February 2011

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!
Keep up-to-date on all of our events and find out about special benefits by "liking" the Alumni Association on facebook!

The University of Memphis Alumni Association will be hosting the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards on Friday, February 25 at 6:30 pm 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; Owner, Talbot Heirs Guesthouse

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.

Click here for ticket information and to see pictures and award recipients from previous years.

Tickets are still available, but the last day to RSVP is Friday, February 18. Contact the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 901/678-2586 to purchase your ticket.

All alumni, fans and friends are invited to join the Alumni Association, Atlanta Alumni Club and other Conference USA schools to talk about academics, athletics and other Conference USA topics. The meeting will be held Thursday, February 24 at 6 pm at Fado Irish Pub located at 273 Buckhead Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA. Be sure to wear Tiger Blue and bring business cards for the business card exchange and to be entered in a drawing for a Tiger Door Prize! The admission price is $10 for Association members and $15 for not-yet members and includes two drink tickets and hors d'oeuvres.

Please RSVP and pay over the phone to the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 800/678-TRAX by February 17.

Jim (MA '70) and Joanne Lippy have been involved for many years with the University and continue to do so after their retirement. Jim started working at Memphis State as a student employee in the bookstore in April 1967. In 1968, he joined the bookstore staff and was made manager in 1970. Jim managed the bookstore for over 20 years. Jim later developed a program called "Focus for Excellence" in the Division of Business and Finance and became its director until he retired in 1997. He also was adjunct faculty and taught English for 20 years.

Joanne joined the University family as a Secretary in the Office of Development in 1990. When Joanne retired in 2004, she was Administrative Secretary in the Advancement Division.

Jim and Joanne have been married 44 years and have three married daughters – Beth Glosson, Tricia Spain and Susan Graziosi. Their daughters, along with one of their sons-in-law, all received their degrees from the University of Memphis. Since retirement they both spend many hours at a variety of sporting venues cheering on their seven grandchildren.

Both the Lippys are very involved in their parish and spend a good deal of time in various ministries in their church.

Jim and Joanne are very active in UMAR (the University of Memphis Association of Retirees) and recently completed a number of years on the Executive Committee as Treasurer and Secretary.

Read more about Tigers Around Town in the media! Below is an excerpt from the Memphis Flyer:

"University of Memphis mascot TOM II will soon be showing up all over town in celebration of the university's centennial.

But fortunately for the live tiger mascot, TOM II won't have to adhere to an exhaustive appearance schedule. Instead, 100 life-size tiger statues will be installed in locations around Memphis in 2012.

University supporters are already purchasing the statues through the U of M Alumni Association. Tammy Hedges, the association's executive director, said buyers get the opportunity to work with an artist to design their tiger as well as choose the year it will represent.

"If you graduated in 1982, you can purchase that one," Hedges said. "It will also have a plaque on it that will provide something important about that year at the university, as well as the buyer's name, the artist who created it, and what they named their tiger."

The university's centennial public art campaign is similar to that of the 60th anniversary of the Germantown Charity Horse Show, for which 21 painted horses were commissioned and placed around Germantown in 2008."

Click here to read the whole story!


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 Tiger statues are on sale now and going quickly! Contact the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 901/678-2568 to purchase yours today!

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.

Engineering Alumni Chapter Mixer
The Herff College of Engineering Chapter will host a student/faculty/alumni mixer on Tuesday, February 15 at 5:30 pm in the Alumni Center. All current and former Engineering students are welcome to attend. For more information contact Alumni Coordinator Connie Thiemonge at cthmonge@memphis.edu or call 901/678-1333.

Atlanta Alumni Club Basketball Watch Party
The Atlanta Alumni Club invites all alumni, fans and friends in the Atlanta area to its upcoming Basketball Watch Parties this season. The next watch party is Wednesday, February 16 at 6 pm EST at Varner's Restaurant & Tavern, and the Tigers tipoff at 7 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 the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 800/678-TRAX.

Houston Alumni Club Basketball Pre-Game Event
The Houston Alumni Club invites all alumni, fans and friends in the Houston area to the Pre-Game Event at Fuddruckers on Saturday, February 19 at 5 pm before we head over to Tudor Field House to watch the Tigers take on the Rice Owls. For more information on this event or to get involved with the Houston Alumni Club, please contact Robert Stephens (BSEE ’90) at robertstephens@boaweb.com or  the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 800/678-TRAX.

Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Alumni Chapter Reception
The AuSP Alumni Chapter will host a reception on Thursday, February 24 at 5:30 pm at the 41st Annual Mid-South Conference on Communicative Disorders. The reception will take place in Director's Row 6 at the East Memphis Hilton. For more information contact Chapter President Melissa Meeks at 901/373-7561.

Conference USA Networking Event
The Atlanta Alumni Club invites all alumni, fans and friends in the Atlanta Area to its upcoming C-USA Networking Event, Thursday, February 24 at 6 pm EST at Fado Irish Pub.  The cost is $10 for members and $15 for not-yet members and includes hors d'oeuvres and two drink tickets.  For more information on this event or to RSVP and pay over the phone, please contact  the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 800/678-TRAX.

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 at 6:30 pm. For more information contact the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 901/678-2586.

Denver Alumni Club Basketball Watch Party
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 Saturday, February 26 at 1 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  the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 800/678-TRAX.

New York Alumni Club Basketball Watch Party
The New York Club invites all alumni, fans and friends in the New York area to its upcoming Basketball Watch Parties this season. The next watch party is Saturday, February 26 at 3 pm EST at Rogue. View the entire schedule here. For more information on these events or to get involved with the New York Alumni Club, please contact Club President Janet Griffin (BS ’95) at jgriffin1002@yahoo.com or  the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 800/678-TRAX.

Washington, D.C. Alumni Club Networking Lunch
The Washington, D.C. Club invites all alumni, fans and friends in the Washington, D.C. area to the Alumni Networking Lunch at Capital Q on Saturday, February 26 at Noon EST. Join us as we continue to search for the best BBQ in The District and catch up with Tiger alums in the area. Lunch is on your own. For more information on this event or to get involved with the Washington D.C. Club, please contact Club President Michelle Whyte (BA '01) at info@experienceambiance.com or  the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 800/678-TRAX.

Luther C. McClellan Alumni Chapter
The Luther C. McClellan Black Alumni Chapter will attend the U of M Black History Month Closing Ceremony on Monday, February 28 at 1 pm to support speaker Edward L. Stanton III (B.A. ’94, J.D. ’97) U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. During this event, LCM will also present their annual scholarships to two deserving minority students who have shown outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities and community involvement. This year’s recipients are Joya Smith (Senior) and Rachel Anderson (Junior).  The event will take place in University Center River Room.

That evening at 6 pm the LCM Chapter will host a mixer at Mix & Mingle Jazz Lounge located at 1322 Madison Ave. This is an opportunity to network and socialize with other alums. For more information, contact Alumni Coordinator Shawn Carter at smcarter@memphis.edu or 901/678-5016.

Engineering Alumni Chapter Awards Dinner
The Herff College of Engineering Alumni Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, March 1 at 6 pm at the Holiday Inn on the University of Memphis campus. The chapter will present its Outstanding Alumni Award and host a silent auction to benefit its book scholarship fund. For more information contact Alumni Coordinator Connie Thiemonge at cthmonge@memphis.edu or call 901/678-1333, or to purchase a table, contact Director of Development Susan Armacost at susan.armacost@memphis.edu or 901/678-1537.

Boston/New England Alumni Club Basketball Watch Party
The Boston/New England Alumni Club invites all alumni, fans and friends in the New England area to its Basketball Watch Party on Saturday, March 5 at 3:30 pm EST at the home of Club President Bob Canfield (BBA '59). For directions and to RSVP, contact Bob Canfield at 978/443-4596 or  the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 901/678-TRAX.

Young Alumni Committee Basketball Post-Game Party
The Young Alumni Committee invites you to a post-game party celebrating another great year of Tiger Basketball on Saturday, March 5. Join the Young Alumni Committee at Silky O’Sullivan’s after the Memphis v. Tulane game at 5 pm. For more information on this event or the Young Alumni Committee, contact Alumni Coordinator Wendy Sumner-Winter at wsumner1@memphis.edu or 901/678-1562.

Music Society Jazz Week Reception
Join Tommie Pardue, President of The University of Memphis Music Society, and the University of Memphis Alumni Association to celebrate Jazz Week at The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music with a performance by the Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra with guest artists Rashaan Barber and El Movimiento Jazz Septet. The performance is Saturday, March 5 at 6 pm. For more information or to RSVP, contact Alumni Coordinator Wendy Sumner-Winter at wsumner1@memphis.edu or 901/678-1562 by Monday, March 1 to reserve priority seating at the performance.

2011 U of M Basketball Banquet
Join the Rebounders, Tiger Basketball team, coaches and Tiger fans for the 2011 U of M Basketball Banquet on Sunday, March 6 at 5 pm at The Peabody Grand Ballroom. Players sit with guests and fans get to meet and greet their favorite players, take pictures, and get autographs. Choice of tables is a first come, first serve basis. Proceeds help fund championship rings and other Tiger Basketball needs. For more information or to RSVP, contact Ellen Hudgens at 901/382.6658.

UMAR Visit to Caritas Village
On Tuesday, March 8, UMAR will enjoy an 11 am tour of Caritas Village to learn more about its mission to promote cultural harmony in the Memphis community.   Enjoy lunch at their café then hear from Urban Farms’ manager, Mary Phillips, about their efforts to improve access to healthy food, create market and employment opportunities and serve as a resource for neighborhood gardeners. Farm tour optional. For more information contact Alumni Coordinator Connie Thiemonge at cthmonge@memphis.edu or 901/678-1333.

Alumni Night at "Young Frankenstein"
Join the Alumni Association at the Orpheum to see "Young Frankenstein" on Wednesday, March 9 at 7:30 pm.

UMAR Book Club
The UMAR Book Club is reading The Politics of the Veil by Joan Wallach Scott. They will meet to discuss the book on Tuesday, March 22 at 11 am at Brother Juniper’s. In conjunction with reading this book, all UMAR members are invited to attend The Marcus W. Orr Faculty Senate Lecture featuring the book’s author, Professor Scott, on March 17. A reception will be held at 6:30 pm followed by the lecture at 7 pm in the University Center Theatre. This event is free and open to the public. Parking available in the Zach Curlin Parking Garage.

Save the Date: FAM's Blue & Gray Ball
Stay tuned for more information about the Second Annual Blue & Gray Ball to be held on Thursday, March 24!

Save the Date: FCBE Alumni Chapter Golf Tournament
The Fogelman College of Business and Economics Alumni Chapter will host a golf tournament the afternoon of Monday, April 25 at Mirimichi Golf and Country Club. For details on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Alumni Coordinator Connie Thiemonge at cthmonge@memphis.edu or 901/678-1333.

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.

Need an internship?
Contact Kathy Tuberville in the Office of Academic Internships at k.tuberville@memphis.edu or 901/678-3105.

Keep up-to-date on all of our events by "liking" the Alumni Association on facebook! Plus, see pictures and get connected with friends from your days at the University! Facebook is also the best way to find out about any new benefits or special offers for Association members. Not a member? JOIN TODAY! View the complete list of membership benefits here. Click here to join and start saving!