Jake's Golden Heart Award
Former Dean of Alumni Judson "Jake" Ward had a heart of gold.
Established in 2010, the Judson C. Ward Golden Heart Award goes to alumni who possess some of Ward's attributes:
- A generous spirit and willingness to serve others
- Unsurpassed loyalty to Emory
- Exceptional yet humble contributions of time and service to Emory and the community—either behind the scenes or front and center
Jake's Golden Heart 2026 Award Recipients
Award recipient Martha Judith (Judy) Greer
Beyond academia — holding degrees from LaGrange, Auburn, and a doctorate from the University of Georgia — Greer was a tireless civic champion.
Martha Judith (Judy) Greer is a pioneering educator, coach, and community leader whose lifetime of service left an indelible mark on Oxford College and Newton County. Joining the Oxford faculty in 1957, Greer spent 33 years shaping generations of students and breaking barriers as the college’s first full-tenured female professor. A recipient of the Oxford College Fleming Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2001 Honorary Alumna Award, she coached women’s tennis to three regional runner-up titles. She was also inducted into both the Emory and LaGrange College Sports Halls of Fame. Upon her retirement, the Class of 1959 established the Judy Greer Scholarship in her honor, where she continues to personally mentor each recipient.
Beyond academia — holding degrees from LaGrange, Auburn, and a doctorate from the University of Georgia — Greer was a tireless civic champion. She was instrumental in establishing the Covington Family YMCA, teaching senior exercise classes long into retirement, and serving Newton County Recreation, Allen Memorial UMC, and the American Cancer Society. Honored with the YMCA Volunteer of the Year Award, the Points of Light Award, the Wesley Woods Heroes, Saints & Legends Award, and Newton County's esteemed R.O. Arnold Award, Greer exemplified a lifelong standard of leadership, philanthropy, and heart.
Award recipient James (Jim) Bailey 67Ox 69C
James (Jim) Bailey 67Ox 69C is a dedicated champion of Emory University whose extraordinary record of service spans more than five decades.
James (Jim) Bailey 67Ox 69C is a dedicated champion of Emory University whose extraordinary record of service spans more than five decades. Demonstrating a commitment to the university community, Bailey has contributed 53 consecutive years of giving and participated in 237 volunteer initiatives. His exceptional leadership includes three terms as chair of the Office of Annual Giving Executive Committee, two years as president of the Oxford College Alumni Board, and dedicated service on his 50th Oxford reunion committee. In recognition of his lifetime of service, he received the Oxford College Alumni Board’s Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1999.
Beyond his executive leadership, Bailey remains a vital presence in campus life — mentoring students, serving as an Emory Day of Giving champion, spearheading fundraising for the Oxford Class of 1967 Scholarship, and cheering on Eagles basketball at both Oxford and Atlanta for decades. A retired insurance executive, avid outdoorsman, golfer, and traveler, Bailey resides in Atlanta with his wife, Mary Bailey 71C, where he continues to embody the true spirit of Emory traditions, community, and family.
Past Recipients
Nominate the next recipient
Nominees must be an inducted, living member of Corpus Cordis Aureum (graduated 50+ years ago from any of Emory's schools) or a non-inducted alumnus/a who is eligible to be inducted into Corpus Cordis Aureum and have the ability to attend or send a representative to attend the award ceremony.