Each year, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences presents several awards to outstanding alumni, faculty, and friends. The various awards recognize the many contributions made to the college, the profession, and society.
Submit a Nomination Meet Previous Recipients
Award recipients are recognized each spring during the Annual Alumni Awards Luncheon.
2025 Alumni Awards Recipients
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Distinguished Alumni Award
Since 1980, the Distinguished Alumni Award has recognized a graduate of Family and Consumer Sciences who has made lifelong contributions that reflect the beliefs and values of the College.
Katrina Bowers (BSHE 1984, Consumer Economics)
Katrina is a proud FACS graduate and a native of Elberton, Georgia—the “Granite Capital of the World.” After earning her degree in Consumer Economics in 1984, she continued her education with a master’s degree in interior design from the University of Memphis.
Katrina dedicated 30 years of service to UGA, starting with the Cooperative Extension Service in Lanier County before moving into development work. She served as the Senior Director of Development for both the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Terry College of Business, leaving a lasting impact on the university and its students.
Since retiring in 2021, Katrina has continued her mission to connect and inspire through Guided Giving, an organization she founded to create meaningful partnerships between donors and nonprofit organizations.
Her contributions to FACS and beyond have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2012 Emily Quinn Pou Professional Award and recognition as a FACS 100 Centennial Honoree. Katrina’s commitment to developing future leaders is reflected in the Katrina Little Bowers Alumni Leadership Fund, which supports and empowers the next generation of FACS alumni.
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Emily Quinn Pou Professional Achievement Award
Established in 1999 in honor of the fourth dean of the College, this award is presented to graduates who have attained substantial achievements and are at the midpoint of their careers.
MAJ Lori Maggioni (BSFCS 2009, Nutrition)
Major Maggioni earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics here at UGA in 2009. She then went on to complete her Master of Science in Nutrition at Baylor University. Today, she serves in a dual role at Fort Bliss, Texas, as Chief of the Nutrition Care Division at William Beaumont Army Medical Center and the dietitian for the 131st Field Hospital.
Her remarkable career includes leadership roles such as Deputy Chief of the Nutrition Care Division at Eisenhower Army Medical Center and Recruiting Program Manager for the Army Medical Specialist Corps. She has led teams that deliver critical nutrition services to hundreds of patients each month, organized wellness events for more than 111,000 beneficiaries across multiple states, and supported the health and readiness of active duty and reserve units through nutrition education.
Major Maggioni’s story is a testament to the power of passion, leadership, and service, and she embodies the very best of what it means to be a FACS alumna.
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Outstanding Service Award
Established in 1999, this award is presented to graduates for continued involvement in their community, faith community, helping organization, the College or the Alumni Association.
Avery Monthero (BSFCS 2017, Human Development and Family Science)
Avery graduated from UGA in 2017 with a degree in Human Development and Family Science. Since then, she has dedicated her career to improving the well-being of others through her work at Delta Air Lines and her continued involvement with UGA and the community.
At Delta, Avery began volunteering with the Peer Support Program in 2019, supporting flight attendants dealing with mental health challenges, substance use, and critical incidents. In 2021, she became the program lead, managing 100 volunteers and launching impactful initiatives like the Black Women’s Mental Health Roadshow and a new suicide prevention protocol for flight attendants.
Her dedication to service extends far beyond her work at Delta. Avery volunteers with Wellspring Living’s Girls Residential Program, where she teaches life skills to young survivors of human trafficking, focusing on communication, conflict resolution, and leadership while providing a safe and supportive space for these girls to grow and heal.
Avery also stays actively connected to UGA through the Young Alumni Council and mentorship programs, organizing professional development events and helping students connect with job opportunities at Delta.
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Pacesetter Award
This award goes to an individual who has graduated from the college within the last 10 years and who actively promotes the beliefs and values of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Jonelle Dawkins (BSFCS 2019, Fashion Merchandising)
A 2019 graduate from Decatur, Jonelle studied ethical fashion at UGA, even traveling to Ghana for an unforgettable study abroad experience that helped shape her career. After earning her MBA in supply chain management from North Carolina A&T State University, Jonelle discovered her passion for creative reuse centers and sustainable crafting. This ultimately led her to Scraplanta, where she became the organization’s first executive director. Jonelle now oversees two art supply thrift stores, giving new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste, while also securing funding through grant writing to grow the organization’s impact.
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Creswell Award
Named for the first dean of our college, this award recognizes a current or retired faculty or staff member who has provided leadership in motivating and guiding students.
Clair McClure (M.S. 2011, Merchandising and International Trade; Ph.D. 2017, International Merchandising)
Dr. McClure is a senior lecturer and undergraduate coordinator in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Since joining the FACS faculty in 2016, she has prioritized student engagement, fostering a sense of success and belonging both inside and outside the classroom.
She has worked to enhance the fashion merchandising curriculum by developing new courses and integrating active learning approaches that help students connect what they learn in FACS to their ultimate career goals. Clair has taught 12 unique courses, including two experiential learning courses, and she continues the legacy of Couture a la Cart, UGA’s pop-up retail store operated out of a golf cart. She also mentored the first TMI Double Dawgs student to successfully complete an M.S. thesis.
As the fashion merchandising internship coordinator, Clair serves as a vital connection between students and the fashion industry, creating countless opportunities for internships and entry-level careers.
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FACS Appreciation Award
Given to an individual or organization that has contributed significantly to the support of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences either financially, programmatically or legislatively.
Anne Barge Clegg
Anne, a Cordele native, moved to Boston after graduating from UGA, honing her craft with the legendary Priscilla of Boston. Anne later opened her own store, Anne Barge For Brides, in Atlanta, successfully running it for 13 years before selling it to Kleinfeld, the famed bridal salon featured on Say Yes to the Dress.
In 1999, Anne launched the Anne Barge label, which has since gained international acclaim over its 25-year history for timeless designs and elegant bridal wear. Her collections are celebrated for blending classic aesthetics with modern sensibility, making her one of the most respected names in the bridal fashion world.
Beyond her contributions to fashion, Anne has shown a deep commitment to preserving fashion history. In 2024, she pledged a gift to the University of Georgia to enhance the College of Family and Consumer Sciences’ Historic Clothing and Textile Collection, housed at the UGA Special Collections Libraries. In recognition of her generosity, the collection will be named the Anne Barge Historic Clothing and Textile Collection. This esteemed collection includes approximately 3,000 objects — garments, accessories, and textiles — spanning from the 1800s to the present day.
An exhibit of dresses and materials donated by Anne will be showcased at the UGA Special Collections Libraries in late 2026, highlighting her enduring impact on both fashion and education.
Anne’s career is a true testament to the power of creativity, wisdom, and passion for paying it forward to the next generation.
