by Sam Gentry
The University of West Georgia eagerly anticipates its annual Alumni Weekend, scheduled for April 25-27, as a time to welcome back alumni from all over the world to Carrollton for an unforgettable celebration. This cherished tradition serves as an opportunity each spring for members of the UWG community to reconnect, reflect on past memories and create new ones.
As part of the festivities, the UWG Alumni Association will proudly recognize some of its outstanding graduates during the 48th annual Alumni Awards on Saturday, April 26.
Amanda Moore, executive director of alumni and constituent engagement for UWG, expressed her excitement for the upcoming event.
“We’re thrilled to bring our alumni and friends back to the University of West Georgia for a truly special Alumni Weekend,” Moore said. “This year, we’ve crafted a unique blend of exciting new events and time-honored traditions. It’s going to be an amazing opportunity to make new memories and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Alumni Award honorees!”
The university’s annual Alumni Awards presentation, a tradition dating back to 1977, includes several prestigious recognitions, such as the Alumni Achievement Awards, the H. Franklin Pritchett Jr. Service to Humanity Award, the Honorary Alumna/Alumnus Award, the J. Owen Moore Awards for faculty and staff, and the Lillian Williams Champion of Diversity Award. Additionally, the event will feature the coveted Thriving Under 30 awards, which honor young alumni who have made significant contributions to their career industries while exemplifying dedication to UWG.
To kick off Alumni Weekend 2025, UWG alumni and friends will gather at Local Ties Brewing Company on Friday, April 25, for a networking social from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This event brings alumni and current students together to build professional connections and share experiences. It’s also a perfect opportunity to meet fellow Wolves and welcome new students into the alumni family. The first 100 students at Alumni Weekend events will receive a free Alumni Weekend t-shirt, and additional shirts will be available for purchase for alumni and friends.
Later that evening, alumni will head to The AMP in Carrollton at 7 p.m. to celebrate UWG Alumni & Friends Take Over the Square. In partnership with the City of Carrollton, this event will feature a lively concert with the popular tribute band Saved By the Band, taking attendees on a musical journey through the decades.
Saturday, April 26, will be packed with additional events, beginning with the Alumni Association Lunch from 12 to 1:30 p.m., held under the “Big White Tent” on Wolf Walk at University Stadium. Alumni and their families will enjoy a tailgate-style lunch, hear updates from university leadership and have the opportunity to take photos with Wolfie.
From 12 to 3 p.m., alumni will participate in the UWG Alumni & Friends Reunions on Wolf Walk, where alumni from various academic colleges, athletics and decades will reconnect in a fun, tailgate-style setting. There’s something for everyone, including activities for kids and UWG fans of all ages.
That evening, attendees will gather for the Brave Like a Wolf Celebration Dinner and Alumni Awards Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Ballroom. This event will feature dinner, drinks and entertainment, with live performances by UWG student ensembles. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the 48th Annual Alumni Awards, celebrating the incredible achievements of UWG alumni.
On Sunday, April 27, the weekend will conclude with the Alumni Weekend Aloha Brunch at 10:00 a.m. at the Top of Love Valley/Grassy Triangle, offering a final chance for alumni to reminisce and enjoy one last gathering before heading home. Special guests, including university leadership, will join in the celebration.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to reconnect with the UWG community, celebrate the accomplishments of its alumni and create lasting memories. Register now to secure your spot at Alumni Weekend 2025!
See below for the full list of 2025 Alumni Award winners:
Achievement Award for the Dr. James ‘Earl’ Perry College of Mathematics, Computing and Sciences
Reed Liggin ’89
Achievement Award for the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Andrea Hutchins Stone ’78
Achievement Award for the College of Education
Dr. Calvin J. Watts ’99
Achievement Award for the Richards College of Business
Gerald Kemp ’87
Achievement Award for University College
Danielle Fluck ’15 ’17
Achievement Award for the School of Communication, Film and Media
Angelica Campos ’07
Achievement Award for the Tanner Health School of Nursing
Kelly A. Forrest ’07 ’10
Achievement Award for the Honors College
Dr. Jennifer Jordan ’07 ’12 ’13 ’17
Achievement Award for the Graduate School
Dr. Katy Green ’00 ’03
H. Franklin Pritchett Jr. Service to Humanity Award
Michael Hester ’93
Honorary Alumnus Award
Bill Stone
J. Owen Moore Faculty Award
David Boldt
J. Owen Moore Staff Award
William Jennings Stuart II ’01
Lillian Williams Champion of Diversity Award
Julia Areh ’06
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Lauren Cramer ’13 ’21
Spotlight Award
Kelsey Matthews ’13
Thelma Harman Turner Alumni Loyalty Award
Mark DeNyse ’05
Thriving Under 30 Awards
- China Amey ’19
- Cameron Jay Harrelson ’24
- Dr. Sydney Nelloms ’18
- Stefanne Cunha Medeiros ’18
- Alma Beauvais ’20
- Austin Malik McCall ’21
- Jordan A. Watson ’18
- Quavious Hazzard ’19
- Siri Emereje ’18 ’21
- Dylan Mathews ’18
- Frank “Tripp” Bennett III ’20
