Leaving a Dual Legacy
Eric and Melissa Adams are a proud Bulldog family. Eric (BSPH ’90) earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of Pharmacy, while Melissa (BBA ’89) earned her degree from the Terry College of Business. As a testament to their gratitude and commitment to giving back to their beloved alma mater, Eric and Melissa made a planned gift that will one day create a scholarship fund to support students participating in the Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration dual degree program. Their generosity ensures a lasting legacy at the University of Georgia.
“We are so thankful for everything that the University of Georgia has provided our family that we want to give back to this great institution that has given us so much,” Eric says.
Adams Family (Bulldog) Values
Eric has had a passion for pharmacy for as long as he can remember. As a child, he would spend his days visiting the local pharmacy for sundaes and Coca-Cola from the soda fountain. When envisioning his future, Eric wanted to prioritize his family and community while helping people, just as he had been helped. He saw no better way to do this than by becoming a pharmacist himself.
During his time in college, Eric fully embraced all that the University of Georgia and Athens had to offer. The music, sports and lively community of the Classic City provided the perfect backdrop for his transformative time at the university, where he continued his lifelong journey as a Bulldog and began his path toward pharmacy.
Donors Eric and Melissa Adams meet with PharmD/MBA students on campus to discuss the impact of their scholarship.
Tailor-Made Giving
Eric and Melissa first met while they were both students at the university. The couple fondly remembers their time at UGA and have passed on their love for the university to their three sons, Zac (BS ’19, MPH ’19), Kyle (BBA ’23), and Matt, who will begin his Bulldog journey this fall.
Today, Eric and Melissa continue their journey with UGA in a slightly different capacity: as parents, donors, and alumni. They have supported several funds across campus, from the COVID-19 Relief Fund to the Mental Health Support Fund and beyond. However, it is their planned giving that combines both Eric and Melissa’s passions and experiences to support future students.
Their planned gift will support students pursuing the PharmD/MBA dual degree, empowering future pharmacists and business owners to focus entirely on their academic and professional goals while better serving their communities. This support will also allow students to pursue extracurricular activities, such as interning at leading national pharmacies or participating in student-led groups like the Dean’s Student Advisory Council or the UGA Medical Reserve Corps.
The impact on students extends beyond financial support; funds like those from Eric and Melissa instill confidence in students, knowing that someone believes in their potential. This belief is especially powerful, as alumni like Eric and Melissa once stood where these students will stand: at the brink of a future dedicated to serving others.
