is simple: to make everyone feel like the most important person on campus. Because they are, at least until the next guest arrives. This same obsessive care becomes quietly heroic when we serve our most distinguished visitors, those whose loyalty keeps our lights on and our independence intact. A recent highlight was hosting the beloved surviving spouse of one of Georgia’s most legendary persons as she returned to attend her granddaughter’s graduation. Picture this: a dedicated golf-cart service, real-time coordination with UGA Police (because nothing says “VIP” like a police escort that isn’t for speeding), and a kitchen staff who still remembers her exact dietary preferences. Guests of this caliber—university presidents, major donors, elected officials, and the occasional Heisman winner—choose us because they know their most sensitive visits will be handled flawlessly and discreetly. That trust generates the margin that allows the Georgia Center to remain proudly self-supporting and free from corporate hotel chains, so we can continue to spoil everyone (yes, even your Uncle Harold and Aunt Becky) for decades to come. Please take a moment and send our Dawgs some positive mojo for the game Saturday night. Win or lose, we’ve had an amazing and exciting year… let’s keep trotting on.
Spreading holiday cheer at the Georgia Center!
Our dedicated team has been decorating the halls with vibrant ornaments and twinkling lights, creating a warm, joyful atmosphere. This beautifully adorned environment aims to delight guests and immerse everyone in the holiday spirit.
Deck the Halls with Georgia Center Cheer! We’re hosting our first-ever Holiday Ornament Contest, and you’re invited to join the fun! Simply decorate or pick an ornament that shines in one of these categories:
- Most Unique
- Most UGA-Themed
- Most State of Georgia-Themed
- Most Nostalgic
- Most Festive
Write your name on the back and hang it on the holiday tree in the Sanford Lobby (outside the Director’s Office) by Wednesday, December 10. Winners will earn a special ribbon and bragging rights at our Holiday Celebration on December 15! Please keep ornaments family-friendly and avoid anything valuable or irreplaceable. After the celebration, you can take your ornament home or pick it up in January. Let’s make this tree sparkle with creativity and holiday spirit!
Teamwork Keeps Us Safe!
Our annual fire suppression inspection was a success thanks to the outstanding efforts of our Facilities team, who led the charge in keeping us compliant and secure. Their expertise ensured all systems passed with green tags, and only one minor issue was found, which has already been scheduled for correction.
We also appreciate the support from everyone who helped make this process smooth and thorough. Together, we’re creating a safe environment for guests and staff. Next up: final compliance updates and monitoring checks later this month. Great job, team!
Kelly England, Housekeeping Supervisor
Kelly is a hardworking and supportive housekeeping supervisor. Her positive outlook is contagious, and her smile brightens up the room. She not only brings positivity to her team, but a great deal of structure, which helps set them up for success.
Her commitment to quality and teamwork continually makes a meaningful difference in everyone's day with whom she interacts. Perhaps what sets her apart the most is her resolution-focused approach, diving headfirst into any challenge presented to her, constantly seeking solutions.
Text: Abony James / Photo: Ezequiel Korin
Mark your calendars for Monday, December 15, from 2:00–3:30 PM in Dogwood Hall and bring your holiday cheer! Whether you’re whipping up a dish or just coming to taste and vote, this is your chance to celebrate with colleagues and enjoy delicious treats. Compete in categories like Best Savory Dish, Best Sweet Treat, Most Creative Presentation, Best Use of Holiday Theme, and Chef’s Favorite for a chance to win a ribbon and bragging rights! Let’s make this a holiday to remember!
Bringing Real-World Hospitality Expertise to the Classroom
The Georgia Center's unique characteristic as a fully operational hotel and conference center provides us with the invaluable opportunity to bring real-world experiences and opportunities directly into the classroom. In the past, several of our team members have served as guest lecturers, utilizing their years of industry experience to educate the next generation of hospitality leaders. The most recent guest lecture engagement was led by Jake Grant, General Manager of the Hotel, who spoke to Dr. Im’s Hospitality and Food Industry Management Law class, discussing industry-specific legal experiences and best practices.
Summer Academy 2026 Is Now Enrolling!
From the temperatures outside, it might seem like summer is still far away, but for the Summer Academy team, it is go time. While it is customary for Summer Academy to open enrollment early in the new year, the team, aided by the registration team, IT, and MarCom, launched registration on December 1.
All Georgia Center employees are eligible for a 50% discount on Summer Academy enrollments (day camps only, not applicable to overnight camps). Take advantage of this opportunity before camps fill! To register a child for a camp, simply stop by office 192.
Celebrating a Winning Season!
Our Housekeeping team gathered for an end-of-year meeting to honor their hard work and dedication throughout a successful football season. Thank you for keeping our spaces game-day ready!
Wellness Corner
The holiday season is officially in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to pause, recharge, and take good care of ourselves. This week, USG Well-Being shared a bright and uplifting collection of tips and resources designed to help you stay healthy, balanced, and supported—now and well into the new year.
Welcome to the Team, Sonya Thomas!
We’re thrilled to have Sonya Thomas join our Housekeeping team as a Housekeeper! She brings an amazing 30 years of customer service experience from her time at a dry cleaners. When Sonya’s not working, you’ll find her hanging out with her two daughters, two grandkids, and yes… her grandsnake named Dahlia. Her go-to snack? Lemon pepper wings—and, according to Sonya, Wing House is the place to be for the best wings!
Welcome to the Team, Shelley Downs!
We’re excited to welcome Shelley Downs as our new Summer Academy Camp Director! Previously, she served as the Creative Explorers Camp Director for the UGA Torrance Center for Creativity & Talent Development, bringing extensive experience in summer camp event coordination and a strong connection to UGA as an alumna. A proud mom of three boys (ages 1, 7, and 14) and a certified yoga teacher, Shelley is a Georgia native from Dalton—the Carpet Capital of the World. Outside of work, she loves Thai food and enjoys creating sweet treats. Shelley’s creativity and enthusiasm promise an unforgettable summer for our campers. Join us in giving her a warm welcome!
Welcome to the Team, Garth Brown!
We’re thrilled to welcome Garth to our Housekeeping team in Loganville, GA as a Houseperson. Garth has a love for cooking—especially seafood dishes with a spicy kick! When he’s not in the kitchen, he enjoys relaxing and watching movies with his granddaughter. We’re excited to have his warmth and dedication on board. Welcome to the team, Garth!
Welcome to the Team, Olga Viazovaia!
We’re excited to welcome Olga to our Housekeeping team as a Housekeeper! Olga loves making delicious treats and enjoys arts and crafts in her free time. She’s especially proud of her daughter, who is studying Engineering at UGA. Additionally, she enjoys spending time with her beloved cat Justin. We’re thrilled to have Olga on our team—welcome aboard!
Credits:
Images by Adobe Stock, GC Marcom, and individual GC contributing employees.