Campus News

Disability Resource Center recognizes students, faculty, donors at annual reception

Some 34 students were recognized at the Disability Resource Center's annual Student and Faculty Recognition Reception, held Oct. 24. (Submitted photo)

The Disability Resource Center awarded scholarships to 34 students at its annual Student and Faculty Recognition Reception, held Oct. 24 in the Tate Student Center Grand Hall.

Many students with disabilities face increased costs while attending college, due to medical bills and additional accommodations necessary to manage their disability. The scholarships provide financial aid to students with disabilities and are funded by private donors who support the Disability Resource Center.

The Disability Resource Center ensures equal educational opportunities as required by the ADA and other legislation and strives to promote a welcoming academic, physical and social environment for students with disabilities at UGA.

Many of the students hold leadership positions across campus and described feeling compelled to raise awareness about their disability and campus diversity fostered by the Disability Resource Center.

At the reception, students were welcomed with remarks by Vice President for Student Affairs Victor K. Wilson, President’s Office Deputy Chief of Staff Alton Standifer and Disability Resource Center Director Erin Benson.

The highlight of the reception is when each student shares their individual stories as students with disabilities at UGA, expressing appreciation for the quality educational experience the DRC and the scholarships make possible.

The following students received scholarships: Sophia Gould for the Betty and Joe Satterthwaite Memorial Scholarship; Kalina Hill for the Joe Coile Memorial Scholarship; Emily Farese for the Margaret C. Totty Memorial Scholarship; Grace Hunnings, Noah Bartoo, Jared Brown, and August Anders for the Choate Family Scholarship; Colbi Mastrarrigo for the Radcliff Scholarship; Miranda Walker for the John and Frances Mangan Family Scholarship; Chyann Hoyle for the Lauren Melissa Kelly Scholarship; Giana DiMuzio and Molli Mari for the Matthew Peddicord Memorial Scholarship; Kylie Dunlap for the Dale Gibson Memorial Scholarship; Alani Andrews and Wesley Bold for the Hamilton Family Scholarship; Julia Walters for the Janis Family Scholarship; Aisha Iyengar for the Margaret Ann Towson Scholarship; Yiqing Zhang, Nicholas Byrd, Lauren Corley, and Quincey Durham for the Gregory Charles Johnson Scholarship; Alexandria Spencer Elizabeth and J.C. Faulkner Scholarship; Abigail Ottosen, Erin Seagraves, Amelia Peach, and Jazlin Quinonez for the Lupuloff Family Scholarship; Sarah Belcher, Fiepre Clement, Meghan Olt, and Lauren Kubek for the Michael E. Merriman Memorial Scholarship; Dylan Mallon and Austin Ayers for the Orkin Family Scholarship; and Meghan Brady for the Carey Louis Davis Scholarship.