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Editor’s Note: On April 14, 2005, the University of Georgia officially launched the public phase of “Archway to Excellence,” a fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $500 million. Already nearly $300 million have been raised during the quiet phase of the campaign. A few days later newspapers announced that the University System Board of Regents had instructed UGA President Michael Adams to sever ties with the UGA Foundation, the nonprofit organization responsible for managing donations to the university, as a result of ongoing disputes. The 11 members of the FACS Campaign Committee are enthusiastic about their efforts to help the college meet its fund-raising goals. Through emails, faxes and telephone interviews, they have expressed their thoughts on why they agreed to invest their time and energy, in addition to their financial contributions, to support the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. |
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“My connections to home economics and family and consumer sciences date back to high school when I was a Future Homemakers of America officer and very involved in 4-H. I chose home economics journalism as my major with hopes of being a food editor. While taking courses in nutrition, because I wanted to know how food worked in the body, I decided to change my focus and major in nutrition science. My senior year, I chose to go to pharmacy school where I could combine nutrition and medicine. It turned out to be the perfect fit. “A few years ago, Katrina Little Bowers, a great friend and former roommate, called to invite me to a Relax with FACS retreat. It was like coming home again. I had so much fun and realized how much I had missed the company of FACS alums. They were still the movers and shakers in their communities and in the state. Like the FACS degree, they were diverse, but talented in many different areas. They handled the household finances, were great mothers, had wonderful professional careers, were secure in saying they loved to cook, knew how to dress, were polished in business and social etiquette, and they were caring, compassionate and interesting people. “When I was asked to serve on the Campaign Committee I agreed because I believe strongly in the FACS school and what it has to offer young professionals. The curriculum goes far beyond professional skills, but teaches life skills that EVERYONE needs to know. I want today’s students and future students to have the same opportunities that I had.” — Edie Edwards Smith |
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“During my time as a student of FACS I had the pleasure to meet some of the most positive and influential people I know. When asked to serve on the committee by one of those people, I not only thought it an honor but would never decline to help the College I’ve grown to love.” — Gene Toodle
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“I got involved in the campaign because I realize the demand for our programs, evidenced by the phenomenal growth in our College, continues to increase. I wanted to do my part to be sure there is adequate funding for this growth well into the future. It’s been a way for me to “give back” with my time and effort to serve in this capacity. The diversity of programs within our College is a blessing but that diversity comes with a need/calling for alums to be even more active in recruiting, assisting the dean’s office and development. It’s my privilege to serve on the committee as we are already experiencing the excitement of reaching our initial goal!” — Kelly McGill Dean |
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“Why is a College of Ag. grad. so excited to be a part of the Campaign Committee for FACS? I’ll tell you why. The College of Family and Consumer Sciences makes a difference every day in the lives of practically all Georgians. We improve their health, their family life, financial well-being and housing. I can’t think of any organization that does this much, this well. I feel very fortunate that Dean Nickols allowed me to join our great team.” — Tom Rodgers |
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“Sally (BSHE ’65, Home Economics Education) and I are committed to the University of Georgia and have admired it from a distance and through our two sons, who also are UGA graduates. Several years ago Dean Nickols invited us to a FACS event with some of her students and we were very impressed. Dean Nickols, her staff and faculty were so enthusiastic and personally involved with the students, and the students were so motivated and positive. We decided to try to get involved and help the program any way we could. Thankfully, we were asked to serve on the Archway to Excellence campaign. “There are many reasons for me to support the university in general, but I want to give my time, money and influence to the College of Family and Consumer Sciences specifically. Simply said, ‘It just makes us happy’ to support the students, faculty and staff because we believe they are doing an excellent job. We observe their students to be highly motivated and very pleased with their academic programs. Plus, the College has an active international study program in which many students enthusiastically participate. “Because my business background included being a construction equipment dealer for a Japanese manufacturer, I really support students having a global view. To assist them in this area Sally and I established a scholarship for international studies. “Finally, I feel compelled to encourage all who read this to stand strongly behind this great university and especially this excellent college of FACS. This could be the best college in the whole university. Where student academic and personal development is producing tremendous results. It is a joyful thing to be a small part of their support.” — Alan Stith |
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“When I got the call from Dean Nickols, I was honored. Yes, of course I would be happy to serve on the FACS Archway to Excellence Committee. How could you turn down the dean, especially when the College allowed me to receive a great education and college experience? The FACS Alumni Association continues to offer me opportunities for development, networking and friendship. I am more than happy to give back time and financial support so that many others after me will continue to benefit from our great College that has experienced fantastic growth. Because of this growth, our College needs us more than ever to ensure that we are providing the careers necessary for the future of our state and country. “In my position with an executive benefits consulting firm in Atlanta, I see the need every day for families that need assistance from FACS professionals. It may be professional child or elder care, financial planning or housing consultation, but that need is evident everywhere. With the support of our alumni and friends, we will provide the financial pledges to keep FACS growing and moving into another century.” — Bonnie Petersen |
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