Although the University of Georgia Alumni Association welcomes a new president today, Gainesville native Trey Paris isn’t going to step back just yet.

"I’m helping to initiate a program for January of next year called 100 Best Bulldogs, which will recognize businesses owned or operated by UGA grads," Paris told the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville in his last act as president on Tuesday. "This includes the Aflacs to local CPAs, just as long as there is the UGA connection."

The association will take nominations from now until September, and the top 10 businesses will be featured at a gala in January in Atlanta.

Paris, who served two years as president, told the group about the association’s accomplishments during his term, such as establishing an alumni chapter in Hall County, reaching a 30,000-member milestone and opening an alumni center in Atlanta.

"Leaving is bittersweet, but it’s been a great ride and a labor of love," he said. Paris and Deborah Dietzler, executive director, mentioned the association’s main programs each year, construction and academic progress on campus this year and what some alumni are doing now.

"I say I have the best job because I get to talk to great alumni all day," Dietzler said. "And it’s hard to say goodbye when a great president leaves us, even if they aren’t going anywhere."

Paris maintains that he’s not.

"We initiated the 100 Bulldogs program on my watch, and I committed to it," he said. "As president, you are an ex-officio of the UGA and Arch Foundations, so now I’m going to be a full-time member of the UGA Foundation to stay plugged in."

Paris and Dietzler presented a Top Dawg award to Mayor Myrtle Figueras on Tuesday morning in appreciation for her service and leadership in Gainesville.

Paris graduated from Lakeview Academy in 1979, obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UGA and worked in state and government relations for Coca-Cola and General Electric before joining the Alumni Association team. Vice President Vic Sullivan moves to the top position today.