Alumni Weekend set for April 19-21

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Alumni Weekend, set for April 19-21, will bring reunions, military ceremonies, awards, and live music to the Dahlonega Campus. This will be President Michael Shannon's inaugural Alumni Weekend.

"We are delighted to host Alumni Weekend and see multiple generations of our UNG family on campus," Wendi Huguley, '90, executive director of the UNG Alumni Association, said. "It allows us to share what makes the university so special to each of us."

Among those working alongside Huguley to create a memorable weekend for attendees is a team of students in the Alumni Student Host program.

Jorge Romero Orduno is one of two team leaders of the program.

"This role has taught me many lessons, but the most important lesson is the importance of people as individuals. Teamwork is super important, but it is also important to recognize individuals," he said. 

Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Romero Orduno is a junior pursuing a degree in history with a minor in Spanish.  

The weekend begins with the Scholarship Golf Tournament at 9 a.m. April 19 at Achasta Golf Club.

A highlight of the weekend will be the Gen. William "Lipp" Livsey Drill Field ribbon cutting. Several enhancements have been made to the facility, including a plaza named after Lt. Col. (ret.). John T. Lamb, a former student and generous donor.

"A drill field is not just ground; it’s a hallowed space, revered by those who walk, study and serve on our picturesque Dahlonega Campus. These recent upgrades show the respect our military leaders — past, present and future —deserve," Shannon said. "I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this transformation, from University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue and the Board of Regents to Mr. Lamb, whose contributions made it all possible."

The tradition of a military review continues on the Drill Field at 2:30 p.m. April 20. Retired Gen. Stephen Townsend ’82, will be joined by Shannon; Dr. Keith Antonia, interim senior vice president and cadet leadership academy superintendent; Col. (ret.) Joseph Matthews ’94, commandant of the Corps of Cadets; and, Col. Bryan Kirk, professor of military science. Townsend retired as a four-star general, the highest rank available in a peacetime Army. He will share his remarks at the event.

Memorial retreat is set for 4 p.m. at the Memorial Wall. The event pays tribute to all UNG alumni of the armed forces who gave their life in service of their country, as well as faculty, staff, students, and friends who passed away since the prior ceremony.

Members of the class of 1974 will celebrate their 50th reunion at the Alumni House at 6 p.m. April 19 with a casual supper and gathering. The fun continues April 20 with a picnic-style luncheon hosted by President Shannon at noon at the UNG Dining Hall Banquet Room. The reunion banquet will take place at the Achasta Clubhouse at 6:30 p.m. that evening.

Several musical performances will be given by the Music Department during the weekend, both indoors and outdoors.

The Alumni Association will recognize its 2024 Alumni Association Award recipients April 19.  Recipients include:

• Retired Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, '82 — Hall of Fame Award
• Mike Higley, '81 — Distinguished Alumni
• Josh Sprayberry, '07 — Distinguished Young Alumni
• Dennis Cook, '75 — Golden Steeple Award
• Jim Ruska, '68 — Ralph Colley Spirit of North Georgia Award
• Butch Newkirk — Distinguished Professor, Dahlonega
• Michallene McDaniel — Distinguished Professor, Gainesville
• Maddox Rose — Paul Hutcherson Award
• Zoe Kinzie — Paul Hutcherson Award