Alumni News and Notes
FACS Facts
(L-R) Evoshield co-founder Justin Niefer, Interim Dean Anne Sweaney, and Director of Alumni Relations Susan Byus at the Bulldog 100 Celebration in Atlanta.
Bulldog 100
Four FACS alumni were included in this year's Bulldog 100: Fastest Growing Bulldog Businesses – including a 2005 graduate whose company captured the top spot. Justin Niefer (BSFCS '05, Consumer Economics) is one of the founders of Evoshield, an Athens-based company that produces innovative body-conforming protective gear. The company, which started in 2006, placed second in last year's Bulldog 100 competition, but moved into first place this year.
Other alumni in the Bulldog 100 were: Vista Photonics, which is co-owned by Melissa Minton Pilgrim (BSFCS '92, Clothing and Textiles) and her husband, Jeffrey (BS '90, Chemistry; PhD '95, Chemistry), came in at number seven on the list, three spots higher than their showing in 2010. The company, located in Santa Fe, N.M., designs sensors that measure trace gases and particles in different environments.
Eight at Eight, the dating company founded by Sarah-Katherine Smith (BSFCS '98, Consumer Economics), ranked 63rd this year. Eight at Eight is currently located in Atlanta, New York City, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Ginger Howard Selections, which is owned by Ginger Howard (BSHE '87, Fashion Merchandising) placed 93rd. The fashion boutique, which carries clothing from blue jeans to cocktail attire, is located on Peachtree Road in Atlanta and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
To be considered for the program, an organization must have been in business for at least five years, had revenues of $100,000 or more for the past calendar year, and must have been owned or operated by a former UGA student. The program recognizes the fastest growing businesses by focusing on a three-year growth rate average. The information submitted by nominees is verified by an independent accounting firm. Nominations are currently open for the 2011 Bulldog 100, but will close June 30. To nominate a company, go to: www.alumni.uga.edu/alumni/bulldog100/nominations.
Katrina L. Bowers Fund
As a going-away gift for Director of Development Katrina Bowers more than 75 colleagues, friends and families gathered to wish her well. They also presented her with a check for more than $14,000 ($1,000 for each of her 14 years with FACS) to endow the Katrina L. Bowers Fund to benefit alumni programming. Bowers, who earned her BSHE degree in Consumer Economics and Home Management in 1984, has joined the UGA Terry College of Business as director of leadership and major gifts. (L-R) Lynsee Miller, administrative assistant; Katrina Bowers; Suzanne Griffeth, development officer.
If you have news and information for FACS Facts send it to Susan Byus, Director of Alumni Relations and Student Leadership, at sbyus@fcs.uga.edu or call her at 706-542-4881. For the latest information on all alumni events, please see our calendar at www.fcs.uga.edu/college/calendar.html |
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