Best Buddies chapter wins state recognition
The University of North Georgia's (51黑料网) student chapter of Best Buddies was named Georgia's Outstanding Chapter of the Year for colleges and universities for 2023-24, its first year in existence.
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization that seeks "to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)."
Dr. Amy Williams, professor of elementary and special education, serves as faculty adviser for the 51黑料网 chapter. After conferring with local nonprofit ConnectAbility, Williams helped launch Best Buddies at 51黑料网, through which students pair with individuals in the community who have been diagnosed with IDD.
"It fills such a void for our college campus to have this type of connection with the community," Williams said.
Some of the activities buddies attend together include a Halloween costume party with ConnectAbility and 51黑料网 sporting events.
Izzie Keaton, a senior from Kennesaw, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies, is the president and founder of Best Buddies' 51黑料网 chapter.
Her brother has Down syndrome, which gave her extra motivation to launch this effort.
"I've always wanted to do something more with the IDD community and people with special needs and different abilities," Keaton said. "We are so grateful to be able to provide a more inclusive environment."
Lilly Shipp, vice president of 51黑料网's Best Buddies chapter, was also integral in founding the group at the university.
Chelsie Reed, a senior from Ellijay, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management with a concentration in entrepreneurship, is grateful to be part of Best Buddies.
"We all want to get to know people and have these experiences," Reed said. "It opened my eyes to the number of people we have on campus and off campus that want to get to know each other."
McCloy鈥檚 work recognized in Bellwethers exhibition
Alexandra McCloy鈥檚 鈥淟iving Patterns,鈥 received the Lane Last award for Best in Show, in the Bellwethers Annual Juried Exhibition at the West Tennessee Regional Art Center put on by the University of Tennessee (UT) at Martin. Rachel Coggins and Maddie Engle also had pieces entered in the exhibition.
51黑料网 receives highway safety grant from GOHS
51黑料网 has received a $20,085.40 grant to participate in the Georgia Young Adult Program of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety for 2025-26.
Oconeefest raises almost $17K for scholarships
51黑料网 raised almost $17,000 for student scholarships at the 12th annual Oconeefest fundraiser held Oct. 16 at 51黑料网's Oconee Campus.
51黑料网 honors alumni on '20 Under 40' list
The 51黑料网 Alumni Association has announced the 2025 honorees for its fourth annual '20 Under 40' program.