Becky Tolbert, whose father was the Department Head of Agricultural Engineering, said that being an engineer just made sense for her. The scholarship she supports, the Robert H. Brown scholarship, honors her father, who dreamed that UGA would, one day, have a College of Engineering with multiple degree choices.
Why did you choose UGA?
Growing up near Athens, the University of Georgia was an awe-inspiring place. My father, Robert H Brown, was the Department Head of Agricultural Engineering at UGA when I was making a college choice. He advised me that a young woman with good math and science aptitude and grades should consider the challenges and advantages of an engineering career. (He said you would always be able to find a job.) In fact, he was the full-time engineering educator, so our dinner discussions were often engineering topics related to agriculture, electricity, food and water subjects. I was also his assistant for house and tractor repairs. Honestly, my 4-H projects were related to water and electricity, so it all made sense.
“It was a dream of my fathers to see UGA have a College of Engineering with multiple engineering degree choices.”
Your fondest memories of UGA?
My fondest memories are of my college season of life, and participating in the whole UGA experience. I remember the engineering break room where my classmates studied and completed projects together. My days were filled also filled with sorority, Mortar Board, clubs, church commitments, and sports. I met my husband, Fred, of 36 years at UGA. My senior year was 1980 when the Georgia Bulldogs won the National College Football Championship.
How was your time at UGA a life-changing experience for you?
College is not only one of the best seasons of my life, but set the course for a rewarding professional and personal life. The confidence and knowledge gained in my BSAE degree led to a great business career in sales and marketing at my BSAE degree led to a great business career in sales and marketing at Westinghouse Electric Corporation. The friendships and relationships developed at UGA are still strong today.
History and motivation for scholarship?
My father passed away unexpectantly at the age of 75. The natural response was for his colleagues, students, family, and friends to honor his legacy by starting a scholarship in his memory. His life was devoted to training and leading others to pursue engineering careers. He is honored by passing it forward to the next generations.
Why is giving important?
My family has many UGA alumni and engineering graduates. We can think of no better way to honor my father and his career service to UGA than by seeing that this scholarship continues. It was a dream of my fathers to see UGA have a College of Engineering with multiple engineering degree choices. My family appreciates the opportunity to support future engineers in gaining an engineering education at our outstanding university.
