Distinguished Alumni Award

Since 1980, the Distinguished Alumni Award has recognized a graduate of Family and Consumer Sciences who has made lifelong contributions that sustain the beliefs and values of FACS.
 
Susan J. Harrell
In supporting her long-time friend and fellow Extension worker for the Outstanding Alumni Award, Kathy Wages notes that after Susan Harrell retired with 30 years of service with Cooperative Extension, she and her husband moved to Fernadina Beach, Fla.

“She could have decided to keep her toes in the sand and let the ocean breeze blow her hair everyday,” Kathy writes. “She did not.”

Instead, Susan accepted a request that she work with the Georgia Family Connection Partnership in Southeast Georgia.

Since 2005, Susan has worked as a community facilitator for five counties, providing help in strategic planning, annual planning, evaluation and fiscal operations; working with Valdosta State University School of Social Work intern program in placing eight students with Family Connection programs; hosting a Family Connection support team planning retreat; and assisting as an instructor for Family Connection training meetings.

Gaye Smith, executive director for the Georgia Family Connection Partnership, describes Susan as being perfect for her role:

“She is a real relationship builder,” Gaye says. “In performing her duties with GaFCP she has utilized her ability to work in counties where interactions might not have been as solid, and she has turned them into positive, strong relationships. This is no easy task but Susan makes it look effortless.”

For her former Extension colleagues, it’s not a surprise that Family Connection sought Susan out, nor that she quickly agreed to come on board.

“Susan is an inspiring leader,” writes Tom Rodgers, who worked with Susan in Cooperative Extension and has known her for more than 30 years. “She inspires, motivates and consoles when needed, but demands excellence. Her compassion does not stand in the way of providing discipline when needed. I often have said that Susan is the only administrator that could fire someone, and then have them thank her. During her years in working with youth, literally tens of thousands of young people are better adults for her leadership.”

Susan’s resume begins with her work in 1973 as Extension coordinator and agent in Fayette and Rockdale counties, extends through her final Extension position as District Head for North Georgia, from which she retired in 2001, and includes her post-retirement activities both with Cooperative Extension and Family Connection. She has served in numerous leadership roles, taken on many special assignments, and has participated in every level of professional development at the county, state and national level. In addition, she has worked with charitable organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, the Smoke Rise Baptist Church Katrina Rebuild Project in Biloxi, Miss., and worked with Partners of Americas in Recife, Brazil, teaching students, parents and teachers the benefits of small gardens and good nutrition.

Despite all of this, Susan has also dedicated herself to her family, according to her long-time friend and fellow Extension retiree Rose Simmons.

“If there is ever anyone who epitomizes the term ‘care giver’ Susan is that person,” Rose writes. “She is the one who sees that everyone in her family is comfortable and well cared for.” Rose goes on to explain Susan’s close involvement with her nieces and nephews. “Susan truly is an example of what we try to teach in Family and Consumer Sciences,” Rose writes. “The world would be a better place if all of us had the qualities she possesses to make others feel wanted and loved.”

Outstanding Service Award

Established in 1999, this award is presented to graduates for continued involvement in their community, faith community, helping organization, the College or the Alumni Association.

Kristi Greer
Whether it’s beginning a partnership with a middle school, organizing a blood drive, or coaching a softball team, Kristi Greer is known for going “above and beyond to improve the lives of those around her,” according to letters nominating her for the Outstanding Service Award.

As the education and development officer of Oconee State Bank, Kristi (BSFCS ’00, Child and Family Development; MS ’05, Adult Education) is known for actively promoting the beliefs and values of FACS in both her professional and personal lives, according to Marisa Reynolds, group vice president for the bank. “Kristi has had the opportunity to utilize both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree to evaluate and implement a bank-wide training program,” Reynolds notes. “Her efforts have allowed the bank to move from “coordinating training” to a full process of education.”

But Kristi has gone even further in connecting her career with her community by initiating a partnership between Oconee State and Malcolm Middle School that has resulted in her working with FACS teacher Jana Hester on a variety of money-management lessons. She also has established a partnership between Oconee State Bank and the Athens-Clarke County Library that has provided a series of money management lessons to middle school students, as well as programs for first-time homebuyers.

Kristi is involved in a number of other community programs and events. She has served as the captain for Oconee State Bank’s Relay for Life team, organizes local blood drives, and serves as the captain of a women’s softball team. She also is very involved with her church, Antioch Christian in Watkinsville, where she serves as Sunday school assistant superintendent, teaches Sunday school classes, serves as the children’s church teacher, and has served on numerous committees.

On top of all of this, Kristi also finds time to be an active member of the FACS Alumni Association, where is currently the vice president of development. Kristi also has served as chair of the College Relations Committee and as the child and family development representative.

In writing in support of Kristi’s nomination for the Outstanding Community Service Award, Jana Hester (BSFCS ‘04) says, “I have known Kristi for quite some time and have always looked up to her as a role model because of her leadership qualities and strong character.”

FACS Appreciation Award

The FACS Appreciation Award is presented to an individual who has contributed significantly to the support of Family and Consumer Sciences financially, programmatically or legislatively.

Dr. Earl Haltiwanger
Earl Haltiwanger wasn’t a graduate of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences or even the University of Georgia. However, he provided many gifts to our college as one way of demonstrating his love for his wife, Anne Montgomery Haltiwanger (BSHE ’67, MS ’69, Child and Family Development).

Dr. Haltiwanger earned his undergraduate degree from Emory University and his medical degree from Duke University. He served for many years on the faculty of Emory University while also practicing medicine at the Veterans Administration hospital in Atlanta. He retired in 1986 as professor emeritus of surgery at Emory University School of Medicine.

In 1992, Dr. Haltiwanger married Anne and soon began to contribute to the Leolene Chapman Montgomery fund, named in memory of Anne’s mother, a 1932 graduate of our college.

In 2002, Dr. Haltiwanger surprised Anne by establishing the Anne Montgomery Haltiwanger International Study Award in honor of their 10th wedding anniversary.

Four years later, he created the Anne and Earl Haltiwanger Graduate Scholarship. And, in 2007, Dr. Haltiwanger again surprised Anne by establishing the Anne Montgomery Haltiwanger Distinguished Professorship in Child and Family Development.

Dr. Haltiwanger died at the age of 82 in October 2008.

Emily Quinn Pou Professional Achievement Award

Established in 1999, this award is presented to graduates who have attained substantial achievements and are at the midpoint of their career. It recognizes the fourth dean of the College.

Bonnie Stephens Petersen
Since joining Balser Companies 13 years ago, Bonnie Stephens Petersen (BSHE ’79, Consumer Economics and Home Management and Home Economics Education) has rapidly progressed from plan manager to her current position as vice president and director for client services.

Balser Companies is a firm specializing in the executive benefits market, not the sort of career many family and consumer graduates consider, but according to those who nominated her for the Emily Quinn Pou Award, Bonnie is among those FACS graduates willing to look for careers that are “outside the box.”

“She has leveraged her consumer economics degree into a top-notch financial business career,” writes one of her nominators, Bonnie’s sister Kathy Palmer. “Her tenacity, integrity and strong work ethic have brought her to an enviable level of success.”

“Bonnie’s work ethic has been acknowledge and rewarded with multiple promotions,” writes Ken Felts, senior vice president at Balser. “She is an extremely dedicated employee and contributes to the success of our company every day.”

However, each person who wrote in support of Bonnie’s nomination for the Pou Award also noted her ability to successfully juggle her busy career with a fulfilling personal life.

“She holds down a full-time demanding position; yet, she is always at her children’s sporting, school and church events,” writes her friend and neighbor David Mitchler. “Bonnie is a mother and wife who understands that the family is the backbone of what makes life so special. She makes time to show her support for not only her family, but her extended family and friends as well.”

Among her community and church activities, Bonnie has been a member of the Pilot Club in three separate communities and is a volunteer for Hands On Atlanta, Trees Atlanta, the Georgia Games and Special Olympics. She is very active with her children’s schools and has served in several roles at her church, Alpharetta First United Methodist.

In addition to that, each of her nominators noted that Bonnie also makes time for her alma mater:

“Bonnie loves UGA and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences,” David Mitchler writes. “Bonnie has many things that she loves in her life but the support for the university is second to none.”

Bonnie has served on the FACS Alumni Board twice. Her first tenure was from 1996-98 and she is currently on the board again. She has participated in career panels, annual meetings and awards luncheons, and many other events. She is also a 100 Legacies member.

Creswell Award

Named for the first dean of our College, this award recognizes a current or retired faculty or staff member who has provided leadership in motivating and guiding students.

Lynda Henley Walters
Lynda Henley Walters, who in 1978 was the first FACS graduate to receive a PhD in Child and Family and Development, can sum up her teaching philosophy in just a few sentences: “I teach because I want to share knowledge. I believe that knowledge is an essential building block for competence in children and adults in our culture. I do not believe that education solves all of our problems. I do not believe that the education of any single person will change much of anything. I do, however, believe that the quality of the collective and the expectations we have of each other are different and better when education pervades.”

With those words, and more than three decades as a Child and Family Development faculty member, Lynda has demonstrated her passion for teaching on a recurring basis.

During her tenure, Lynda has served as the major professor for 14 master’s students and 18 doctoral students. She’s served on more than 100 graduate student committees and mentored many more. She also has taught many undergraduates and was selected as the FACS Outstanding Teacher of the Year on two occasions.

Lynda is a Senior Teaching Fellow for UGA and, most recently, was named a fellow by the National Council on Family Relations. She was chosen for this honor by her peers, based on her outstanding and enduring contributions to family science in the areas of scholarship, teaching, outreach, and professional service.

Although she’s received numerous professional accolades, it’s the words of Lynda’s students that most succinctly sum up her teaching expertise:

“Dr. Walters’ lectures are very intriguing,” said an undergraduate in an end-of course evaluation. “I love how she challenges us to think for all different angles.” Another student commented on Lynda’s grading: “I think the physical development paper was graded a lot harder than I expected, but oh well, I’ve learned a lot so far!” the student said.

Notes from Lynda’s graduate students emphasize the support she provides, while also pushing them to achieve more:

“Despite the fact that I don’t get to see you as much as I used to, your words, your support, your (not so) subtle directives, and, mostly, your friendship/mentorship infiltrate my thoughts on a regular basis,” reads another, which also includes the parenthetical: “That’s a compliment, by the way!”

Another doctoral student sums up Lynda’s gifts as a teacher this way: “What an amazing gift to be able to get into someone’s head and help them to sort and clarify their own thoughts and push them to think beyond the limits of their own thinking—to teach them to be disciplined thinkers while at the same time encouraging them to be creative in the process.”

Pacesetter Award

This award is given to an individual who has graduated from the College within the past 10 years and who actively promotes the beliefs and values of Family and Consumer Sciences

Ryan Kelly
Since completing his bachelor’s degree in consumer economics in 1998, Ryan Kelly has used his entrepreneurial skills in both the public and private sectors. As founder and president of Community Spec Inc., Ryan has created a company that provides community development services to public and nonprofit organizations with program management, grant administration and development, technology assessments and community development activities.

Ryan is also president and founder of Community Transportation Inc., a nonprofit professional services organization focused on public transportation. In this role, Ryan has worked with county governments, municipalities and nonprofit agencies to establish effective, efficient public transportation systems and has received national recognition for his work. Currently, he is working with Gov. Sonny Perdue and state Senate Majority Leader Tommie Williams on transportation issues facing Georgia.

In addition to his professional success, Ryan has also made a point of giving back to his alma mater. In supporting his nomination, Doug Bachtel, professor of housing and consumer economics, and Andrew Carswell, assistant professor of housing and consumer economics, note that Ryan is “an advocate who actively (and accurately) conveys the mission of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences to outside and influential parties. We both consider him an invaluable resource to our own academic and research pursuits.”

Ryan credits FACS with helping him achieve success: “The college has provided me with a lifetime of achievement by believing in my abilities when I really needed it during my time in college. My current job and successes in the business world are based on the encouragement, reinforcement and quality instruction received from by professors at the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.”