How do you explain it?
The University of Georgia spawned the corrupt Brian Kemp. But it also graduated the magnificent fighter, Marjorie Taylor Greene.
But seriously, any nostalgia I have for it is more for the Athens of the late 80's rather than the University itself. My degree means very little to me. I am more proud of my Associate's degree in Machining/CNC Tech.
Still, had alot of fun with alot of good friends, many of whom I still see on a regular basis.
The current version of Athens just reflects the big money that Big Education brings in; it totally lacks the college-town charm it used to have when tuition was $1500 a semester, you could rent a house with a couple dudes for $300/month, and the admissions application looked like a traffic ticket.