For more information on any Alumni Association clubs, chapters or events, contact the Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 901/678-2586.

Band
The chapter hosted its annual Bandmasters Championship on Halloween. Nearly 30 regional bands from across the Mid-South came out to compete in this prestigious competition. The contest was bigger and better this year, as the Liberty Bowl was packed with U of M alumni and future alumni. The chapter also awarded its new scholarship in honor of CCFA Dean Richard Ranta at this event.

Business & Economics
The 17th annual Alumni Day luncheon was held at the U of M Holiday Inn in October, celebrating accomplished alumni and friends of the Fogelman College. Lane Carrick (BPS ’03), chair and CEO of Sovereign Wealth Management and chair of Triumph Bank, was the keynote speaker. The chapter recognized Ben Watkins (BBA ’78), member of Watkins Uiberall CPAs, as Outstanding Alumnus; Chris Chu (BBA ’00), co-founder/strategic sales for Electronic Vaulting Services (EVS) Corp., as Outstanding Young Alumna; Gary Wunderlich (MBA ’95), CEO of Wunderlich Securities, as Entrepreneur of the Year; and Joseph DeVivo, president of orthopaedics for Smith & Nephew Inc., as Distinguished Friend of the College.

Education
The chapter hosted Educator’s Day at an October football game. Gail Smithers (BSEd ’70) was honored as 2009 Educator of the Year during an on-field presentation, and many area educators were in attendance.

Engineering
The chapter took part in the Herff College of Engineering’s fall cookout. Engineering students got a chance to eat and take a break from classes while several engineering board members recognized their 2009 book scholarship winner, Sergio Mendoza.

Journalism
The club hosted its Outstanding Journalism Alumni Awards Dinner in November. The club recognized Jerry Klein (BA ’94), owner/principal of Kossman/Klein & Company, David Waters (BA ’81), editor and producer of “On Faith” for The Washington Post, and Kini Kedigh Plumlee (BA ’76), communications specialist for the Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center Foundation and editor of Le Bonheur magazine.

Law
The chapter, in collaboration with the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, will host the Grand Opening Celebration of the new home of the Law School on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010. The event will take place throughout the entire building and will feature entertainment from the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and other regional favorites. Gourmet food stations will offer “Best of Memphis” cuisine from local restaurants and caterers. Law students will conduct building tours and will be honored with a late night gathering after the event. For additional information and ticket prices, visit www.memphis.edu/alumni/lawgala or contact Chelsea Dubey at ctdubey@memphis.edu or 901/678-1562. Classes ending in 4, 9, 5 and 0 are scheduled to have reunions in 2009 and 2010 and are encouraged to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime event and attend the Grand Opening.

Music
Music alumni and friends gathered for an improvised concert at the Memphis Drum Shop in September that included Joyce Cobb, Jim Pettit, Gene Rush, David Pool (BM ’91, MA ’94, JD ’08), Sam Shoup (BM ’79), Rene Koopman, Brian “Breeze” Cayolle, Jeremy Shrader (BM ’01), Gerald Stephens, Richard Cesani (BM ’84, MM ’86) and Howard Lamb. Also in September, the Music Society served as guest hosts at the Memphis Music Foundation during the Trolley Tour in downtown Memphis.

Nursing
The chapter hosted its bi-annual Career Fair in early December. Health-care industry providers and recruiters attended to meet and greet current students and graduating seniors.

Theatre & Dance
The club hosted an Alumni Night during a performance of Blood Brothers in mid-November on the main stage at the Theatre and Communication Building. Alumni Association members enjoyed discounted tickets to the show.

UMAR
The University of Memphis Association of Retirees held many events this fall, including two book club meetings, a Coffee and Conversation program and the annual holiday luncheon at the home of University President Shirley Raines.

University College
The chapter hosted a holiday reception in early December where members enjoyed the company of graduating seniors, recent graduates, several faculty and staff, and many alumni. The chapter raised money for its book scholarship with the help of a silent auction, featuring items donated by board members and local businesses.

Young Alumni Committee
The Young Alumni Committee hosted many local young alumni, fans and friends at a watch party for the Memphis-UT football game in November. Alumni Association members received some special deals and the crowd participated in giveaways.

Atlanta
Atlanta alumni hosted University President Shirley Raines as a special guest at a football watch party this fall.

Boston
The Boston Alumni Club hosted a pre-game event with the True Blue Bus before the Tigers took on UMass in December.

Houston
The Houston Alumni Club hosted a tailgate prior to the Tigers battling it out with the Cougars in November.

Little Rock
Little Rock alumni and friends enjoyed a pre-game event in December before the Tigers took on the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Lower Alabama
The Lower Alabama Alumni Club joined with the New Orleans/Baton Rouge Alumni Club to host Memphis alumni, fans and friends from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida in October before the Tigers took on Southern Miss.

New Orleans/Baton Rouge
The New Orleans/Baton Rouge Alumni Club made the trek to Hattiesburg to tailgate with the Lower Alabama Club prior to the Tigers taking on Southern Miss. The club also hosted a watch party for the nationally televised game against East Carolina in late October.

New York
Prior to the football season, the New York Alumni Club gathered with fellow C-USA alumni clubs for pre-season fellowship. The club hosted a joint watch party with the East Carolina NYC alumni group as the Tigers took on the Pirates.

St. Louis
The St. Louis Alumni Club hosted a pre-game gathering before the Tigers took on Kansas in November.

Expansion
The Alumni Association is looking to expand and form more TRUE BLUE Clubs across the country. If you live in Jackson, Miss., or Jackson, Tenn., contact the Alumni Association at alumniassociation@memphis.edu or 800/678-8729 for more information on how you can get involved.