On June 13, 2008, the University of Georgia held a luncheon to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the College of Education. It was a gala affair at the Classic Center in downtown Athens, attended by over 600 people. Joann, Doug and I were invited to attend this luncheon, as one of the presenters was an old friend of Doug's, Jermaine Phillips (BSEd 2001). (Click here to see the press release issued by the University in advance of the luncheon.)
Jermaine was Doug's exercise buddy at UGA in 2001 and they have remained good friends since. After leaving UGA, Jermaine was drafted by the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has been their starting strong safety all these years. 

"Jermaine Phillips, a native of Roswell Georgia, was drafted in 2002 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was the only rookie on the roster to see action in every game of the Sugar Bowl XXXVII championship season. A former Bulldog football player, Phillips earned his BSEd in Sports Studies in 2001 and now plays strong safety for the Bucs.
Phillips actively participates in events for dozens of youth organizations and special initiatives aimed at helping at-risk youth and raising awareness of the value of education.
While at UGA, Phillips was an All-SEC first-team selection and a recipient of the Coaches Leadership Award and the Vince Dooley Most Valuable Player of the Year Award.
Phillips is joined today by Douglas Penning, his mentee during his coursework in UGA's Pediatric Exercise and Motor Development Clinic. The clinic is the teaching practicum of a course entitled Adapted Physical Education, which has been directed for the past 25 years by Michael Horvat, a professor of physical education. The course provides an understanding of the behavioral characteristics and motor limitations of various disabilities and basic skills necessary to prepare meaningful, individualized physical activity programs for individuals with special needs."
During the scholarship presentations, Jermaine took a moment to speak about his relationship with Doug and to have him recognized by the crowd. Doug soaked up a great round of applause from the attendees. It was a very special moment.