Issue 32 ・ October 10, 2025・Athens, GA
Director's Letter
This past weekend I had the opportunity to spend several sessions with other married couples on a retreat in the foothills of Georgia’s Appalachia. The theme of the retreat, "telling one's story," immediately highlighted the power of storytelling for anyone facing a challenge.
When navigating a deep challenge—be it personal, professional, or academic—it often feels like a solitary, dark path, making the search for a guide or glimmer of hope essential. Telling your story is more than just recounting events; it is an act of vulnerability that builds bridges of empathy and compassion. By choosing to share your struggles and ultimate breakthroughs, you offer a lifeline, normalizing struggle and providing a blueprint for hope. This act requires courage, yet it transforms a private burden into a shared lesson, cementing the understanding that we are all interconnected.
If you have a story of finding a path forward, consider sharing it, as your willingness to be authentic can be the light that guides another person out of the shadows, proving that your vulnerability today can truly become someone else's strength tomorrow.
The 2025 Maestro Conference
Carrie Lynn Locklear, Logan Misenhamer, James Gilstrap, Rodrigo Medina, and John Reichner travelled to Toronto for the 2025 Maestro Conference.
James Greer, Groundskeeper
James is a calm, reliable and creative person with nearly a decade of experience as a groundskeeper at the Georgia Center.
He brings patience and care to his work and to his art. A talented visual artist, he combines imagination with attention to detail, whether he’s helping others or creating something new.
Text: Jill Carnes // Photo: Jamie DeRevere
Hosting King's
The Georgia Center hosted King’s Hawaiian and the Office of Business Engagement for a tour and introductory meeting focused on fostering collaboration and exploring potential partnership opportunities with the HFIM program.
Our team worked diligently to curate the entire event, from the culinary team crafting a specially designed menu featuring King’s Hawaiian products to the banquet team executing service beautifully, to Brandy Cheney and Ashley Moore overseeing every detail and logistics to ensure it came together as an exceptional experience.
Making Waves at UGA IT
Congratulations to Mike Compton on two recent appointments within UGA IT. He has been elected Vice Chair of the Information Technology Management Forum (ITMF), guiding leadership and best practices across campus IT. Additionally, Mike has been appointed to the VPIT Executive Advisory Group (EAG) to provide input on strategic planning and innovation at the university.
The UGA Foundation Board of Trustees
Last week, the Georgia Center team catered the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees event at the Wray–Nicholson House, hosting an elegant outdoor reception and dinner in beautiful fall weather.
The 2025 Modern Campus Annual User Conference
Alyssa Weyant and James Gilstrap presented at the 2025 Modern Campus Annual User Conference, which took place in Chicago from Tuesday, October 7, to Friday, October 10.
Wellness Corner
As we move into fall and the temperatures become more comfortable, make time to enjoy the outdoors. Even a short break in the sunshine can do wonders for your mood.
Research shows that sunlight boosts serotonin levels in the brain — in other words, a little sunshine really can make you happier.
Happy Retirement, Kelly!
Kelly Cona has been a crucial staff member here at the Georgia Center and UGA at large for decades. Her work ethic and infectious positivity have shaped this work environment to the Nth degree. She has been on the front lines welcoming and prepping staff for the journeys ahead here at the Georgia Center. Wishing her the best in her retirement.
Credits:
Images by Jamie DeRevere, GC Marcom, Patrick Fulbright, mozZz, and individual GC contributing employees.