Chris Ward (BBA ’87, MBA ’89), a principal in EY’s People Advisory Services, established an endowed scholarship to benefit intended business majors with exceptional financial need. The Chris Ward Georgia Commitment Scholarship strengthens Terry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by providing critical opportunities to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“I wanted to address a big need in my community. While it was important to fund students’ education, I also wanted to sponsor dreams,” said Ward, recalling his journey “from Bankhead to Buckhead.”
An outgrowth of the Commit to Georgia campaign, the Georgia Commitment Scholarship program increases the number of need-based scholarships awarded to first-year students as the university seeks to eliminate financial obstacles for those seeking a UGA education.
The scholarship was announced during February’s Terry Trailblazers event, which recognizes outstanding diverse alumni who achieved career success while making a meaningful impact on their organizations and communities.
Ward, a 2020 Terry Trailblazer, was on hand to welcome the 2022 honorees: Heather Ripley (BBA ’06, MAcc ’06), partner at Alston & Bird; Christian Robinson (BBA ’04), senior vice president at Truist Wealth; Brandon A. Shah (MBA ’18), director of operations for the U.S. Army’s 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade; and Tina Taylor (BBA ’03, MAcc ’05), a partner at EY.