Alumni
Grady Greats panel at “The View” studios on Feb. 20, 2024, included moderator Deborah Roberts (ABJ ’82) and paneliets Will Carr (ABJ ’06), Mary Katharine Ham (ABJ ’02), Joseph Watson, Jr., Carolyn Caudell Tieger Professor of Public Affairs Communication, Michael Giarrusso (ABJ ’92) and Deborah Norville (ABJ ’79). Photo: ABC/ Lorenzo Bevilaqua
Alumni
Alumni
Alumni
Alumni Events
We are proud to host a series of alumni events each year including a tailgate celebration each fall and our Grady Salutes award celebration each spring.
Alumni Awards nominations for 2025 are now open. Nominate a deserving Grady grad for an Alumni Award before the deadline of December 31, 2024.
View the recipients of the 2024 Alumni Awards and Fellowship Inductees .
upcoming Events
- Alumni Event in Chicago — Nov. 6
ALUMNI NEWS
More alumni in recent news:
- Congratulations to The Bitter Southerner and publisher Eric NeSmith (ABJ ’02) on receiving first place in the Canadian Printing Awards. The Bitter Southerner is printed in Canada.
- Congratulations to Blake Bridges (ABJ ’97), on his promotion to president and general manager of WYFF-TV. (Oct. 21, 2024)
- Congratulations to Jim Wallace (ABJ ’76) on his retirement from WALB News 10 after 47 years at the station! (July 2, 2024)
- Congratulations to Andrew Huff (ABJ ’22), Stakeholder Engagement Communication Manager at Georgia Power Company, on graduating from Leadership DeKalb. (June 24, 2024)
- We send our condolences to the family of Martha Ezzard (ABJ ’60), on her recent death. Ezzard was a former state senator in Colorado and served on the editorial Board of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Her obituary can be read here. (Nov. 6, 2023)
- We send our condolences to the family of Jim Wooten (ABJ ’68) on his recent death. Wooten was a Grady Fellow from the 2008 class and served as an editor and political columnist for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. A remembrance from the AJC can be read here. (Nov. 1, 2023)
- Congratulations to Gordon Green (ABJ ’78) on his induction into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Golden Circle, representing 50 years in the Video business tonight. Green is a corporate marketing video lead at NetApp.
- We send our condolences to the family of Jonathan Gallo (ABJ ’99) on his recent death. Gallo received our Young Alumni Award in 2007. His obituary can be read here.
- We send our condolences to the family of Joshua Jones (ABJ ’08) regarding his recent death. Jones graduated from Grady College with a degree in Public Relations and was an award-winning public relations and public affairs practitioner. His obituary can be read here.
- Congratulations to Edward DeMarco (MA ’88) on wining a Nautilus Book Award for his memoir about Ethiopia, “Last Days in Naked Valley.” (June 1, 2023)
- Congratulations to Sam Dick (ABJ ’78), a longtime anchor for WKYT, on being named to the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame.
- Congratulations to Jenn Sloan (ABJ ’86) on her promotion to senior vice president, public policy and stakeholder engagement for Mastercard.
- Congratulations to Rebecca Hannan (ABJ ’11), senior manager of creative strategy and content at Coca-Cola, on being named by Insider Business as one of the 26 Rising Stars in Marketing for 2023.
- It is with sadness that we recognize the death of William ‘Ort’ Carlton (ABJ ’79), a DJ, record collector, raconteur and beloved Athens local.
- Congratulations to Casey Bruce-White (ABJ ’11), who has been named to a list of Top Women Leaders in Miami.
- Congratulations to Ryan Reece (MFA ’16), whose film “Illation” has won more than 20 recognitions from film festivals including “Best Short Screenplay” from the Hollywood Script Awards. Reece teaches Intro to Screenwriting @DaltonState. Watch the film: vimeo.com/735107273
- Congratulations to Pastor Nawanna Miller (ABJ ’73), founder of Pamoja arts group on campus, on the 52nd anniversary of the start of the group. Read her interview with the Red & Black. (Dec. 5, 2022)
- Congratulations to Ashlea Harris (MA ’03) on being named the global head of client services, SMB, at Tik Tok. (Oct. 27, 2022)
- Congratulations to Adam Fouche (ABJ ’02) on being named director of the University of Georgia’s Office of Emergency Preparedness and Insurance and Claims Management.
- Congratulations to Ed Nichols (ABJ ’62) on publishing his new book, “The Boy In The Book,” a collection of new prose poems and flash fiction.
- Congratulations to David Kramer (ABJ ’90) on being named president of United Talent Agency.
- We send our heart-felt condolences to the family of Patrick Lee (ABJ ’13) on his recent death. Lee graduated from Grady College with a degree in public relations and was a cloud security specialist with Barracuda Networks. His obituary can be read here.
- Congratulations Charles Hicks (ABJ ’13) on winning the Wells-Graham Award for Outstanding Service. The honor goes to one Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, attorney or staff member who goes above and beyond in their dedication to serving the community.
- A big shout-out to TJ Adeshola (MA ’08), named an inductee of the Advertising Hall of Achievement by the American Advertising Federation. Adeshola is the head of global partnerships at Twitter. (Aug. 12, 2022)
- Congratulations to Nancy Elder (ABJ ’88) on being named the New York Mets’ chief communications officer. (July 14, 2022)
- Condolences go to the family of Creg Smith (ABJ ’70) on his recent death. His obituary can be read here. (July 5, 2022)
- Congratulations to Brent Hyams (ABJ ’94 ) on his new position as general manager of Cannery Row, a performing arts space in Nashville. (May 27, 2022)
- Congratulations to Stacy Willingham (ABJ ’13), whose first novel, A Flicker in the Dark, landed on the New York Times Bestseller list. Read here for a profile by the UGA Alumni Association. (May 19, 2022)
- Congratulations to Pam Avery (ABJ ’72) on the release of her new book, The Tanner Side of Town. (May 10, 2022)
- Congratulations Alex Urban (MA ’12) on being named executive director of the TOUR Championship.
- It is with sadness that we recognize the death of Connie Ward. Ward served in a variety of communications roles, including Jimmy Carter’s gubernatorial campaign teams and later on the nation’s first State Film Commission.
- Congratulations Cal Massey (ABJ ’78) on the publication of his first novel, “Own Little Words.” The book won an award from the Journal of Experimental Fiction in Chicago. Massey said: “I wanted to let you know that my love of writing and respect for journalism as necessary, important work was discovered and nurtured at UGA. A 65-year-old first time novelist remains in love with words.” (April 15, 2022)
- Our condolences to the family of former Grady professor James Aldridge (ABJ ’60, MA ’62) who passed away March 26, 2022.
- Congratulations, Katie Barlow (ABJ ’11), who was named chief legal correspondent for WTTG Washington.
Want to share some alumni-related news?
Fill out this Google Form and/or contact Diane Murray, director of Alumni Relations and Outreach, at murrayd@uga.edu.
Discover a new Alumni Book or Podcast
Check out our list of alumni authors and podcasters on Pinterest.
UPDATE YOUR NEW ADDRESS/EMAIL HERE
We want to stay in touch with our alumni. Please let us know if you move if have a new email address
Alumni Board
The Grady Alumni Board is an advisory group responsible for contributing to, and supporting the development of activities for alumni and friends of the college. The board serves as the conduit between the college and its alumni. It is comprised of members from a variety of Grady majors, professions, geographical areas and graduation years.
Notable Alumni
Grady College alumni are working in all aspects of the media and include Pulitzer Prize, Emmy and Peabody Award winners. A sampling of our notable alumni include:
“The biggest thing I remember about the school is the willingness of everyone to make you be your best self. I had wonderful professors who pushed you as hard as they could, but they also loved you and let you know you could accomplish any of your goals if you put in the hard work and effort.”
Maria Taylor
ABJ ’09, MBA ’13 Host for NBC sports and “Football Night in America”
“The view of the world that I developed and refined as a student at UGA helped me become a successful journalist and person.”
Charlayne Hunter-Gault
ABJ ’63 Award-winning journalist
“My career ultimately evolved into a different realm of storytelling, filmmaking, but journalism is something I revere. This is why I am so encouraged today to see young people again being galvanized by the news of our time.”
Bonnie Arnold
ABJ ’77 Former president DreamWorks Animation
“The thing that keeps pulling me back to UGA is the Grady College. I remember sitting in those desks. I love speaking to the kids, and I think that’s part of the responsibility that goes with having a long career in journalism. You want to share the experience with the next generation of broadcasters and raise up that next wave of journalists, especially at the University of Georgia.”
Ernie Johnson
ABJ ’78 Host of “Inside the NBA”
“I want to inspire another kid…who might be dreaming of doing big things but may not even think it’s possible, and I want to give that kid a possibility of great success.”
Deborah Roberts
(ABJ ’82) Co-Host, 20/20; ABC News National Sr. Affairs Correspondent
“Professor James Biddle taught me how to make movies in his Advanced Production class. More than any single piece of advice, I remember learning from him that what seemed impossible was always, in fact, achievable. He demystified the technical filmmaking process, and vanquished my assumption that this wasn’t a viable career path.”
Michael Waldron
ABJ ’10 Creator of “Loki”
“The thing about fiction is that it is always rooted in the truth, and the skills I learned at Grady and the Red & Black, which was my learning lab, I learned to ask important questions…and follow up questions.”
Kathy Trocheck
(ABJ ’76), aka Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times best selling author of more than 20 books
“Take what you have learned at UGA into the world. Carry it with you and put it to great and powerful use.”
David Kramer
(ABJ ’90), co-president of United Talent Agency
Brooke Anderson
Bonnie Arnold
Jack Avrett
Joel Babbit
Danny Beard
Dennis Berry
Deborah Blum
Ernest Camp, Jr.
Chip Caray
Maxine Kasselman Clark
Cathy Cox
Jackie Crosby
Donald A. Davis
Steve Dorff
Tom Dowden
Lee Duffey, Jr., and Jenny Neal Duffey
Justin Gillis
Amy Glennon
Lewis Grizzard
Brenda Hampton
Krista Harden
John Holliman
Lisa Ryan Howard
Betty Hudson
Charlayne Hunter-Gault
Josh Jackson
Tom Johnson
Ernie Johnson, Jr.
Randy Jones
John Kasay
Ashley Kohler
David Kramer
Jason Kreher
Earl Leonard
Tim Mapes
Dan Magill
Gene Methvin
Hala Moddelmog
Julie Moran
Powell Moore
William S. (Billy) Morris III
Chad Mumm
Dink NeSmith
Deborah Norville
Steve Oney
Eugene Patterson
Don Perry
Edwin Pope
Deborah Roberts
Randall Savage
Mark Schlabach
Meredith Seacrest
Loran Smith
Amy Robach
Maria Taylor
Carolyn Tieger
Kathy Trocheck aka Mary Kay Andrews
Lamar Trotti
Alex Wallace
Mark Warshaw
Scott Williamson
Madison (Ken) Woo
C. Richard Yarbrough
Sally Quillian Yates
AWARDS
Each year, Grady College graduates are selected as Alumni Award recipients for demonstrated excellence throughout their distinguished careers.
The four Alumni Awards are the following:
Named after the late John Holliman, Grady alumnus and former CNN reporter, the John Holliman Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award honors sustained contributions to the profession throughout a career.
The Mid-Career Alumni Award is presented to a graduate for their professional achievements, influence, and success in his or her field.
The John E. Drewry Young Alumni Award recognizes a graduate of the last decade who has experienced a successful early career.
The Distinguished Scholar Award honors a graduate for excellence and sustained contributions to scholarship in journalism and mass communication education.
Grady Salutes
Each year members of the Grady College community gather for Grady Salutes, a celebration and awards ceremony honoring new members of the Grady Fellowship and recipients of Alumni Awards, among others.
The 2024 Grady Salutes event takes place on Friday, April 26, and will be a luncheon on the Schnitzer Family Media Lawn.
We will recognize our 2024 Alumni Award honorees including:
- Meredith Dean (ABJ ‘14)
- Lianne Sinclair (ABJ ‘01)
- Ed Grisamore (ABJ ‘78)
- Yongjun Sung (MA ’03, PhD ’06)
We will also honor our 2024 Grady Fellowship inductees:
- Rick Dunn (ABJ ’93)
- Cynthia Graubart (ABJ ’82)
- Mark Schlabach (ABJ ’96)
- Gy Waldron (ABJ ’55)
- Ed Grisamore (ABJ ’78)
Register for our Speaker’s Bureau
Join our Speaker’s Bureau of professionals willing to share their expertise with student organizations and classes, virtually or in-person. This is a great opportunity to share the story about how you got started, give advice or provide moral support. Alumni, parents and friends are encouraged to submit this interest form to help us determine the right audience(s) for your expertise.
Mentor a Grady student
Alumni and friends of Grady College are encouraged to participate in the UGA Mentor Program. The UGA Mentor program is a structured opportunity for current undergraduate and graduate students to connect with alumni and friends of Grady College. Getting started is easy. Simply create a profile on the UGA Mentor digital platform, attend a quick orientation, then instantly begin searching for a mentor using a variety of search criteria including: industry, major, location and more. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to talk one to two hours per month during a four-month period. These conversations will center around topics such as professional skills needed in today’s world of work, diversity and inclusion perspectives, and other topics based upon students interests. Mentors do not have to be based within the Athens area.
Grady Funds & Giving Opportunities
Grady College depends on the generosity of our alumni and friends to help students and faculty succeed. With your support, we will strengthen our commitment to inspiring students and preparing them to illuminate the world upon graduation. We are grateful for your kindness. Thank you for your gift!
PAST ALUMNI BOARDS
We are grateful for the service and continued support of previous members of the Grady Society Alumni Board.
ALUMNI BOARD, FALL 2021
GSAB Fall 2021: (Front, l. to r.) Nick Fouriezos, Lauren Izzo, Michael Gray, Tracy Brown, Jon-Michael Sullivan
(Back, l. to r.) E.R. Anderson, Cal Callway, Keysha Lee, Heather Adams, Jill Lutz, Michael Trujillo
2018-2019 Alumni Board
Spring 2018, Front row l. to r.: Kay Flowers Johnson (ABJ ’83), Baron Brown (ABJ ’09), Will Ostick (ABJ ’88), Michael Gray (ABJ ’11), Abby Todd (ABJ ’08),Brooke Perez (ABJ ’08),Tracy Brown (ABJ ’88),Dana Todd (ABJ ’91), Heather Adams (ABJ ’98), Lindsey Marcec (ABJ ’04), Laura Reese (ABJ ’90), Alex Wallace (ABJ ’04), Peter Dale (ABJ ’99).
Back row l. to r.: Matt Schiavone (ABJ ’05), Mallory Schroth (ABJ ’08), Jeremy Friedman (ABJ ’96), Ben Mayer (ABJ ’06), Bryan Harris (MA ’03), Rachel Fox (ABJ ’97), Michael Abramowitz (ABJ ’90), Jim Wallace (ABJ ’75), Jim Callis (ABJ ’88), Dean Charles Davis (MA ’92), Tim Davies (ABJ ’84).
Not pictured: Carole Munroe (ABJ ’82), Laura Cushing (ABJ ’97), Elaine Reyes (ABJ ’97) , Lauren Izzo (ABJ ’05, MA ’07), , Abbi McCollum (ABJ ’03), Kristen Manion Taylor (ABJ ’96)
Meet Our Alumni Board
Alumni news
2024 Fellowship Profile: Mark Schlabach (ABJ ’96)
Mark Schlabach is a senior writer and reporter for ESPN, covering college football and golf. He has worked at the Worldwide Leader in Sports for nearly 18 years, after having […]
Fellowship Profile: Ed Grisamore (ABJ ’78)
Congratulations to Ed Grisamore (ABJ ’78) on being named the 2024 John Holliman Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and a Fellowship inductee. Named after the late John Holliman, Grady alumnus […]
2024 Fellowship Profile: Rick Dunn (ABJ ’93)
Congratulations to Rick Dunn (ABJ ’93) on being named a 2024 Fellowship inductee. Dunn is the founder of the Athens-Clarke County High School Completion Initiative (HSCI). The 501 (c)(3) organization […]
Sapelo Skin Care built on perseverence and trust
Congratulations to Cindy Edwards (ABJ ’86) and Stephanie Duttenhaver on being named to this year’s Bulldog 100 honoree list by the UGA Alumni Association. Edwards and Duttenhaver co-founded Sapelo Skin […]
Grady College names 2024 Grady Fellowship inductees
Grady College is proud to announce the class of 2024 Grady Fellowship inductees: Rick Dunn (ABJ ’93), Cynthia Graubart (ABJ ’82), Mark Schlabach (ABJ ’96) and Gy Waldron (ABJ ’55). […]
Grady College announces 2024 Alumni Award recipients
Grady College is proud to announce honorees for its annual Alumni Awards, recognizing alumni who have established a tradition of service and achievement in their careers. Alumni Award recipients will […]
Bulldog 100 Honoree Interview: Trevor Williams (ABJ ’02, MA ’04)
This is one of a series of interviews honoring Grady College alumni who have been recognized as Bulldog 100 recipients in 2024. The Bulldog 100 is sponsored by the UGA Alumni Association […]
Bulldog 100 Honoree Interview: Selby Hill (ABJ ’14)
This is one of a series of interviews honoring Grady College alumni who have been recognized as Bulldog 100 recipients in 2024. The Bulldog 100 is sponsored by the UGA Alumni Association […]
Bulldog 100 honoree interview: Marie Hunter (ABJ ’02)
This is one of a series of interviews honoring Grady College alumni who have been recognized as Bulldog 100 recipients in 2024. The Bulldog 100 is sponsored by the UGA Alumni Association […]
Bulldog 100 Honoree Interview: Tom Etheridge (ABJ ’94)
This is one of a series of interviews honoring Grady College alumni who have been recognized as Bulldog 100 recipients in 2024. The Bulldog 100 is sponsored by the UGA Alumni Association […]
Perspectives
“I want to inspire another kid…who might be dreaming of doing big things but may not even think it’s possible, and I want to give that kid a possibility of great success.”
Deborah Roberts
(ABJ ’82) Co-Host, 20/20; ABC News National Sr. Affairs Correspondent
Perspectives
“”What I am thrilled to see at is how well Grady has kept up with that change and is really at the vanguard of instructing our students to use those same time honored principals of journalism with the new digital world with which we live and practice.”
Deborah Norville
(ABJ ’79), Host, Inside Edition
Perspectives
“What we all have in common in the room is storytelling and diversity has got to be one of our key priorities.”
Jason Kreher
ABJ ’00 Chief Creative Officer, Accenture Song
Perspectives
“With Dean Davis and all that the college has done, they’ve created so many opportunities here such as the mentorship program and Grady LA. When it comes to making connections, just ask for that intro.”
Tim Mapes
ABJ ’86 Chief Marketing and Communications Office, Delta Air Lines
Perspectives
“With Dean Davis and all that the college has done, they’ve created so many opportunities here such as the mentorship program and Grady LA. When it comes to making connections, just ask for that intro.”
Chad Mumm
ABJ ’08 Co-founder and chief creative director of Vox Media
Perspectives
“I had a great education and great teachers. … It turned out to be a great decision and I am proud to say I went to the University of Georgia every single day.”
Maxine Clark
(ABJ ’71) Founder, Build-A-Bear Workshop
Perspectives
Greg Bluestein
(ABJ ’04), political reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Perspectives
“The thing that keeps pulling me back to UGA is the Grady College. I remember sitting in those desks. I love speaking to the kids, and I think that’s part of the responsibility that goes with having a long career in journalism. You want to share the experience with the next generation of broadcasters and raise up that next wave of journalists, especially at the University of Georgia.”
Ernie Johnson
ABJ ’78 Host of “Inside the NBA”
Perspectives
“The biggest thing I remember about the school is the willingness of everyone to make you be your best self. I had wonderful professors who pushed you as hard as they could, but they also loved you and let you know you could accomplish any of your goals if you put in the hard work and effort.”
Maria Taylor
ABJ ’09, MBA ’13 Host for NBC sports and “Football Night in America”
photo gallery
Board of trust
The Grady Board of Trust is one the college’s most influential boards of alumni and friends lending support and guidance. In addition to serving as ambassadors and leaders who can attract resources to the college, the BOT is the sponsoring organization of the Grady Fellowship, a recognition of alumni and friends who by virtue of their accomplishments and service are members emeritus of the BOT.
Alumni Board
The Alumni Board is an advisory group responsible for contributing to, and supporting the development of activities for alumni and friends of the college. The board serves as the conduit between the college and its alumni. It is comprised of members from a variety of Grady majors, professions, geographical areas and graduation years.
Awards
Each year, Grady College graduates are selected as Alumni Award recipients for demonstrated excellence throughout their distinguished careers. The four awards are the John Holliman Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award, the Mid-Career Alumni Award, the John E. Drewry Young Alumni Award, and the Distinguished Scholar Award.
Events
Fall 2024 Grady Convocation Ceremony
Grady College’s Fall 2024 Convocation Celebration will take place on December 12, 2024 in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music Building. The ceremony will start at 10 a.m.
Fall 2024 Grady Graduation celebration
Graduates and their parents are invited to celebrate with other graduates and faculty/staff at this drop-in celebration from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on December 12, 2024. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and photo opportunities with Dean Davis and others. Tickets are not required for the celebration at Grady.
UGA Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony Fall 2024
The UGA Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony for Fall 2024 will be on December 13, 2024. Exact time and further details are forthcoming.
Grady College Prospective Student Day
Prospective Student Day is an opportunity for high school and transfer students and their guardians to learn more about Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Current UGA students who are interested in applying for Grady College majors are also welcome. In addition to a guided tour, students will hear about admissions, eligibility requirements and programs of study. This event covers our undergraduate programs only. If you are interested in graduate program information, email anne.hurne@uga.edu. Register here to join us at Grady College Prospective Student Day!
Grady College Prospective Student Day – Virtual
Prospective Student Day is an opportunity for high school and transfer students and their guardians to learn more about Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Current UGA students who are interested in applying for Grady College majors are also welcome. In addition to a guided tour, students will hear about admissions, eligibility requirements and programs of study. This event covers our undergraduate programs only. If you are interested in graduate program information, email anne.hurne@uga.edu. Register here to join us at Grady College Prospective Student Day!