Lewis headlines FACS Alumni Awards honorees
The UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences will honor several outstanding alumni and induct Rick Lewis into its Honor Hall of Recognition at the 46th annual Alumni Awards event on Feb. 21 at the Athens Country Club.
The Honor Hall is the college’s highest honor, reserved for individuals who demonstrate impeccable character, commitment and outstanding leadership and who made significant contributions to the field of family and consumer sciences.
Lewis, the UGA Foundation Professor Emeritus in Family and Consumer Sciences, established the University of Georgia as a leader in the study of childhood nutrition and growth while directing the Bone and Body Composition Lab for over 30 years.
During this time, he gained national and international prominence for his scientific contributions that advanced the fields of nutrition, childhood health and osteoporosis prevention.
He was principal investigator or co-principal investigator on grants totaling approximately $8 million across a diverse funding portfolio, including the USDA, National Institutes of Health, private foundations and philanthropic ventures.
In addition to Lewis, FACS will recognize several alumni and friends of the college, including:
Jonelle Dawkins, Pacesetter Award: This award is given to a graduate of the last 10 years who actively promotes the beliefs and values of family and consumer sciences.
A 2019 FACS graduate in fashion merchandising, Dawkins is the executive director of Scraplanta, overseeing two art supply thrift stores.
Clair McClure, Creswell Award: Given in honor of the college’s first dean, this award recognizes a current or retired faculty or staff member who has provided leadership in motivating and guiding students.
McClure, a senior lecturer and undergraduate coordinator in the department of textiles, merchandising and interiors, has taught 12 unique courses and continues the legacy of Couture a la Cart, UGA’s pop-up retail store operated out of a golf cart.
She earned her master’s degree from FACS in 2011 and a doctorate in 2017.
Anne Barge Clegg, FACS Appreciation Award: This award is given to an individual or organization that has contributed significantly to the support of the college.
Clegg, a 1969 UGA graduate with a degree in art education, is a world renowned bridal designer whose Anne Barge label drew acclaim for its timeless designs and elegant bridal wear.
She recently pledged a significant gift to UGA to enhance the FACS Historic Clothing and Textile Collection, housed at the UGA Special Collections Libraries.
Avery Monthero, 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 FACS Alumni Association.
Monthero is a 2017 FACS graduate who now serves as a data engineer with Delta Air Lines. She has led several volunteer efforts in the areas of mental health, cultural education and human trafficking.
Maj. Lori Maggioni, Emily Quinn Pou Professional Achievement Award: Established in 1999 in honor of the college’s fourth dean, this award is presented to graduates who have attained substantial achievements and are at the midpoint of their careers.
Maggioni, a 2009 graduate and Registered Dietitian in the U.S. Army who doubled majored in nutritional sciences and dietetics, now holds dual positions at Fort Bliss, Texas, where she serves as Chief of the Nutrition Care Division at William Beaumont Army Medical Center and as the dietitian for the 131st Field Hospital.
Maggioni has more than 15 years of active-duty service.
Katrina Bowers, Distinguished Alumni Award: This award recognizes a FACS graduate who has made lifelong contributions that reflect the beliefs and values of the college.
A proud 1984 FACS graduate, Bowers dedicated 30 years to UGA, beginning with the Cooperative Extension Service in Lanier County. She then transitioned into development work, serving as the Senior Director of Development for FACS and later for the Terry College of Business.
After retiring in 2021, Bowers founded Guided Giving, an organization that creates meaningful connections between donors and nonprofit organizations.
“We are proud to recognize all of these outstanding honorees who have represented us so well on the local, national and even international stage,” FACS Dean Anisa Zvonkovic said. “All of them embody the highest ideals of our college, including a commitment to improving lives and communities through teaching, research and service.”