June 09, 2022
by Jere W. Morehead, President
The University of Georgia is stronger than ever, thanks in part to donors who believe in our mission and want to expand opportunities for UGA faculty and students. Among countless examples across campus, generous gifts are helping to grow the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Last year, Grady expanded sports media education at UGA with the creation of the John Huland Carmical Sports Media Institute. The John Huland Carmical Foundation endowed a faculty chair in sports journalism a decade ago, and it has continued to support Grady’s nationally renowned Sports Media Certificate program, enabling UGA students to cover high-profile events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The foundation’s additional gift to establish the institute has given the program a home base and resources to increase student support and experiential learning opportunities, on-campus programming, community outreach, and industry networking.
Support from “2022 Friend of UGA” Dan Cathy and Atlanta-based Trilith Studios (formerly Pinewood Forest) helped UGA establish a Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television, and Digital Media program. Jointly housed in the Grady College and the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, this program is the first of its kind in Georgia. Mr. Cathy’s support also helped Grady renovate the MFA studio in the Journalism Building and procure state-of-the-art production and post-production equipment. The first cohort of MFA Film students will complete their degrees this summer, ready to make a significant impact on Georgia’s burgeoning film and TV industry.
UGA students on campus this fall will notice additional changes to Grady, thanks to the Ken Schnitzer family. Their gift is transforming the space surrounding the Journalism Building into the Schnitzer Family Media Lawn. The redesign will feature rolling grass hills, a landscaped outdoor amphitheater for classes and studying, and an ADA-accessible pathway to ease access to the college for everyone.
Donors are making a difference in every college and school at the University of Georgia, and I am grateful for their vital support. Their loyalty and generosity are helping UGA set new standards in higher education and increase our impact on Georgia and the world.