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Estoria (Esther) McAfee Maddux (BSHE ’72) received the Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes a graduate who has made life-long contributions that sustain the beliefs and values of FACS.

In addition to being a graduate of FACS, Maddux also was a long-time employee of the college, attaining the rank of professor in the Department of Housing and Consumer Economics as well as the Certified Financial Planner designation. While at UGA, Maddux developed a financial planning curriculum to help Georgians learn to build and maintain financial self-sufficiency. She also taught an honors seminar: “How to Be a Millionaire; Start Planning Today for Your Financial Tomorrow,” presented more than 750 seminars and assisted county Extension agents throughout Georgia in designing financial management education programs.

After retiring in April 2000, Maddux began a new career as a financial advisor, but in 2003 chose to return to teaching and is currently a professor and Extension specialist at Kansas State University.

Claire Hayes Maddox (BSHE ’74, Early Childhood Education) of Gainesville was awarded the Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes graduates for their continued involvement in their community, faith community, helping organization, the college or the alumni association.

Maddox is a professional volunteer who has developed numerous programs targeting those in need, including establishing and directing the Cross Training Sports Camp, which organizes volunteer teams to travel to locations in both the U.S. and internationally to provide free, week-long camps focused on giving children and youth of the world a vision for a better life.
In addition, Maddox has performed substantial mission work in Africa, including leading fund-raising events for the education of African children and adults and the building of an elementary school in Arusha, Tanzania. She also coordinated a two-week mission trip for U.S. seminary students that included living among the Maasai tribe. Closer to home, Maddox is an Honorary Life Member of FCCLA of Georgia, served as Arts in the School chairman for Hall County, and developed school health clinics in Hall County elementary schools on behalf of the American Red Cross.

Vera Wingfield Stewart (BSHE ’74, Home Economics Education) was presented the Emily Quinn Pou Professional Achievement Award, which recognizes graduates who have attained substantial achievements and are at the midpoint of their career. Stewart is the president and CEO of Very Vera, a privately held company based in Augusta with divisions in catering, gourmet-to-go, mail-order confections and Vera’s Cafe. Very Vera has been featured in Southern Living, Gourmet, Traditional Home, The New York Times, In Style, Southern Lady and American Home Styles and Gardening. Her layer cakes have been promoted on “The Today Show” and “Food Finds” on the Food Network. Although Very Vera products are homemade, nothing else about the company is old-fashioned. Recognizing the marketing possibilities inherent in the internet, Vera created and launched her first website in 1996, at a time when e-commerce was largely in its infancy.

Robert N. Howell, executive director of the Georgia Egg Commission for nearly 31 years, was presented the FACS Appreciation Award, which goes to an individual who has contributed significantly to the support of Family and Consumer Sciences financially, programmatically or legislatively.

Under Howell’s leadership the Georgia Egg Commission established the first scholarship in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. The Grace Hartley Scholarship was named in honor of the long-time Atlanta Journal-Constitution food editor and for many years Robert and Grace attended the College’s Honors Day programs and recognized young professionals emerging in the consumer journalism field.

Bridgette Palmer Matthews (BSFCS ’98, Dietetics) was awarded the Pacesetter Award, which 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.

As director of school nutrition for the Elbert County School District, Matthews has instituted a number of changes to make school meals both healthier and more appealing. To counteract a decrease in breakfast participation, she implemented “Breakfast in the Classroom,” which allows students to pick up their tray as early as 7:30 a.m. in their classroom, thus providing teachers an additional 30 minutes of instruction time each day. She planned and executed a rapid transformation of the high school cafeteria, replacing gray walls and long rows of tables and chairs into a brightly colored, food-court with round tables.

Karen Kitterman Leonas (Professor, Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors) was awarded the Creswell Award, which recognizes a current or retired faculty or staff member who has provided leadership in motivating and guiding students.

Leonas joined FACS in 1990 and currently serves as graduate coordinator for TMI. Since 1998, she has mentored 14 undergraduate students through a variety of research projects, including two who received Undergraduate Research Grants from the College. Leonas also has directed study programs in London, England; Oaxaca, Mexico; and New York City, as well as the Southeastern Study Tour of the carpet, textile and apparel industries. She has been the recipient of numerous Outstanding Teacher of the Year and Advisor of the Year awards. Most recently, she was inducted as a member of the University of Georgia Teaching Academy.