Alumni Awards & Gala
2027 Award Recipients
Gina Drosos
Distinguished Alumni Award
After earning a BBA in finance from the University of Georgia in 1985, Virginia “Gina” Drosos achieved her MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1987 and joined Procter & Gamble the same year. She spent 25 years at P&G, culminating in serving as group president of global beauty, a $12 billion revenue business.
In 2013, she became president and CEO of Assurex Health, delivering a multifold revenue increase and leading the company through a strategic sale, which was named VentureOhio’s Exit of the Year. In 2017, she became CEO of Signet Jewelers, the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry. After overseeing the company through a period of significant transformation, growth and increased shareholder value, she retired in 2024.
An active civic leader, Gina serves on multiple boards, including International Flavors and Fragrances, the United States Golf Association and the P&G Alumni Foundation. A dedicated philanthropist, she has long supported purpose-driven organizations, including the Akron Children’s Hospital and Back2Back Ministries, among others.
An emeritus member of the Terry Dean’s Advisory Council, she remains highly engaged with UGA and Terry, frequently returning to campus as a speaker and mentor.
David Rosenthal
Distinguished Alumni Award
David Rosenthal graduated from the University of Georgia with an undergraduate degree in finance in 1978 and earned his MBA from the Terry College of Business the following year. He began his career as a financial analyst with Exxon Chemical Americas in Houston, Texas.
Over several decades with Exxon, he advanced through financial and management roles across multiple divisions before being named vice president of investor relations and corporate secretary for ExxonMobil in 2008. He served in that role until 2014, when he was promoted to VP and controller.
As the company’s principal accounting officer, he oversaw global financial reporting and accounting operations for one of the world’s largest and most complex public organizations. He retired from ExxonMobil in 2021.
A dedicated supporter of UGA and a champion of student veterans, David and his wife, Debbie, established several scholarships and funds supporting UGA and Terry students. In addition, he is known for mentoring and advising students and recent graduates as they embark on their career journeys.
Colin Rocker
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
The founder of CareerColin, a career and personal finance media platform, Colin Rocker oversaw its growth to more than 450,000 followers and reaches millions of people each month through practical advice on career development, personal branding and financial literacy.
After earning a degree in management information systems from UGA in 2018, he began his career in management consulting at Deloitte and worked in startups and executive coaching. He then turned an unexpected career transition into an entrepreneurial opportunity, building a thriving business that has partnered with major brands and earned recognition from leading national media outlets, including Forbes, where he was named to its 30 Under 30.
Beyond content creation, he founded For the Firsts, a professional community designed to support individuals who are the first in their families to attend college, enter corporate America or break generational barriers. Through mentorship and career resources, he helps expand access to opportunities for students and young professionals nationwide.
A 2026 UGA 40 Under 40 honoree, Colin remains actively engaged with the university through philanthropy, mentorship and support for future Bulldogs pursuing their own ambitious goals.