by Hayley Clement
Events featured classic cars, ice cream, and more than 3,000 years of collective service
Damon Allen with the “People’s Choice Award,” standing beside his family’s 1979 GMC Caballero at the F&A/UHR 2025 Classic Car Show
This week, Finance and Administration (F&A) and University Human Resources (UHR) celebrated a major milestone: 20 years of recognizing the staff who help keep the University of Georgia running.
The festivities kicked off Tuesday, May 13, with a nostalgic Ice Cream Social at the Tate Student Center. Themed “Cruisin’ Through the Years,” the event featured throwback snacks, inflatable games, and—for the first time ever—a classic car show with vehicles on display from staff and community members. The People’s Choice Award went to a 1979 GMC Caballero, affectionately nicknamed the “Hell Camino,” brought by Damon Allen, a training specialist in the Facilities Management Division.
In keeping with tradition, senior leaders from F&A and UHR donned aprons and served ice cream to the nearly 900 attendees as a way to thank staff for their contributions. Hairy Dawg also made a surprise appearance to greet attendees and join in the fun.
On Wednesday, the celebration continued with the annual Staff Recognition Ceremony at Hodgson Hall. Hosted by Ryan Nesbit, Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Juanita Hicks, Vice President and CHRO for University Human Resources, the ceremony honored 265 employees marking milestone anniversaries, from 5 to 35 years of service. Collectively, those recognized represent an incredible 3,055 years of service to the university.
UGA President Jere W. Morehead joined the ceremony to share his appreciation.
Ryan Nesbit (left) and Juanita Hicks (right) honor Audrey Booth, business manager with University Human Resources, for 35 years of dedicated service to the University of Georgia. (Photo by Andre Simmons)
“To all of today’s honorees, I would like to extend my congratulations on your extraordinary achievements,” he said. “You serve as inspiring examples of leadership, teamwork, and service to all of us at the University.”
The program also featured peer-nominated Merit Awards in categories such as Customer Service, Leadership, Community Service, and Unsung Hero, along with recognition for four Outstanding Teams.
The F&A/UHR staff recognition program dates back to 2004, when former Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Hank Huckaby proposed a formal way to celebrate staff contributions. The first ceremony followed in 2006, and it has since grown into a beloved tradition. Huckaby once called the creation of the program one of his proudest accomplishments at UGA.
Although UHR became a standalone unit in 2024, it remained a close partner in the annual recognition event—underscoring the shared commitment of both units to celebrating staff and strengthening workplace culture.
This year’s events were made possible by the F&A and UHR Recognition Committee, led by Chair Kim Eberhart, director of special projects in the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Vice Chair Leslie Rogers, director of learning and development in UHR. The committee was supported by teams across campus including Dining Services, Facilities Management, the Office of Emergency Preparedness, the UGA Bookstore, and more.
As the ceremony concluded, Nesbit reflected on the milestone: “From our very first event to this week’s celebration, one thing has remained constant—our people are the heart of this institution. Your work may take different forms, but together, your impact is extraordinary.”
To learn more about this year’s honorees and award recipients, visit fanda.uga.edu/recognition.
