News from the Chronicles - March 2025

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Franklin alumnus Artis Stevens shares wisdom on the importance of mentorship

In 1985, the Holmes-Hunter Lecture Series was established in conjunction with the University of Georgia to honor Dr. Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter-Gault, the first Black students to enroll at UGA. The lecture is given by a distinguished scholar or public figure who exemplifies excellence. This year’s keynote speaker was Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and a Franklin College alumnus. He earned a…

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How I Got the Job: Franklin Math Alumni share insights at Industrial Math Day 2025

This spring, four UGA Department of Mathematics alumni returned to campus for Industrial Mathematics Day to share insightful advice with undergraduate students at the event’s panel. Returning alumni include: Patrick Akande (PhD Mathematics `24), Jack Beasley (BS Mathematics `23, MS Business Analytics `24), Annabelle Marshall (BS Mathematics `23) and Bria Ross-Butler (BS Mathematics `23).  Jack Beasley received his B.S. in Mathematics at UGA…

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Janet Westpheling, 1951-2025

Longtime professor in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ genetics department, Janet (Jan) Westpheling passed away Feb. 16 after an extended illness.  Westpheling's UGA legacy will be honored through a Foundation Fellowship fund: “Jan was a dear friend and an extraordinary member of the UGA faculty,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “She was a devoted mentor to many students, a responsible and dedicated University leader, and a…

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UGA music minor Laila Carter shows her spark on Today

A first-year UGA student with big musical dreams got a chance to showcase her singing Tuesday morning during a surprise moment on The Today Show. She did not disappoint: Laila Carter, a journalism and political science major minoring in music who attended North Oconee High School, was on the TODAY plaza on spring break with other members of UGA when host Craig Melvin asked for her. Carter told Melvin that she wanted to one day be on Broadway, '…

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Seven distinguished alumni recognized with 2025 awards

The 2025 Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Award winners highlight leaders in their industries, creating new ways of conducting business, collaborating on innovations, maintaining their curious nature and making an impact in their communities and around the world. This January we introduced the Franklin Spark - characteristics that unite us across the arts and sciences. These traits are undeniably ambitious, exceptionally curious…

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Pridemore named UGA Marienthal Professor

University of Georgia faculty member William Pridemore has been named the inaugural Marienthal Professor in Sociology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. The professorship was approved by the Georgia Board of Regents in fall 2024. Pridemore is currently Franklin Professor and head of the UGA department of sociology in the Franklin College. A Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and of the…

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