December 2010

Association Club and Chapter News and Events
Click here to view the upcoming activities and events with Association Clubs and Chapters.

Join the Alumni Association!
Searching for that perfect gift for a true Tiger fan? Use your Association member discount at the University Bookstore, Tiger Bookstore or Tiger Gift Shop! Not a member? Click here to join and start saving this holiday season!
Click here to view the entire list of Benefits!

On behalf of the Alumni Association and the entire University of Memphis family, best wishes for the holiday season and a very prosperous and joyous New Year! If you know someone who is not a member and you would like to give him or her something special this holiday season, consider giving the gift of membership. Membership benefits include invitations to events, special discounts at Memphis-area and national businesses and on campus, financial programs, career services, networking and more! Memberships begin at only $20, and dues go a long way, including sponsoring events such as the homecoming parade, class reunions, student mentoring, NCAA pep rallies and other Alumni activities. Dues are also used to fund as many as 38 student scholarships, as well as 11 awards to University faculty and staff. Purchase a membership TODAY by contacting the Alumni Association at 901/678-ALUM or clicking here.

The University of Memphis Alumni Association will be hosting the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards on Friday, February 25 at the Peabody Hotel Continental Ballroom. Our True Blue award recipients are:

Outstanding Young Alumna: Dana Gabrion (BA '98), Co-Executive Producer, America's Next Top Model

Distinguished Alumnus: Ken Bennett (BS '79, MS '85), Founder and Executive Director of Streets Ministries, Inc.

Distinguished Alumna: Carolyn Hardy (BBA '74, MBA '87), President and CEO, Hardy Bottling Company

Distinguished Alumnus: Jody Stephens (BBA '84), Drummer of the rock band Big Star; Studio Manager, Ardent Studio

Distinguished Alumna: Dr. Jan Young (BSN '83), Major General for the Air National Guard; Executive Director of The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc.

More information to follow!

Professor Emeritus Mike Hamrick (BS ’66, ME ’67) is a True Blue College of Education alumnus!  He began his career in 1967 as an instructor in health and physical education and retired in 2009 as interim dean of the College of Education. During his career he received numerous awards at UM and in his profession. He is enjoying retirement by traveling with his wife Dorothy, woodworking, landscaping, golfing, writing, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. 

"If given the chance to go back 43 years, I would not change a thing. UM was a great place to work and I will always cherish the friendships of former students, faculty and staff, especially those in the Department of Health and Sport Sciences and the College of Education."

When asked to identify what he is most proud of, he was hard-pressed to single out one thing. “Being asked by President Raines to give the commencement speech just before my retirement may have been my proudest moment. I am also proud to say that my children and their spouses are also UM graduates."

The year 2012 marks the centennial anniversary of the University of Memphis. The University is now engaged in strategic planning to commemorate this historical milestone. Celebrations and events will officially kick-off in the fall of 2011, with numerous other programs and initiatives occurring through the end of 2012.

The University of Memphis Alumni Association is bringing Tigers Around Town to the greater Memphis community. To celebrate the University's Centennial, the Alumni Association will place life-size Tiger statues all around town, with each statue being uniquely decorated with artwork by local artists, students and alumni. The goal of the campaign is to not only recognize the Centennial of the University of Memphis, but to impressively illustrate the city's rich history and relationship with the U of M. Tiger statues will be sponsored by local fans, alumni and businesses and will be on display at their chosen locations throughout the 2012 Centennial Year!

On September 10, 2011 (9-10-11 at 12 pm), the Tigers Around Town Grand Unveiling Gala will take place on the University of Memphis campus. At this event ALL of the Tiger statues will be gathered on campus for the community to see together in one place. Community members, local press, alumni, students and friends will all have the unique, one-time opportunity to view the Tigers in one location at this Gala. After remaining on campus through the holidays, the Tiger statues will make their way to their respective locations throughout the town and will remain there throughout 2012 to remind the city of the University of Memphis' 100 year anniversary. It is our hope that this campaign will not only bring many alumni back to campus but that it will also help build awareness of the integral relationship between the University and the city of Memphis.

Tigers Around Town Centennial Celebration Call to Artists
The University of Memphis Alumni Association is accepting artwork proposals for Tiger Statues that will be featured in the Tigers Around Town Centennial Celebration. If you are an interested artist, please click here for more information. Download an Artist information packet here.

For additional information, visit here or contact the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 901/678-2568.

Luther C. McClellan Alumni Chapter
On Thursday, December 16, the Luther C. McClellan Black Alumni Chapter will host a Holiday Mixer/Watch Party at the Bar-B-Q Shop Restaurant. The board  will be on hand to provide a quick recap of their Homecoming festivities and to discuss upcoming events. For more information on this event or to get connected with LCM, contact Alumni Coordinator Shawn Carter at smcarter@memphis.edu or 901/678-5016 for more information.

Atlanta Alumni Club
The Atlanta Alumni Club invites all alumni, fan, and friends in the Atlanta area to its upcoming Basketball Watch Parties this season. The next watch party is Thursday, December 16 at 7 pm EST at the home of Club Member David Kehr, and the Tigers tipoff at 8 pm ET.  View this season's watch party schedule here.  For more information on these events or to get involved with the Atlanta Alumni Club, please contact Club President Don Sparkman (BEE '87) at don.sparkman@gmail.com or Alumni Coordinator Bret Bilbrey at bjbilbry@memphis.edu or 800/678-TRAX.

College of Education
A reception honoring 2010 College of Education scholarship recipients will be held on Friday, December 17 in the Beale Room of the University Center at 4:30 pm. Contact Alumni Coordinator Wendy Sumner-Winter at wsumner1@memphis.edu or 901/678-1562.

St. Louis Alumni Club
The St. Louis Alumni Club invites all alumni, fans and friends in the Atlanta area to its upcoming Basketball Watch Party on Thursday, December 23 at 6:45 pm at the The Fox & Hound in Chesterfield.  For more information on these events or to get involved with the Atlanta Alumni Club, please contact Club President Dennis Breakstone (BBA ’92) at dbreakst@yahoo.com or Alumni Coordinator Bret Bilbrey at bjbilbry@memphis.edu or 800/678-TRAX.

Denver Alumni Club
The Denver Alumni Club invites all alumni, fans and friends in the Denver area to its upcoming Basketball Watch Parties this season. The next watch party is Wednesday, January 5 at 7 pm MT. View the entire schedule here.  All parties will be held at the official Watch Party Location, Blake Street Tavern.  For more information on these events or to get involved with the Denver Alumni Club, please contact Club President Jason Smiley (BS '98, MA '03) at jasmiley23@aol.com or Alumni Coordinator Bret Bilbrey at bjbilbry@memphis.edu or 800/678-TRAX.

Young Alumni Committee Watch Party
The Young Alumni Committee will host a Watch Party on January 5, at Fox & Hound on Sanderlin to cheer on Tigers who will take on the UT Vols.  Tipoff is at 8 pm, and we’ll have door prizes, food and drink specials, and lots of Tiger Pride!  For more information on this event or to get involved with the Young Alumni Committee contact Alumni Coordinator Wendy Sumner-Winter at wsumner1@memphis.edu   or call 901/678-1562.

Music Society
The U of M Music Society, and the U of M Alumni Association, will travel to New Orleans from January 5-7 to celebrate the work of our very own Dr. Jack Cooper and his Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra at the Second Annual Jazz Education Network Conference. Clickhere for more information or contact Alumni Coordinator Wendy Sumner-Winter at wsumner1@memphis.edu   or call 901/678-1562.

Dallas Alumni Club
The Dallas Alumni Club will be hosting a Pre-Game BBQ Lunch at Red, Hot, & Blue on Wednesday, January 12 at 5 pm.  All Tiger fans in the Dallas area are invited to come out and enjoy the Hungry Tiger Buffet ($10 - Members/$15 – Not Yet Member/$7.50 for children younger than 12) prior to heading over to the SMU campus for the 7 pm game at SMU. The Buffet price includes tax & tip and features pulled pork BBQ, roasted chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, bread, beans, salad & drink! Need tickets to the Memphis v. SMU game? To reserve your seats call Terry Hemme or Chris Hooshyar in the SMU ticket office at 214/768-4263.  Tickets must be purchased by Friday, January 7th in order for them to be mailed or Tuesday, January 11 in order for them to be picked up at Will Call, and they'll go fast, so order today!  For more information on this event, or to get involved with the Dallas Alumni Club, please contact Club President Gary Crooms at TexasTigers@gmail.com or Alumni Coordinator Bret Bilbrey at bjbilbry@memphis.edu or 800/678-TRAX.

Alumni Night at "Shrek: the Musical"
Join the Alumni Association at the Orpheum to see "Shrek: the Musical" on Friday, January 21 at 8 pm. Association members receive an exclusive discount on tickets! Click here to learn more.

UMAR
UMAR will host their “Soul-Full Day” mix n match event on Thursday, January 27.  UMAR members will take a tour of the STAX Museum, eat lunch at the Four Way, and then tour LeMoyne-Owen College.  For more information on this event contact Alumni Coordinator Connie Thiemonge at cthmonge@memphis.edu or call 901/678-1333.

The UMAA Distinguished Advising Award
The University of Memphis Alumni Association invites you to submit a nomination for the Distinguished Advising Award for 2011.  Faculty and professional staff members who advise undergraduate students may be nominated for the Distinguished Advising Award.  This award, sponsored by the University of Memphis Alumni Association, was established to recognize excellent advising on our campus and it has been a great benefit to our campus that, over the years, so many faculty and professional advisors have been recognized by students, alumni, peers, and supervisors for excellence in advising.  You may nominate an advisor by clicking here.  The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 28.

Save the Date: FAM's Second Annual Blue & Gray Ball
The FAM will host the second annual Blue & Gray Ball on Friday, February 11 at the Central Train Station in Downtown Memphis. More information to come!

Save the Date: Distinguished Alumni Awards
The U of M Alumni Association will be hosting the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards on Friday, February 25 at the Peabody Hotel.For more information contact the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 901/678-2586.

Herff College of Engineering Alumni Chapter
The Herff College of Engineering Alumni Chapter is accepting applications for this year’s Herff College of Engineering Outstanding Alumni Award. If you know of an Engineering Alumni that is deserving of this honor, please contact Alumni Coordinator Connie Thiemonge at cthmonge@memphis.edu or 901/678-1333 for a nomination form and follow the instructions for submission. The winner of this year’s Outstanding Alumni Award will be honored at the next Herff College of Engineering Awards dinner, to be held in early 2011. To RSVP, please contact Alumni Coordinator Connie Thiemonge at cthmonge@memphis.edu or 901/678-1333

FCBE Alumni Chapter Challenge Gift
The Alumni Board of the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis has issued a challenge to all alumni of the College:  For every dollar given to the Fogelman College between now and Dec. 31, 2010, by a person who did not donate to the College last year, the Alumni Board will match those donors’ gifts dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. To make arrangements for other methods of donation, or for more information about the Match Challenge, donors may call 901-678-3953.

Parents Club
Are you a parent of a current U of M student or incoming freshman? If so, join the ranks of the Alumni Association Parents Club. Membership in the Parents Club is included in Alumni Association regular membership. If you are not currently an Alumni Association member, you can join the Alumni Association and Parents Club for just $35. Join now by clicking here or contact Alumni Coordinator Shawn Carter at 901/678-5016 or smcarter@memphis.edu for details.

Tigers Around Town Centennial Celebration Call to Artists
The University of Memphis Alumni Association is accepting artwork proposals for Tiger Statues that will be featured in the Tigers Around Town Centennial Celebration. If you are an interested artist, please click here for more information. Download an artist information packet here.

Searching for that perfect gift for a true Tiger fan? Use your Association member discount at the University Bookstore, Tiger Bookstore or Tiger Gift Shop! View the complete list of benefits here.

Not a member? Click here to join and start saving this holiday season!