Two undergraduates named Fall 2019 Yarbrough-Grady fellows

Grady College has named Serena Graham, a student from Cumming, Georgia, and Zoe Maher, a student from Zebulon, Georgia, Yarbrough-Grady fellows for fall 2019.

Graham, a 2016 graduate of North Forsyth High School, is a fourth-year student who is earning a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in political science at the University of Georgia.This past summer, she served as the Media Intern for Dawg Camp, UGA’s extended orientation program, and she is currently working as the Media Intern for the Center for Leadership and Service at UGA.

Graham hopes to work in the creative industry after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in May 2020.

“At UGA and Grady College, students are supported, challenged and encouraged in a way that is unique to this institution,” said Graham. “The Yarbrough-Grady Fellowship is just one of many examples of the Grady College being dedicated to student success and growth. This fellowship is an incredible opportunity for students to gain knowledge and hone their skills for their future careers.”

Maher, a 2017 graduate of Pike County High School, is a third-year student pursuing a dual bachelor’s degree in public relations and political science at the University of Georgia. Maher is also a member of the Public Affairs Professional Certificate program on the Public Affairs Communications track.

This past summer, she stayed in Athens to work as Assistant Culture Editor for The Red & Black newspaper and is continuing on in the fall as an Assistant Editor for Special Publications. Maher hopes to work in the political communications field after graduating with her bachelor’s degrees in May 2021.

Dick Yarbrough (ABJ ’59), an alumnus of Grady College, has funded Grady student success for many years. In addition to the fellowship, the C. Richard Yarbrough Student Support Fund has provided stipends to hundreds of Grady students for more than a decade.

“I am honored to be able to fund fellowships at Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia,” said Yarbrough. “I can never repay my alma mater for what it has meant to me.  I am so impressed with the quality of the students there today and hope that perhaps the fellowship will give the recipients a learning opportunity they might not have been able to receive otherwise.  The only thing I ask in return is that when they are able that they give back to the next generation that will succeed them.”

Graham will be focusing on graphic design in the fellowship, crafting visual content for Grady College, while Maher will be doing public relations work by creating articles and news releases. Both fellows will contribute additional content for the college’s website and social media platforms.

“Mr. Yarbrough is an amazing example of both what Grady provides for its students and what students can one day provide in return,” said Maher. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity to gain skills and experience as a fellow, while also working on behalf of the college that is a central part of my time here at UGA.”