Issue 33 ・ October 24, 2025・Athens, GA
Director's Letter
As autumn leaves swirl and pumpkin spice abounds, we're quickly approaching a holiday known for its masks, costumes, and playful deception: Halloween. For one night, we embrace the fun of pretending to be someone or something we're not. But it got me thinking... isn't that what many of us do, in a less festive way, almost every day?
Beyond the ghoulish grins and superhero capes, many of us wear invisible masks. These aren't for fun; they're often crafted from fear, insecurity, or a desperate desire to fit in. We call it many names: impostor syndrome, faking it, inauthentic, or chronic self-doubt.
What if we approached our everyday lives with a little more of that Halloween spirit, but in reverse? What if the goal wasn't to put on a mask, but to bravely take it off?
- Acknowledge the Mask: The first step is to recognize when you're wearing one. When do you feel like you're faking it? What fears are driving that feeling?
- Embrace Imperfection: No one is perfect. True connection comes from vulnerability, from allowing others to see not just our strengths, but also our struggles.
- Lean into Your Value: Remember that your worth isn't tied to flawless performance or external validation. You bring unique gifts and perspectives to the table. The very qualities you try to hide might be the ones that truly set you apart.
This Halloween, as you see children (and adults) donning their costumes, let it be a playful reminder. It's fun to pretend for a night, but true joy and peace come from living authentically, shedding the invisible masks that hold us back. Let's strive to unmask ourselves and embrace the real, valuable people we are, every day of the year.
A Course to Bridge the Language Gap In Courtrooms
The Spanish English Legal Interpreter Certificate Program kicked off this weekend with representatives from the Judicial Council of Georgia/Administrative Office of the Courts. Tiffanie Bacon and Malcolm Sinkfield shared valuable information about the state certification process, including licensing designations, requirements, exam procedures, and court observations.
The visit provided learners with a unique opportunity to meet the staff who support interpreter certification in Georgia, ask questions directly, and feel more confident navigating the process. What a great way to kick off the program and build connections that will support our students' professional journeys!
Bo Brewer, Maintenance Worker
Bo is cordial, comical, and crafty—a true cornerstone of the Georgia Center. With over twenty-two years of dedicated service, you'd be hard-pressed to find a space within these walls that Bo hasn't personally touched. His craftsmanship and good humor have left a lasting impact on the entire facility and personnel around.
Outside of work, Bo enjoys tinkering with projects and cherishing time with his five beloved grandchildren.
Text: Tom Leizear / Photo: Ezequiel Korin
Georgia Center Hosts UGA Alumni Board Meeting
We were honored to host the University of Georgia Alumni Board for its Fall Board meeting on October 17 in the Magnolia Ballroom, with approximately 33 members in attendance. The morning featured updates from President Jere W. Morehead and Vice President Jill Walton. A key focus was the growth of the Hospitality and Food Industry Management (HFIM) program, with Vice President Stacy Jones highlighting the partnership between Public Service and Outreach and HFIM at CAES.
Following presentations by Dean Nick Place and HFIM director John Salazar, Georgia Center Interim Director Patrick Fulbright led a tour of new experiential learning spaces, including the SR Atrium/Beverage Lab, and the Future Event Lab.
A special shoutout to all those who collaborated on logistics and coordination, demonstrating strong collaboration across UGA units, which aligns with the Georgia Center’s mission.
Annual AAA Inspection? Check!
There’s more to AAA Membership than a tow. Membership includes career assistance, travel deals, and thousands of shopping discounts and rewards. AAA inspects hotels for cleanliness, condition, and amenities to determine their Diamond Rating. Inspectors inspect both public areas and guest rooms for issues such as stains, damage, and wear. They use a special test, called an ATP test, to objectively measure the cleanliness of high-touch surfaces in the rooms. Our property has once again been considered “INSPECTED CLEAN”, which will increase the relevance of our 3-Diamond designation!
2025 Thanksgiving To Go
Food & Beverage has been busy preparing our Thanksgiving To Go offering, which features the classic Thanksgiving menu, including all-time favorites like our cornbread dressing and juicy slow-roasted turkey breast.
Orders can be placed until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, for pickup between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26.
Representing at the inaugural UGA Supervisor Leadership Collective
We’re proud to spotlight Leta Salazar, Human Resources Manager, for her participation in the inaugural Supervisor Leadership Collective at the University of Georgia. This dynamic program, led by James D. Crawford, III, M.Ed., and the UGA Training and Development team, brought together a cohort of supervisors and managers from across campus to strengthen leadership skills and foster collaboration.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to grow as a leader. A big thank you to James D. Crawford, III, M.Ed., and the UGA Training and Development team for guiding us through this journey. I'm excited to apply what we've learned and continue building a culture of leadership and collaboration!"
The 2025 Hunger Bowl Cook-off
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Hunger Bowl Cook-off! It was great to see so many familiar faces and help raise money for families in need in northeast Georgia. Together, we helped raise more than $200. A special shoutout to all those who prepared the nearly 20 dishes, themed around Halloween—from savory sensations to decadent delights, providing plenty of options for participants to try.
But, alas, at the end, only a few can emerge victorious. Congratulations to this year's winners!
If you didn't get a chance to participate but still want to help:
Wellness Corner
With the changing seasons and holidays on the horizon, it’s important to pause and recharge. Practicing mindfulness—through quiet reflection, meditation, or deep breathing—can promote focus, reduce stress, and help you feel more balanced.
A few mindful minutes each day can create space for calm and renewed energy during this busy time of year.
Happy Retirement, Beth!
After 24 incredible years, Beth Lowery is wrapping up a career that has touched every corner of the Georgia Center. Beth began in what is now SEM as an Event Manager in 2001, coordinating countless events until 2005, when she transitioned to the Human Resources team as a Training Specialist. In that role, she developed and led programs that trained thousands of Georgia Center staff. In 2015, she joined Business & Finance, where she’s been expertly managing our daily deposits ever since.
If you’ve seen Beth around the building, you know she’s always smiling and cracking a joke. You’ll also find her in her office every Sunday after a home football game, putting in extra dedication to make sure our funds stay on track!
Fun Fact: Beth is also a local celebrity! She was the co-host of the Morning Show on Magic 102.1 FM, which led to her first role at the Georgia Center.
Happy Retirement, Teresa!
After 17 years of dedicated service, Teresa Self will be retiring from the Georgia Center. Since joining us in 2008, Teresa has been a cornerstone of our Mailroom operations, ensuring that thousands of items each year were sent and received with care, precision, and reliability.
Her hard work and commitment have supported countless departments and individuals, and her presence has been a steady and reassuring part of our daily operations. Teresa’s attention to detail and friendly spirit will be deeply missed.
As she steps into retirement, Teresa looks forward to spending more time relaxing and enjoying precious moments with her family. Please join us in celebrating Teresa’s incredible contributions and wishing her all the best in this exciting new chapter!
Credits:
Images by Adobe Stock, GC Marcom, and individual GC contributing employees.