The University of Georgia will pay tribute to former head football coach and Athletic Director Vince Dooley by dedicating the Vince Dooley Athletic Complex Saturday morning before the Georgia-Georgia Tech game.  The 9:30 a.m. ceremony will feature remarks by Gov. Sonny Perdue ‘70, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson ‘66, UGA President Michael Adams and Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Billy Payne ‘69, ‘73.

The complex is located on the southwest end of campus and includes Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, Spec Towns Track, Woodruff Practice Fields, Stegeman Coliseum, Foley Baseball Field, and the Dan Magill Tennis Complex.

A garden at the corner of Lumpkin Street and Pinecrest Drive will feature a sculpture of the man who was associated with UGA athletics for more than 40 years.

Congratulations, Coach Dooley.

Shortly after graduating from UGA in May 2007, Brian Bordainick got a job teaching school in Louisiana as part of the national program Teach For America.  Within 3 months he was promoted to athletic director at Carver High School in the 9^th Ward of New Orleans, making him the youngest high school athletic director in state history.  Not only has Brian revamped the school’s sports programs, he also presided over Carver’s first complete football season since Katrina this year.

As if that weren’t enough, Brian has taken on the huge task of trying to raise $200,000 to support his application to the National Football League’s Grassroots Program.  If selected, the NFL will match the $200,000 pledge which will be used to build a state-of-the art football field and track in the 9th Ward to be enjoyed free of charge by all public schools and community members.

I encourage you to take a moment and view Brian’s effort at the 9th Ward Field of Dreams web site.

In my July 25 blog, I mentioned 1988 graduate Ashley Hatcher and her new invention, Lappers.  These non-slip table trays are such a neat idea and are really catching on all across the country.  Ashley let me know today that she will be appearing on QVC tonight around midnight and Tuesday in the 1:00 p.m. hour.       

It doesn’t matter the age, UGA alums and students are always doing something special for their communities.  For example, Meghan Claiborne ‘09 founded the student organization Full Plate in 2007 because she noticed how much food was being wasted at some local restaurants.  The Augusta senior contacted these establishments and, with the help of more than 40 of her fellow students, arranged for daily pick-ups of the leftovers to be delivered to shelters for the needy.  What a fantastic concept; great job Meghan!

Don’t forget to mark you calendars and attend our annual Holiday Open House and Toy & Food Drive Thursday, Dec. 4 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Wray-Nicholson in Athens.  Bring your canned and non-perishable food items and unwrapped toys as we help “the least of these.”

Beat Tech Food Drive.  Any non-perishable food we collect by Nov. 26 will benefit the Northeast Georgia Food Bank and help UGA in a “food fight” against Ga. Tech.  This is an off-the-field contest both schools can be proud of where there is no loser.

Click here to vote for Mark Richt in Liberty Mutual’s Coach of the Year Contest.  Also, Bulldog sensation Knowshon Moreno is in competition for the Doak Walker Award which recognizes the nation’s top running back.  Click here to rank your top ten (you know where Knowshon should go!).

What’s the perfect gift for the Bulldogs in your life?  Don’t sweat it, just click here to review our Bulldog Wishlist and paint your shopping list Red and Black.

Put a Dawg Tag on your car.  If you live in Tennessee, North Carolina or Virginia you can place an order for a personalized UGA tag in your state.  Since there is a set pre-order number each state requires before manufacturing the plates, click here to read all the details and instructions.

Congratulations to the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication on the occasion of its Centennial Gala.  The event will honor charter members of the Grady Fellowship and serve as a spring board to announce its Centennial Campaign which will culminate in 2015 when the college celebrates its 100^th anniversary.

Grady alumni have distinguished themselves throughout our state and nation, and many have won international acclaim.  Two of these alumnae, Deborah Norville (ABJ ‘79) and Deborah Roberts (ABJ ‘82), will host tonight’s black tie event.

The UGA Alumni Association is especially indebted to Grady alumni for their leadership through the years.  Dozens have served on the Alumni Board of Directors and four of the last six presidents of the Association have been Grady alums.  These include Swann Seiler (ABJ ‘78), W.H. “Dink” Nesmith (ABJ ‘70), Carlton Curtis (ABJ ‘72) and Carl E. Swearingen (ABJ ‘67).

The theme for the Grady Centennial Campaign is “Democracy’s Next Generation.”

Cpt. Jensen Basenberg ‘04 is in the U.S. Army serving in the Middle East.  Here you see him piloting his Apache helicopter over Baghdad.  Jensen is a graduate of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and a Life Member of the Alumni Association.  Click on the picture so you can see Jensen proudly displaying the UGA flag.   

2^nd Lt. Benjamin Roberts was in the midst of earning a master’s degree in Historic Preservation when he learned of his call to active duty in 2006.  He returned home in 2007 and re-enrolled only to be called-up again early this year.  Benjamin is scheduled to end his tour as a Corps of Engineers Platoon Leader in July 2009.     

I offer my sincerest thank you to these real Bulldog heroes who are away from their homes and loved ones serving America in our military.

I am always urging participation in alumni events and this time I was happy to lend my personal support.  On Monday I put my money where my mouth is and gave blood to aid our Hall County Alumni Chapter’s November blood drive.  The Red Cross donating center in Gainesville was beautifully decked-out in Red & Black and to sweeten the deal, everyone who donates will be eligible for great Bulldog prizes, including a UGA football signed by Coach Mark Richt.  Red Cross officials say the need for blood is always greatest during the holidays and this year is no exception.  So show your spirit and head over to 311 Jesse Jewell Parkway and give a pint!

In an effort to help you navigate the admissions process at UGA, the Alumni Association is sponsoring a UGA Admissions Information Session Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Alumni Center.  Our Alumni Admissions Counselor, Lindsey Dean, will be on hand to answer all your questions about admissions and academics at UGA.  There is no cost for the event, but we ask that you register for it.  Check these sites for more information and directions to the Atlanta Alumni Center.     

On a different note, our Women of UGA program is sponsoring a Holiday Party and Shopping Spree at Swoozies in Atlanta Thursday evening from 6 – 8 p.m.  Be prepared to network at shop with other Women of UGA at Swoozie’s Buckhead store located at 4285 Roswell Road.  You’ll get a 20% discount and a free gift.  Click here for more information.

This year’s Bulldog Wishlist features some of the most special gifts we’ve ever offered.  In addition to the ever-popular Cabell’s Pottery, we are highlighting 1988 alum Ashley Hatcher’s “Lappers.”  These are lap trays with removable non-slip silicone mats designed to prevent your plates and cups from sliding.  Collegiate Plaids offers custom designed Georgia handbags that will finish-off your game day wardrobe.  Of course, maybe the best present would be to give your loved one or friend the gift of a UGA Alumni Association membership.  For information about the Bulldog Wishlist or Alumni Association membership please visit our web site. 

I also want to mention a worthy weekend event at UGA’s Russell Library.  The final free program of the Highlander Center: Weaving the Threads of Justice will be Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.  “Reflections on Songs, Actions and Social Justice” features folk music artists and activists Guy and Candie Carawan and UGA Art Professor Art Rosenbaum.  The Alumni Association is proud to partner with the Russell Library.  Click here for more information.