Explore how your generous contributions are transforming the lives of our students. From scholarships to innovative programs like Destination Dawgs, see how your support is empowering students to achieve their academic and personal goals.

• Scott Caplinger

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  Scott Caplinger

  Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

  I'm a rising Junior from Statesboro Georgia. I was heavily involved in my High school's band program and was Drum major Junior and Senior year.

  What are you studying, and why did you choose your major?

  I'm majoring in Consumer Economics with an emphasis in applied analytics and am currently in the double dawgs program for the applied analytics masters. I also am minoring in Human Development and Family Sciences. I chose this major and minor combo as it provides a wonderful blend of microeconomics and the social sciences, both subjects I love.

  What has been your favorite class/instructor at FACS?

  I've loved all of the economics classes I've taken but my favorite would have to be intro to consumer economics because it was taught by Dr. Moorman who has such an amazing and engaging personality. I am taking another of her classes this upcoming semester and am really looking forward to it.

  How has the scholarship/award impacted your education and life? Or How has receiving the award shaped your view of philanthropy?

  This scholarship was very impactful to me as it helped my expenses while living in Atlanta for the FACS legislative aide program. This was an amazing opportunity to me offered through the FACS college that landed me an internship with representative Stacey Evans at the State Capitol. While the program did include a stipend, Atlanta living is extremely costly and the funds from the Mize-Infinity scholarship directly supported my ability to live in Atlanta and participate in this amazing program.

  What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?

  Aside from classes, my other major commitment is as a member of the Redcoat Marching Band. As I mentioned, I was heavily involved in my high school band program, and this continues at UGA. I have marched clarinet the last two seasons with the RCB and am uniform chair for this upcoming season as well as being in a leadership role for my section. I intend to be in the RCB for as long as I'm at Georgia and have made amazing friends and memories because of the band.

  What is/was your favorite place on campus and why?

  Myers quad is definitely my favorite place on campus. I lived in the Myers quad community Freshman and Sophomore year and have great memories hanging out with friends during events and playing various games on the quad.

  What are your future goals following graduation? How do you plan to use your FACS “knowledge for real life” to make a difference in your community or field?

  I am still actively exploring career options after graduation but am confident I have picked a field and specialty that interests me. I am hoping that I will be able to make a real change in the world using a mix of the more analytical and 'number crunching' skills as well as the more personal and 'human based' knowledge that the FACS college has taught me.
• Jordan Jaffie

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  Jordan Jaffie

  Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

  I recently graduated in May with my BCFCS, summa cum laude, majoring in Human Development and Family Science and minoring in Social Work. I am from Savannah, Georgia, and am proud to be a first-generation college graduate. As a Jewish individual, the concept of Tikkun Olam, or "repairing the world," is a central principle of my faith and resonates deeply with me. This concept has inspired my academic and professional pursuits, driving my passion for helping others and making a positive impact in my community. My education and experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of individuals and families, and I am committed to continuing this work in my future career.

  What are you studying, and why did you choose your major?

  I am studying Human Development & Family Science (HDFS), with a minor in social work. I chose HDFS as my major because I love that the content focuses on understanding the complexities of human relationships and development across the lifespan and also resonates with my passion for helping others. Additionally, I appreciate the flexibility the major offers in terms of career options, allowing me to explore various paths as I continue to refine my professional aspirations post-graduation.

  What has been your favorite class/instructor at FACS?

  My favorite instructor at FACS has been Dr. Melissa Scott Kozak. I've taken nearly every course she offers, and I especially loved her Human Sexuality Across the Lifespan class. It's clear that she genuinely cares about her students' success. Dr. Kozak was incredibly supportive during my internship process and made me feel well-prepared as I approached graduation.

  How has the scholarship/award impacted your education and life? Or how has receiving the award shaped your view of philanthropy?

  The Whitlock Family Scholarship has profoundly impacted my education and life. It allowed me to fully concentrate on my studies without the constant worry about the financial burdens of college. This financial support not only relieved a significant amount of stress for me but also took a tremendous load off my parents, who have worked tirelessly to support my academic aspirations. The scholarship has truly been a game-changer, enabling me to pursue my educational goals with a sense of security and peace of mind. This experience has also shaped my view of philanthropy, highlighting the incredible difference that generous support can make in someone's life. Seeing how much this scholarship has improved my college experience, I hope to one day make a similar impact in others’ lives as well.

  Can you share a memorable experience or achievement since receiving the scholarship?

  One of the most memorable experiences since receiving the scholarship was finally seeing the fireworks at graduation, with my family in the stands supporting me. This moment felt like coming full circle, as I vividly remember the fireworks I saw when I opened my acceptance letter four years prior. The Whitlock Family Scholarship not only provided the financial support I needed but also gave me the confidence and motivation to make it to that unforgettable moment of celebration.

  What would you like to say to the donors who have supported your education?

  I cannot thank the Whitmore family enough for their generosity! Their generosity has profoundly impacted my life, allowing me to focus on my studies and achieve my academic goals without the burden of financial stress. Their investment in my education has been a true gift, and I am committed to honoring it by striving for excellence and contributing positively to my community.

  What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?

  Outside of class, I am an avid reader and love diving into different genres and exploring new authors. I also occasionally like to paint, go to trivia with friends, and when I’m home, volunteer at GHC Hospice. Additionally, thanks to a P.E. Bowling course I took during my senior year at UGA, I've become a pretty decent bowler!

  What is/was your favorite place on campus and why?

  My favorite place on campus is the Tate Student Center. It's a hub of activity where you can always find something exciting happening, whether its student organizations giving out freebies, or just running into friends between classes. Despite the hustle and bustle, I also appreciate that I can find quiet corners to hunker down and study when needed.

  What are your future goals following graduation? How do you plan to use your FACS “knowledge for real life” to make a difference in your community or field?

  Following graduation, I am currently exploring opportunities in Savannah within the human services field, as I am passionate about making a positive impact in my community. While I am still figuring out the specifics of my post-graduation plans, I am certain that I want to work with children in some capacity. My education in HDFS has equipped me with invaluable knowledge and skills that I am eager to apply in practice. I consistently find connections to HDFS material in my daily life, which reaffirms my commitment to utilizing this "knowledge for real life" to benefit others. Whether through direct service, advocacy, or program development, I am determined to make a difference and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of children and families, embodying the principles of Tikkun Olam in my professional pursuits.
• Leynie Hester

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  Leynie Hester

  What are you studying, and why did you choose your major?

  My name is Leynie Hester, and I’m a rising Junior at the University of Georgia. My major is Fashion Merchandising, with a Product Development and Design emphasis. I am also pursuing a minor in both Studio Art and General Business, as well as a certificate in Sustainability! I’ve loved fashion for so long, especially the concept of sustainable fashion. However, I didn’t know I wanted to go into fashion until about five years ago, when I got incredibly interested in the second hand clothing market. I learned so much about thrifted and vintage clothing, and from then on, I knew I wanted to help make a positive impact socially and environmentally within the fashion industry. 

  Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

  Growing up in Gwinnett County, Georgia, I got so many incredible opportunities to learn from my beautifully diverse peers. Throughout high school, I worked hard in my leadership positions to create a community of love and respect, where all people felt welcomed and valued. I love being involved in leadership positions because I get the incredible opportunity to truly make an impact on my community. I stood up for what I believed in, motivated my peers to be the best they could be, and made changes where it matters. 

  What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?

  After graduating and working extremely hard in high school, I knew that college was my first experience to study creative fields and dive into my artistic passions. I immediately got involved in the plethora of fashion related communities at UGA, like Fair Fashion and Strike Magazine. Fair Fashion is a club which focuses on educating and impacting the local community concerning slow and sustainable fashion. Strike Magazine is a creative explorative fashion and culture magazine that publishes issues bi-annually. I have also gotten the chance to be the sustainability chain in my sorority, Delta Zeta, own my own thrift and vintage small business, ANSL Vintage, intern at the men's clothing store, Kempt, in Downtown Athens, model in the Fashion Design Student Association fashion shows, and work as a server at one of my favorite restaurants.

  How has the scholarship/award impacted your education and life? Or How has receiving the award shaped your view of philanthropy?

  Receiving scholarships through the generous and philanthropic efforts of the Family and Consumer Sciences college and community has been such an extreme blessing to me. As much as I like to keep myself busy, involved in several clubs, taking 15-18 hours a semester, and holding 2-3 jobs, these scholarships have taken the financial pressure off of me. Now, I get to focus my energy and time on the things that push me to be a more creative individual and better prepare me for my future in the fashion industry, instead of spending my free time working to pay for school. Additionally, these scholarships have allowed me the financial freedom to pursue study abroad opportunities!

  Can you share a memorable experience or achievement since receiving the scholarship?

  Last spring break, I was so lucky to be able to study abroad for the week in Hawaii, through Warnell’s Discover Abroad programs. This trip as a whole taught me so much about sustainable living and protecting our Earth, including the people on it. Along with that, Hawaii left me with memories and friendships I will never forget. One of my favorite memories was when the whole class went on a snorkeling trip, and we learned about all the native fish we saw, we saw a huge sea turtle, and beyond the break a pack of whales were passing through. It was such a beautiful display of the natural harmony of the seas, and how so many diverse creatures can co-exist in the same ecosystem. 

  What would you like to say to the donors who have supported your education?

  To the donors who have supported me and my journey at UGA, I am so eternally grateful for your generosity. I would not be where I am, or have nearly as many involvements, or have half the opportunities I have been given without your philanthropic efforts. These scholarships are truly such a blessing to any student who may be lucky enough to receive them, no matter how big or small. Your investment in my future has given me the confidence and the tools to make the absolute most out of my experience here at UGA, and has prepared me for a beautiful future yet to come. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much. 

The scholarships and awards from FACS encouraged me to carry on

I also want to thank the donors and well-wishers of FACS who encouraged my research work through various scholarships. Days when I doubted my abilities as a researcher, the scholarships and awards from FACS encouraged me to carry on and believe in myself.

Donor Impacts

Charles Schwab Financial Planning Center

On behalf of independent investment advisors, Schwab Advisor Services partnered with Charles Schwab Foundation to provide funding toward a major renovation project within one of the college's oldest buildings that will enhance students' experiential learning opportunities.

Three independent advisory firms in Atlanta – SignatureFD, TrueWealth Management and Homrich Berg Wealth Management – contributed a total of $100,000 to the project.

Combined with support from the University of Georgia, the college and additional private funds, the renovation represents an investment of nearly $1 million and dramatically expands the space available for a program that is steadily growing in enrollment.

"We have prospered in a short period of time because of the amazing people we have to work with, especially the students," faculty member Lance Palmer said at Thursday's ceremony. "We are so grateful for the support of Schwab and our partner firms that has allowed us to transform this historic building into a cutting-edge financial planning communication training facility."

"The reason Schwab looks for partner universities like UGA is because we want to help create awareness of the wonderful, entrepreneurial career opportunities that exist within the independent advisory industry," she said, "and to do our part to support programs that create high-quality talent for those firms to hire. UGA's innovative approach to preparing future financial planners is truly inspiring."

UGA President Jere Morehead noted one of the programs that will benefit from the renovation project is the online component of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, Virtual VITA, which gives students the opportunity to provide free tax preparation for Georgia citizens through a partnership with UGA Extension.

Photos from the event can be viewed here.

About Charles Schwab Foundation

Charles Schwab Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization funded by The Charles Schwab Corporation. Its mission is to create positive change through financial education, philanthropy, and volunteerism.

More information is available at www.aboutschwab.com/community.

A longer version of this story can be read here.