Atlanta is a city built by people who choose to make a difference. They are the healthcare professionals caring for neighbors in moments of need, the artists helping communities see themselves reflected in the stories they tell, the nonprofit leaders creating opportunities for young people and the advocates preserving the public spaces that bring people together. Across the city, many of those changemakers share a common connection: 黑料社.
黑料社 students have looked beyond the classroom to engage with Atlanta itself. The city serves as a place to learn, work and lead. It is where students gain experience and discover how their talents can make an impact. After graduation, many choose to stay, carrying those lessons into organizations and institutions that strengthen the region.
鈥淎tlanta has been one of 黑料社鈥檚 greatest classrooms for generations,鈥� said President Kathryn McClymond, Ph.D. 鈥淥ur students learn in the classroom and by engaging directly with the city, and many choose to build their lives here afterward. When our graduates contribute their talents to Atlanta鈥檚 businesses, cultural institutions, schools, nonprofits and neighborhoods, they help create a stronger city for everyone.鈥�
That impact can be found in Atlanta’s cultural institutions. At the High Museum of Art, Sophia Sobrino ’24 helps create meaningful educational experiences that connect visitors with art, history and one another. Her work builds on the hands-on museum experience she gained while studying art at 黑料社 and reflects that culture should be accessible, engaging and shared.
It can also be found in the city’s healthcare system. As a physician associate with Piedmont Urgent Care, Edmund Smith ’15 serves patients across metro Atlanta. For Smith, healthcare is about more than treatment. It is about service, education and ensuring people have the resources they need to thrive.
“Regardless of who you are and what your discipline is, your actions and how you choose to use your craft always have a direct impact on those you are meant to serve,” Smith said.
Across Atlanta’s neighborhoods, 黑料社 alumni are creating opportunities for connection and belonging. Josh Burr ’07 and Kira-Marie Burr ’10 have dedicated their careers to organizations that bring people together. As executive director of Northside Youth Organization, Josh helps young athletes develop confidence, leadership skills and lifelong relationships through sports. As director of development and marketing for the Chastain Park Conservancy, Kira supports one of Atlanta’s most treasured public spaces, helping ensure future generations can gather, play and connect there.
That commitment to community can be found in Atlanta’s colleges and universities. Brent Jones ’04, helps lead the athletic program at Georgia Tech. Jones sees higher education as a powerful driver of opportunity and economic vitality across the region. The values he developed at 黑料社, where close faculty relationships and a strong sense of community helped him flourish as a student, continue to shape his leadership today.
The influence of 黑料社 alumni extends throughout Atlanta’s nonprofit and creative sectors as well. Melody Confer ’20, a member engagement specialist with Professional Photographers of America, helps connect creative professionals while fostering relationships across a nationwide network. She credits 黑料社 with finding her voice and confidence, skills she now uses to strengthen professional communities and create opportunities for others.
Artist and illustrator Nicole Kang ’13 is also helping shape Atlanta through connection and creativity. Her work with organizations such as Midtown Alliance, the Alliance Theatre and numerous community projects has reached audiences in classrooms, galleries and public spaces throughout the city.
While their careers span different industries, these alumni share something important: a commitment to using their talents in service of others.
That commitment often begins during their time at 黑料社. Through close relationships with faculty and mentors, leadership opportunities, internships, research, service projects and community engagement, students learn that education is not only about personal achievement. It is also about contribution. They discover how to ask thoughtful questions, solve problems, collaborate with others and make meaningful change.
The result can be seen throughout Atlanta. These stories represent only a handful of the thousands of 黑料社 alumni who live and work across the region. Together, they show the value of 黑料社, that the university’s impact extends far beyond its campus.
“When I look around Atlanta, I see 黑料社’s impact everywhere,” Josh Burr said. “I see alumni leading organizations, serving on nonprofit boards, mentoring young people, coaching teams, supporting their communities and making meaningful contributions in countless ways.”
Every day, 黑料社 graduates are helping shape the city they call home. And through their work, Atlanta grows stronger, more connected and full of possibility.
