The University of Georgia invited alumnus Artis Stevens, the president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, back to the campus last month for the annual Holmes-Hunter Lecture. On the same day, UGA also hosted a group of participants from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta program.
The cohort — consisting of 27 high school juniors and seniors who were enjoying their winter break — visited Athens to experience a typical day in the life of a college student and gain further insights into the university.
“I’ve never been to UGA, and it’s much larger than I anticipated,” remarked Malicii Youngblood, a junior at Benjamin E. Mays High School. “They have an excellent football team, and it’s an outstanding institution. UGA is impressive all around.”
The students took photos at the Arch during their campus tour. (Submitted photo)
The group commenced their visit with lunch alongside current UGA students in the Bolton Dining Commons. Following the meal, the high school participants and Big Brothers Big Sisters staff engaged in a walking tour of the campus. Two Arch Society students greeted the group at the plaza overlooking Sanford Stadium and highlighted key areas of the campus that are vital to student life. The tour concluded at the UGA Chapel, where the visitors attended the Holmes-Hunter Lecture presented by Stevens.
Jennifer Williams, the executive assistant to the president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, expressed that the students were eager to discover more about the experiences that UGA can provide.
“We wanted them to witness the potential of attending here and the opportunities that college can afford,” Williams stated.
The students were present at the Holmes-Hunter Lecture featuring Artis Stevens, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. (Submitted photo)
The Office of the President facilitated the group’s visit to campus, arranging for Arch Society tour guides to escort them through North Campus and coordinating with the Office of Service-Learning to provide lunch for the students.
“It was paramount for us to showcase the University of Georgia and all that this institution provides,” said Rod Guajardo, assistant to the president. “We also deemed it essential for them to hear Artis speak and understand how the university influenced him and all that he has achieved.”
Numerous staff members from Big Brothers Big Sisters who accompanied the trip shared a personal connection to the university. Williams’ nephew is a current UGA student, and her ninth-grade son aspires to attend UGA. Jordan Delaney, a three-time UGA graduate and match support specialist with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, also played a role in leading the visit.
“I cherish my school, and I wanted to share it with other students due to the impact that UGA has had on my life,” Delaney expressed. “These students are contemplating college options, and I posed the question: ‘Why not UGA?’ You can thrive here.”
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