The University of North Georgia (UNG) Alumni Weekend is set for April 25-27, including the 54th

Alumni Awards banquet, golf tournament, class gatherings, and Department of Music concert.

"Alumni Weekend is always a great time for alumni to come back to enjoy a weekend around a particular class reunion, the Corps of Cadets, or the all-alumni Reunite casual gathering. This year the Class of '75 will be celebrating its 50th reunion. The weekend always coincides with Dahlonega's Bear on the Square festival, so there are plenty of things to do individually or with family and friends," Wendi Huguley '90, executive director of UNG alumni relations and annual giving, said.

The weekend begins the morning of April 25 with Courageous Challenge, an event focused on suicide prevention at the UNG Rec Center at the Dahlonega Campus and the scholarship golf tournament at Achasta Golf Club in Dahlonega. Tee time is 9 a.m.

A long-standing tradition, the annual Alumni Awards banquet will be held from 6-9 p.m. April 25 at the Dining Hall Banquet Room at the Dahlonega Campus. Honorees include:

Hall of Fame
Dr. Doug Lundy '86

Distinguished Alumni
Bill Mitchell '86

Distinguished Young Alumni
Melissa Silva '19

Golden Steeple
Bo Fears '68

Distinguished Professors
UNG Gainesville — Dr. Michael Lanford — assistant professor of higher education
UNG Dahlonega — Dr. Parker Hyde — assistant professor of kinesiology

Paul M. Hutcherson Outstanding Student Award
Isaiah Baker
Sara Roark

The Corps of Cadets Tattoo Ceremony will commence at 9 p.m. April 25 at the Gen. William "Lipp" Livsey Drill Field at the Dahlonega Campus.

April 26 includes the military awards review, also on the Drill Field, Reunite at 12:30 p.m. at the Dining Hall Patio, and the Department of Music Band Concert at the Library Technology Center Patio at 2 p.m. There will also be a celebration of music scholarship recipients after the concert.

Several reunions will take place at the Dahlonega Campus at 6 p.m. April 26 and include:

• Class of '75 50th reunion celebration at the Cottrell Center Ballroom
• Class of '85 40th reunion at the Alumni House Patio
• Black alumni reunion at the Dining Hall Banquet Room
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity reunion in the Hoag Great Room

The evening culminates with the UNG Faculty Recital featuring Joe Chapman playing selections by Franz Schubert at 7:30 p.m. in the Hoag Auditorium.

Baker said that receiving the Hutcherson award was "an incredible honor."

"I'm grateful for the mentors, peers and opportunities that have played a meaningful role in my development as a leader. More than anything, receiving this award motivates me to continue serving in a way that reflects the values I believe in," the Buford, Georgia, resident said.

Baker is a cadet in his senior year and is pursuing a degree in marketing.

Roark is from Kent, Washington. She is a senior pursuing a degree in computer science.

"I'm genuinely honored to receive the Paul M. Hutcherson Award," she said. "As a non-traditional student, balancing life's challenges while pursuing my degree has been a journey, and this recognition feels like a nod to the effort I've put in coming back to school. I'm grateful to the University of North Georgia for this acknowledgment and for fostering an environment where students like me can thrive."