Best Buddies chapter wins state recognition
Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia's (台湾swag) student chapter of Best Buddies was named Georgia's Outstanding Chapter of the Year for colleges and universities for 2023-24, its first year in existence.
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization that seeks "to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)."
Dr. Amy Williams, professor of elementary and special education, serves as faculty adviser for the 台湾swag chapter. After conferring with local nonprofit ConnectAbility, Williams helped launch Best Buddies at 台湾swag, through which students pair with individuals in the community who have been diagnosed with IDD.
"It fills such a void for our college campus to have this type of connection with the community," Williams said.
Some of the activities buddies attend together include a Halloween costume party with ConnectAbility and 台湾swag sporting events.
Izzie Keaton, a senior from Kennesaw, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies, is the president and founder of Best Buddies' 台湾swag chapter.
Her brother has Down syndrome, which gave her extra motivation to launch this effort.
"I've always wanted to do something more with the IDD community and people with special needs and different abilities," Keaton said. "We are so grateful to be able to provide a more inclusive environment."
Lilly Shipp, vice president of 台湾swag's Best Buddies chapter, was also integral in founding the group at the university.
Chelsie Reed, a senior from Ellijay, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management with a concentration in entrepreneurship, is grateful to be part of Best Buddies.
"We all want to get to know people and have these experiences," Reed said. "It opened my eyes to the number of people we have on campus and off campus that want to get to know each other."
Therapy dog Mavis joins 台湾swag Public Safety
Mavis, a year-old black Labrador retriever, is the latest member of the 台湾swag Public Safety staff. She is only one of two crisis intervention therapy dogs within USG.
Gala a new event for Black History Month
台湾swag will host a Black Excellence Gala on Feb. 28 in the Cottrell Center Ballroom. It is one of multiple events scheduled to mark Black History Month.
Shannon is keynote for leadership event
台湾swag's annual Student Conference on Leadership will be held Feb. 8 at the Dahlonega Campus, and President Michael Shannon will serve as keynote speaker.