Stewardship Snippets: Advertising and Public Relations

Editor’s Note: Stewardship Snippets is a new series where we will spotlight a different Grady major, program or initiative and introduce you to the people who help make it part of the Grady experience.

Every Grady story is shaped by the people who came before and the students carrying that legacy forward. This month, we’re highlighting two members of the advertising and public relations department: Jere Henderson (ABJ ’69) and Ericeli Garcia, a fourth-year advertising major.

Although their Grady experiences are separated by more than 50 years, they are connected through a shared commitment to the college. As an advertising and public relations alumnus, Henderson’s support helps create opportunities for today’s students. For students like Garcia, those investments enrich the Grady experience and help prepare the next generation of communications professionals.

For Henderson, Grady was the starting point for a journey that unfolded in ways he never expected.

After earning his degree in 1969, Henderson was drafted into the U.S. Army. While he originally envisioned a future in journalism and communications, his military service introduced him to the medical field, setting him on a different professional path.

“As things happen in life, I was drafted into the Army and when I got out did not pursue journalism but stuck with the medical field I acquired in the Army,” he said.

That decision led to a long career at Stanford Hospital, where he worked until retiring in 2022. Although his career took him far from Athens, Henderson never lost his connection to the university that helped shape him. He credits former Grady dean and professor Tom Russell as one of the people who made a lasting impact during his time at the college and remains a loyal supporter of the college today.

Living in Sunnyvale, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, Henderson has witnessed firsthand the rapid pace of technological change. His advice to today’s students reflects that perspective.

“Keep up with new technology,” he said. “Where I live, it is mind-boggling.”

At the same time, he encourages students not to lose sight of what matters most.

“Pursue your dreams and enjoy your work,” he said.

Retirement has allowed Henderson to devote more time to his many interests. A self-described history buff and environmentalist, he volunteers as a docent at the Sunnyvale Historical Museum, has traveled to all 50 states and a dozen European countries, and remains active with organizations including the Sierra Club and Bay Area Ridge Trail. An avid hiker, he has completed the 400-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail and still follows Georgia football closely from California.

The opportunities Henderson supports are making an impact on students like Garcia, who represents the next generation of Grady graduates.

A fourth-year advertising major with a minor in international affairs and a certificate in nonprofit leadership and management, Garcia came to Grady looking for a program that would combine creativity with strategic problem-solving. Her interest in advertising first emerged in high school while serving as vice president of marketing for a student organization. There, she discovered a passion for blending creativity, business strategy and leadership, making advertising a natural fit.

Since arriving at UGA, Garcia has embraced opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. She serves as a Grady Ambassador, connecting with prospective students, alumni and visitors while sharing what makes the college special. Beyond Grady, her involvement with UGA Wesley’s Media and Encounter teams has strengthened her skills in creativity, collaboration and service. Together with her minor and certificate program, these experiences have broadened her perspective and helped shape her into a well-rounded communicator and leader.

This spring, Garcia will begin her career in paid media at a marketing agency, where she hopes to combine data-driven insights with creative thinking to help brands connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Along the way, she says one of the most valuable lessons she has learned at Grady is the importance of saying yes to opportunities, even when they feel intimidating.

“Some of my most meaningful experiences at UGA have come from stepping into unfamiliar spaces, meeting people I otherwise might not have met and trusting that I have something valuable to contribute,” she said. “Grady has taught me that growth comes from being willing to try, ask questions and learn from the people around you.”

That spirit of growth and opportunity is made possible in large part through the generosity of alumni and donors. For Garcia, knowing that previous generations of Grady graduates have chosen to invest in current students is both meaningful and inspiring.

“So many of the opportunities that have shaped my college experience are possible because people who came before me chose to give back and make a difference in the lives of future students,” she said. “It reminds me that being part of Grady means being part of a community that invests in one another, and I hope to carry that same spirit of giving back throughout my own career.”

Together, Henderson and Garcia represent the lasting impact of the Grady community. One is an alumnus whose support helps create opportunities for future generations. The other is a student preparing to launch her career while benefiting from the investments of those who came before her. Their stories serve as a reminder that the Grady experience extends far beyond graduation, connecting Bulldogs across generations through a shared commitment to learning, leadership and giving back.

Author: Molly Harwell, Molly.Harwell@uga.edu