Friday, January 11, 2008

Contact: Tom Jackson, 706/542-8090, tjackson@uga.edu

University of Georgia President Michael F. Adams’ statement on the death of alumna Meredith Emerson

Athens, Ga. – On behalf of the entire University of Georgia community I want to express my deepest condolences on the tragic loss of Meredith Emerson. We feel a void at this institution over Meredith’s loss, as we do with any member of our institutional family.

Meredith enjoyed the type of full experience at UGA that we want for all of our students. She immersed herself in language studies from her early days as a student when she moved into one of our language learning residence halls. She enhanced her experience further by spending a semester overseas as part of our expanding study abroad programs. She also remained engaged with activities both in the campus community and the local Athens community.

What impresses me most about Meredith was her ability to enjoy such a rich collegiate experience while maintaining a stellar academic record. She was a Presidential Scholar each semester, was inducted into the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. That level of success demonstrates the high level of character and strong work ethic she undoubtedly possessed.

The thoughts and prayers of the entire UGA family go out to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.

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