The Princeton Review recently tagged UGA as the nation’s No. 1 party school. We asked a few graduates and current students for their views. (The university’s administration and alumni association has respectfully declined to comment any further.)
Yes
Mimi Ensley, rising senior, majoring in English and Journalism
My high school friends could never understand why I — the straight-A bookworm — wanted to attend UGA. I threw facts in their faces, boasting a nationally recognized honors college and high SAT scores for the entering class, but I was still embarrassed to enroll in what people perceived as a party school.
When I got to Athens, however, the fun-loving spirit of the Classic City surrounded me. I let loose, explored downtown and went to parties and football games. Though I study every day, meet with professors outside of class and spend time writing and researching topics that spark my interest, I also make time for friends and fun.
That’s why I’m proud of UGA’s No. 1 party-school title. It shows one facet of our well-rounded students. We’re Rhodes Scholars and beer pong players, dean’s listers and toga wearers. And we graduate with both a valuable degree and valuable memories of fun times with friends and fellow bulldogs.
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Yes
Daniel Burnett, rising senior, editor of the Red and Black student newspaper
Cheers, Bulldogs!
Being named the No. 1 party school in the country is an accomplishment I know many of my fellow UGA students and I are proud of. After all, we made personal sacrifices — to the porcelain god — that made this title possible. But to parents of incoming Bulldogs, and parents who see college applications to UGA in their children’s futures: Fear not.
Just because students’ blood-alcohol content levels may be increasing, it doesn’t mean the high educational standards in Athens are decreasing. Interest in attending UGA continues to rise, and admission is becoming more competitive than ever. As UGA students, we know that attending this university comes with responsibility and a commitment to the education offered here. We know it’s more than just intensely competitive games of beer pong and nights bar hopping on Broad Street.
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No
Doc Eldridge, former mayor of Athens and president of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
An awful lot of attention has been focused on the University of Georgia’s recent “ascension” to the top of the party school rankings as judged by the Princeton Review, which we all know has absolutely nothing to do with Princeton University. UGA faculty and officials understandably grind their teeth and bite their tongues when asked about this “achievement.” But they and others need to see it for what it is — a completely unscientific poll of undergraduate students.
Having lived in Athens my entire life, having graduated from UGA in 1976, and having been involved in our community for decades, I express four things without any doubt: 1) complete gratitude for all the University does in Athens and beyond; 2) pride in living in a town that Georgia’s future leaders will recall fondly and return to often; 3) absolute faith and certainty that the leadership of UGA takes alcohol consumption seriously and works diligently addressing the issue; 4) tremendous relief that I don’t have to try to get into UGA with today’s academic standards!
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No
Dink NeSmith, president, Community Newspapers Inc. and past president of the UGA Alumni Association
If the walls of Watkinsville’s historic Eagle Tavern could talk, they’d say, “UGA students were having a good time before 1802.”
Do students party in Athens? Absolutely.
Do UGA students party more than anywhere in America? Absolutely not.
Does UGA need to work on the issue and improving its party-school image? Absolutely.
Whether you are disgusted or delighted about this dubious title, more important distinctions deserve headlines. Georgia’s flagship is rated among the nation’s top public universities. Even The Princeton Review ranks UGA as one of the country’s best academic bargains. Unfortunately, Chug-A-Lug U creates the most chatter and fame, especially for the Review.
When our family gathers for a meal, all 16 feet under the table have stepped forward for UGA diplomas. And thanks to the hard work of administration, faculty and students, our 10 degrees rise in value every year.
Compiled and edited by Tom Sabulis, tsabulis@ajc.com
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