2018 Alumni Awards and Gala celebrates momentum

Dean Benjamin C. Ayers stands with award recipients Steve Goodroe

The annual Terry Alumni Awards and Gala attracted its largest crowd to date on a perfect April night in Atlanta to celebrate the achievements of three alums and the momentum of the college honoring them.

The Gala (themed “Make An Impact”) featured lively speeches, inspiring videos and an expansive silent auction for the 700+ attendees.

Former gridiron great Matt Stinchcomb (BBA ’98) steered the program with entertaining banter as the night’s master of ceremonies. Joined onstage by honorary chair Mary Beth Smart (BBA ’03, far left), Stinchcomb asked what she enjoys most since returning to Athens with her husband Kirby “from that city in Alabama.” “People barking at night,” she said with a laugh, greeted by a responsive barking from the audience below.

UGA President Jere Morehead (bottom left) spoke of the university’s achievements in the past year, including the growth of funds raised for Georgia Access Scholarships, an effort to assist the neediest undergraduate students. Terry Dean Ben Ayers discussed the effect of the Business Learning Community on the student experience and how it has influenced Terry’s culture.

The three alumni award winners (at left) — retired Procter & Gamble officer Steve Goodroe (BBA ’71), Farris, Self & Moore LLC partner Stephanie Mundy Self (BBA ’07, BMus ’07), and Shaw Industries Group EVP and CFO Ken Jackson (BBA ’79, MAcc ’80) — shared with the packed ballroom the importance of family, redemption and responsibility in their acceptance speeches. Each were met with a hearty standing ovation.

The Gala raised more than a half million dollars for Terry’s Excellence Fund, money that will be used to renovate new incubator and accelerator space on Broad Street in downtown Athens for the UGA Entrepreneurship Program.

The event ended with an after-party of dancing, live music, and a treat of edible cookie dough.

Indeed, a night of sweet moments for all.