Jehan El-Jourbagy Is Honored

Jehan El-Jourbagy of Monticello was one of 40 University of Georgia alumni to be honored last Thursday at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta as one of the 40 outstanding UGA alumni under the age of 40.

Of the 103,000 Georgia alumni in this demographic, 400 were nominated for the award.

“From boutique owners to artists to government leaders, the 40 Under 40 Class of 2012 demonstrates that the University of Georgia prepares its graduates for a global society,” according to the message from Steve Jones, President of the UGA Alumni Association and Deborah Dietzler, Executive Director.

“These 40 honorees are dynamic leaders who care about their communities and the world around them,” they went on to say.

Many of the alumni had two degrees, like Ms. El-Jourbagy, and some had three degree from the university. All had at least one.

Celebrating the award in Atlanta with Ms. El-Jourbagy were (top photo) her husband, Dr. Tyson Harty; her father, Morad El-Jourbagy; her brother, Rami El-Jourbagy; law firm partners Larry Lynch, and wife, Nancy, and (not pictured) Molly Watson and Bob Harris, State Rep. Susan Holmes, and husband, Paul, and other Jasperites, Jimmy and Mary Lou Jordan, David Dyer, Rachel Torrance, Mary Camp, Elvis and Priscilla Singleton, and Kathy Mudd.

Also present at the awards program were UGA alumni and former Jasperites Lauren Newsome Bush and Candice Bennett Nanney.

UGA President Michael E. Adams gave the keynote address. He told the honorees that they are expected to lead…not just manage. He said he is concerned about the lack of leadership he sees today, and that it is imperative that these honorees, who are clearly outstanding alumni, lead.

He told them they are in a position to make the tough decisions, not necessarily the popular ones. He also stressed the importance of the individual taking part in the whole. He spoke on the public good of higher education, and told the alumni of their duty to contribute to the greater good.

He stressed the importance of doing the right thing. He told the alumni that they came through UGA when it had the highest level of state support ever, and stressed how they must pass on to others the benefits of their education.

After his remarks, each honoree was presented with his or her award, and had a photo made with Mr. Jones who is a judge for the northern district of Georgia, and President Adams. A group photo of the 40 Under 40 Class of 2012 was then taken to conclude the festivities.

Ms. Dietzler will be in Monticello next Monday as the guest speaker at the Monticello Kiwanis Club meeting.