Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia (UNG) Alumni Weekend will take on a different feel in 2021, but many of the weekend's most popular events will remain in place April 16-18.
"While we continue to follow CDC guidelines, and respect those who are not yet ready to come to Dahlonega, many alumni are telling us they are ready for safe engagement," said Wendi Huguley, director of the Alumni Association. "It is with this in mind that we have scheduled a fabulous weekend that is largely outdoors and allows for maximum spacing."
Use of face coverings is required by students, faculty, staff, and visitors in UNG buildings and facilities. Face coverings are not required in campus outdoor settings where social distancing requirements are met.
Reunite on the River will bring alumni together at Pine Valley on April 17 with barbecue sales from local favorite Hickory Prime starting at noon, and live music from BandX will begin at 1:30 p.m.
The weekend kicks off at 9 a.m. April 16 with the UNG Alumni Weekend Scholarship Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Nighthawks Athletic Club, at Achasta Golf Course.
A pair of alumni will speak at Corps of Cadets events during the weekend. Lt. Gen. Stephen Fogarty, '83, commanding general of U.S. Army Cyber Command, will serve as the keynote speaker at the military awards review at 11 a.m. April 18. Lt. Col. Allen Kehoe, '00, executive officer for program analysis and evaluation directorate at the Pentagon, will speak at the 4 p.m. April 17 Memorial Retreat. The event will be streamed live on the North Georgia Corps of Cadets Association Facebook page.
"I am excited to have Lt. Gen. Fogarty and Lt. Col. Kehoe on campus for our two biggest military activities of the year. Lt. Gen. Fogarty will no doubt inspire our cadets about what they can achieve," said retired Maj. Richard Neikirk, assistant commandant of cadets at UNG. "Lt. Col. Kehoe recently commanded the battalion responsible for all Army burials at Arlington National Cemetery, and I know he will share meaningful comments about remembering those who have served and sacrificed."
The Fun Run with the Corps will start at 6:45 a.m. April 17 on the Gen. William "Lipp" Livsey Drill Field and go up Crown Mountain and back.
The annual Alumni Association awards banquet will be at 6 p.m. April 16 and is invitation-only due to COVID-19 restrictions. It will stream live on the UNG Alumni Association YouTube page. The event will celebrate this year's winners:
For more information on Alumni Weekend, follow the UNG Alumni Association on Facebook or Instagram, or visit its website.