A Family That “Bleeds Red and Black”

In this seven-part series, we’re excited to highlight our 2025 Franklin alumni award winners—showcasing their accomplishments and providing some insights as we seek this year’s nominations. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Awards honor a group of outstanding alumni across various categories. These individuals exemplify the Franklin Spark, the characteristics that unite the arts and sciences: ambition, curiosity, creativity, innovation and leadership, throughout their industries and communities. 

Nominations can be made through September 30 across eight categories: College-Service Award, Distinguished Alumni Award, Family Award, Innovation Award, Lifetime Award, Mid-Career Award, Organization Award, and Young Alumni Award.  

Charlene Benn and the Fraser family have a deep love for UGA that runs across generations, or as Benn puts it, her family “bleeds red and black.” Benn’s journey with the University of Georgia began in 1985, when she graduated with a degree in computer science. Since then, she’s built an extraordinary career in the tech and finance industries. Today, she serves as Senior Director of Technology and Operations Strategy at Fiserv, where she leads one of the world’s top financial technology companies. 

Benn’s success in the corporate world is matched by her dedication to community leadership. She serves as Vice Chair of the Board for the Fortitude Foundation, an organization focused on empowering underserved communities through education and opportunity. Her commitment to service also extends to her alma mater— she is an active member of the UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors, helping shape alumni engagement on a national scale. 

For Benn, UGA isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a family tradition. Her siblings, children, and even her goddaughter have all become proud Bulldogs, continuing a legacy of loyalty and love for the university. Inspired by her family’s story and her own student experience, she established the Albert and Naomi Johnson Scholarship in 2020. Named in honor of her family, this need-based scholarship supports minority students at UGA, creating opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access to higher education. It’s a powerful legacy that’s already making a difference. 

Benn’s commitment to service also shines through her involvement with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. As a proud alumna, she exemplifies the sorority’s values of scholarship, service, and sisterhood. She’s helped fundraise and support scholarships in honor of Delta Sigma Theta, ensuring that more students have the resources they need to succeed. 

Through education, service, and a lasting commitment to access and opportunity, Charlene Benn and the Fraser family have brought pride and recognition to Franklin College and the UGA community. Their connection to UGA is more than tradition — it’s a legacy of leadership, generosity, and giving back. 

For more information on the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Awards and previous winners, click here. 

To submit a nomination, click here.