UNG's Alumni 1873 Speaker Series

Posted: September 22, 2023 by Orla Fennell

UNG's Alumni Associationbegan an interview series titled the "1873 Speaker's Series" in 2021 to showcase the accomplishments of UNG alumni. Similar to our "Meet the Alumni" series (visit our YouTube channel and our Newsletters), the Association invites successful alumni to discuss their careers and how their experiences at UNG impacted their lives and allowed them to succeed in their endeavors.

Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, Wendi Huguley explains, "We have two tracks if you will. One is more professionally based - who are you and how did your experiences as a student at North Georgia impact your career, personal life, and where you are today professionally. The second focuses mostly on the memories of retired alumni and faculty."

In the past year, two PSIA alumni have joined the ranks of interviewees.

Ash Harrisof Wilkesboro, NC, shared how his experiences at UNG have impacted his life and have allowed him to succeed in his career. Ash joined the United States Army Reserve immediately out of high school and enrolled in UNG (then NGCSU) and joined the Corps of Cadets the same year. Halfway through his undergraduate journey he was called to a one-year tour of duty in Afghanistan, after which he returned to UNG to finish his undergrad studies. After several years with Samaritan's Purse, Ash once again returned to UNG, this time for his Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) degree. He explained how furthering his education and experience put him in an advantageous position where he is now finalizing his plans as a newly appointed Foreign Service Officer.

Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca D'Angelo of Stone Mountain, GA shared how her experience at UNG as a student and cadet in the Corps helped her gain leadership experience.

Upon graduation in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, she commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer in the Army. Following a career ofnumerous command and staff positions, she assumed command of the 841st Transportation Battalion, North Charleston, SC on 21 May 2021.She credits UNG for helping push her into new opportunities; she explains that by "trusting her gut" she was able to make bold decisions that have led her to where she is today.

We invite you to "meet"Ash Harris, IA '14 and MAIA '21 and Army Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca D'Angelo, PS '02 as they talk about what it has meant to be a part of our growing #PSIAfamily.