Some members of the Class of 2024 have wanted to be Georgia Bulldogs for as long as they can remember, while others made their decision after learning about the University of Georgia’s nationally recognized learning environment through a web search or campus tour. Each of their stories is unique, but they all share an excitement that is palpable.
Kamryn Corbyn. (Submitted photo)
“I chose UGA because it has always been my dream school,” said Kamryn Corbin, who hails from Thomasville and plans to major in business management. “I knew I would have the best college experience. I also know that UGA has the best resources to give me the best education to be successful in school and after graduation.”
UGA is one of the nation’s largest universities to require that all students engage in experiential learning such as internships, study abroad, service-learning or research. In recent years, initiatives have reduced class sizes, expanded the use of active learning methods on campus, and focused on data literacy and intensive writing.
Jason Hawkins. (Submitted photo)
Jason Hawkins is a recipient of the university’s prestigious Foundation Fellowship, and he plans to double major in English and management information systems. The Foundation Fellowship, housed in the Honors Program, offers a stipend that approximates the cost of attendance, numerous group study abroad experiences, individual travel-study grants, and a mentoring plan that matches Fellows with professors who share their interests.
“UGA seemed like it had such a solid and supportive environment compared to the other colleges on my list,” said Hawkins, a Macon native. “Based on what I’ve read and what I saw when I visited, I truly feel like there are a lot of people here who would want to see me succeed and who would help me through rough patches.”
Benjamin Grossman. (Submitted photo)
Benjamin Grossman, who plans to study finance and is from Cleveland, Ohio, said a campus visit made him realize that UGA was right for him. “When I visited campus, I immediately felt like I was part of the community,” he said. “Everyone on campus seemed very friendly and welcoming.”
Grossman and others said they were most excited about meeting new people, building connections and becoming involved in the community.
“I am excited to learn not only in the classroom but outside of class in the campus ministries, organizations and while meeting new people on campus,” said Marlee Anne Hopkins of Covington, a human development and family sciences major. “There will be so many lessons to learn, and I want to cherish every single one.”
Marlee Anne Hopkins. (Submitted photo)
Members of the incoming class of students are just beginning their academic journey at UGA, but they’re also envisioning their careers and lives after graduation.
Hopkins chose UGA because her family has been closely involved with UGA Miracle, the philanthropic student organization that raises money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. After graduation, she dreams of being a child life specialist at the hospital.
“I knew without a doubt this is the college I dreamed of going to,” she said. “A huge part of why is all of the UGA students that I have met who have a passion to make a difference on campus, Athens and the world. I’m excited to exude that same passion.”
Matt Adams. (Submitted photo)
Helping others and contributing to society in meaningful ways were sentiments shared by many students, including Matt Adams of Grayson. He hopes to work as an engineering consultant at global management firm McKinsey & Company.
“My favorite thing to do is to look at something and to try and problem solve,” he said. “I cannot think of anything else I would want to do for the rest of my life besides building things and helping people.”