Celebrating Excellence - Franklin 2026 Alumni Awards

For more than 200 years, the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences has served as the heart of the University of Georgia, uniting the arts and sciences to champion interdisciplinary learning, shape leaders, fuel discovery, and strengthen communities. As the College looks ahead to its next quarter century, Franklin remains committed to blending tradition and innovation to address society’s most complex challenges. In a world defined by rapid change, the broad and adaptive skill set fostered through an arts-and-sciences education is more valuable than ever. Franklin continues to pursue its vision of becoming a nationally recognized leader that cultivates a community of creative scholars, curious learners, and critical thinkers who make an impact locally and globally. This commitment reflects the Franklin Spark: the defining blend of curiosity, creativity, ambition, innovation, and leadership that emerges when the arts and sciences come together.

The College will honor individuals who embody its mission at the Annual Alumni Awards and Donor Celebration, to be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, in the Conservatory Great Room at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. This event brings together alumni, donors, faculty, and friends to celebrate exceptional alumni and donors who demonstrate excellence, service, innovation, and deep commitment to the College and the broader community. The celebration also highlights the essential role of philanthropy in advancing Franklin’s mission, honoring the individuals, families, and partners whose generosity makes possible the College’s boldest aspirations. From endowed scholarships and faculty support to groundbreaking research initiatives and experiential learning opportunities, donor investment fuels the discovery, creativity, and academic excellence that define the Franklin Spark. The evening recognizes longstanding supporters and new champions whose commitment strengthens the College’s foundation, expands opportunities for students and faculty, and ensures that Franklin remains a nationally recognized leader at the intersection of the arts and sciences. 

The seven categories represent alumni from across career milestones and service to Franklin and their local communities. Meet the 2026 award winners:

This year’s Young Alumni Award honors Danny Lee (BS Computer Science, ‘18), a Google software engineer whose early career reflects the ambitious and exceptionally curious spirit of the Franklin Spark. During his time at UGA, he served as a teaching assistant in software development courses, won the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award for the computer science department, and remained active in the Asian American Students Association and UGAHacks. Since graduating, he has returned to Franklin for career panels to mentor students, demonstrating the collaborative and forward-thinking energy that defines Franklin graduates.

The Mid-Career Award recognizes Asma Sharafi (MS Chemistry, ‘13), whose leadership in battery technology and clean energy illustrates the innovative mindset at the core of the Franklin Spark. As CEO of PowerCo US, she leads Volkswagen’s North American battery company, supporting electric vehicle development. Her previous work at Ford Motor Company and her numerous research publications highlight her commitment to advancing scientific solutions that shape the future of sustainable technology.

The College Service Award honors Becky Winkler (AB Psychology, ‘98, CERT Women’s Studies, ‘98), whose dedication to service reflects the community-driven creativity and leadership inspired by the Franklin Spark. During her time at UGA, she served as co-president of Campus NOW, the university affiliate of the National Organization for Women. After founding a successful management consulting firm, she created a fund that established an Endowed Chair in Women’s and Gender Studies. Today, as a Trustee for the University of Georgia, she continues to support academic excellence and expand opportunities for students and faculty.

The Innovation Award is presented to Caitlin LeMoine (BFA ‘15, Art & Graphic Design), a creative director whose work in immersive art captures the wildly creative and boundary-pushing essence of the Franklin Spark. From her time as design editor at The Red & Black to her current role at Meow Wolf, LeMoine has built a career defined by imagination and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her recognition on Blooloop’s 50 Immersive Influencer List underscores her role as an innovator shaping the future of experiential art.

The Family Award honors Dr. George Crossley (BS Microbiology, ‘77; MS Microbiology, ‘80) and Mrs. Betsy Crossley (BS, Microbiology, ‘77; MS Microbiology, ‘80), whose decades of leadership and service exemplify the ambitious and community-centered qualities of the Franklin Spark. Betsy’s work in public service in Brentwood, Tennessee, and George’s impactful career in cardiology reflect their shared commitment to improving lives and supporting educational excellence. Their dedication extends to Franklin students through the Crossley MIBO Grad Student Travel Grant, which fuels research, discovery, and academic growth.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Jeff Arnold (AB Communication Studies, ‘18), a visionary entrepreneur whose transformative work in digital health demonstrates the innovative and forward-thinking nature of the Franklin Spark. As the founder of  WebMD and Sharecare, Arnold has reshaped access to health information worldwide. His career is a powerful example of how creativity and science-driven innovation can work together to make a global impact.

The Lifetime Award celebrates Dr. Charles Dasher (BSPY Physics, ‘68), whose five decades of contributions to medicine and education reflect the sustained excellence, curiosity, and leadership central to the Franklin Spark. From his residency and fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to his continued work as a professor and his legacy funding the Susan Dasher and Charles Dasher, MD Professor of Physics at UGA, Dr. Dasher’s career embodies the enduring influence of a Franklin education.

The Alumni Awards and Donor Celebration provides the Franklin community an opportunity to honor these remarkable individuals and express gratitude to the donors whose generosity fuels the College’s mission. The achievements of the winners reflect the lifelong strength of a Franklin College education and the transformative impact that occurs when the arts and sciences come together for the public good. As Franklin College moves confidently into its next century of discovery, creativity, and leadership, it celebrates the alumni, donors, and friends who continue to carry its mission into communities around the world.