Donor recognition
Dorothy Sifford
Long-time donor and volunteer Dorothy Barfield Sifford (BSFCS ’94) now experiences her alma mater through her sons’ eyes
“Education is not only important, but it has the power to change a student’s life. I am extremely grateful that I have the ability to give back to UGA through the Georgia Commitment Scholarship program.” – Dorothy Sifford
Dorothy Sifford’s Bulldog journey reflects the myriad ways alumni can engage with their alma mater beyond their time on campus. From an out-of-state student to a UGA Foundation trustee, Sifford (BSFCS ’94) has been a consistent supporter of the University of Georgia for decades. As the years pass since graduation, her story of giving back evolves and deepens.
Sifford’s engagement with UGA began as a student. The Nashville, Tennessee, native was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, a sorority with a rich history of involvement on campus and in the Athens community. That exposure to the power of philanthropy showed her the impact she could have as a volunteer and donor throughout her life.
“I am fortunate to have grown up in a family that emphasizes giving backing to the community. That spirit of giving, combined with my experience in Theta, has encouraged me to continue to look for ways to support my community,” Sifford says. “My positive experience at UGA has compelled me to give back to the university I’ve loved for 30 years.”
Over the years, Sifford has supported many of UGA’s high-priority initiatives. For example, Dorothy and her husband, Clay, recently supported UGA’s newly announced and highly anticipated School of Medicine. Another such initiative is the Georgia Commitment Scholarship program, which offers need-based scholarships to undergraduates—many of whom are first-generation college students.
More recently, Sifford found another program that speaks to her experiences and values. Georgia Women Give is a women-led initiative to engage more women in philanthropy across campus. Sifford is one of the 152 founding donors of the pioneering philanthropic group.
As a member of the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees, Sifford joins 45 other committed Bulldogs who serve as advocates for UGA, stewards of donor funds, and advisers to leadership. She draws from her experiences as an alumna, donor, and parent in her role as chair of the Development Committee. In this position, Sifford is an integral leader in UGA’s overall fundraising success.
Perhaps her proudest achievement since graduating UGA is having her two sons, Claiborne and Alexander, join her as Bulldogs. Now, Sifford sees everything the university does through their eyes. In addition, she volunteers with the Parents Leadership Council, a group of like-minded UGA parents from around the country that makes a direct impact on undergraduate student life.
By maintaining strong ties to UGA through giving and volunteering for 30 years, Sifford has crafted a Bulldog story for not only herself but her family as well. And that is a story that is still being written.
