The Association is Growing The Alumni Association made great strides in strengthening membership over the last year. Membership increased from 18,500 members to 21,507. The Association is thrilled with this growth, but has room for so much more. Currently with less than 10% of UGA's 235,000 alumni as active members, the UGA Alumni Association lags other SEC Alumni Associations like Florida, South Carolina, and Auburn in membership by a significant margin. Do not let these schools beat us - show your Georgia pride and become a member today. Not a member yet, but want to be, then join today and find out why nearly 22,000 alumni and friends of UGA support the UGA Alumni Association. Membership Matters While financial support to other areas of the University is important and encouraged, purchasing season tickets or giving a gift to your college does not make you a member of the Alumni Association, which is self-supporting for operating costs and programming and relies on membership dues to continue strengthening and initiating many programs and opportunities, including: Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship In fall 2006, the UGA Alumni Association awarded its first Alumni Scholarship to Vihn Duong '11, valedictorian from Morrow High School in Morrow, Ga. Renewable for up to four years as long as the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA, the $5,000 academic year scholarship is awarded based on proven financial need, incentive and merit. Over the next four years, a new recipient will be added each year. In five years, the Alumni Association intends to add a Graduate Scholarship. CURO Summer Fellowship Open to students with at least a 3.4 GPA, The Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) awards Summer Research Fellowships to academically talented UGA undergraduates who participate in research during the summer term at the University of Georgia. The UGA Alumni Association sponsored its first CURO Summer Research Fellowship in 2006. The recipient of the $3,000 Fellowship, Adele D. Handy '07 from Peachtree City, Ga. is a biology and psychology major, an Honors Program Foundation Fellow and has maintained a 4.0 GPA, making her a Presidential Scholar for three semesters at UGA. Study Abroad Fellowship The UGA Alumni Association's first Study Abroad Fellowship was awarded to Shannon Banks '07. The $3,000 fellowship has allowed Banks, a Spanish major from Cartersville, Ga. the opportunity to study in Argentina during the 2006 fall term. While in Argentina, Banks chronicled his experience and sent the Association monthly updates. Membership Supports Membership has helped support the following campus activities, events and causes: UGA Relay for Life, Environmental Design Alumni Social, Freshman Dawg Camp, UGA NAACP Conference, Family and Consumer Sciences Professional ASSU Conference, UGA Habitat for Humanity Habifest, UGA Prevet Club 5k Race, Miss UGA Pageant, Redcoat Band Tour of China, School of Law Bar Exam, University Round Table Dinner, South Campus Tailgate, Gwinnett Center Graduation Ceremonies, and others. Membership Rewards It is no secret that UGA Alumni Association members greatly contribute to the accomplishments of the Association, but what many members or potential members may not be aware of is the many discounts and benefits available exclusively to UGA Alumni Association members. Members can save on vacation trips to Universal Studios, receive discounts on gift baskets from Harry and David and much more with member-only Dog Deals.

*Annual Founders' Day Lecture Join alumni, faculty, staff and students on Thursday, January 25, 2007 at the UGA Chapel at 3 p.m. to celebrate the 222nd anniversary of the nation's first state-chartered University. In its sixth year, the lecture, "The China Challenge: Outlook for the 21st Century," will be given by Emeritus Professor Clifton W. Pannell.     Be a Part. Be a Sponsor Over 6,000 UGA alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends attended UGA Night at Six Flags, more than 5,000 fans fired up the Dawgs at First Friday, and hundreds more were hosted at other UGA Alumni Association special events including: Homecoming BBQ and Bulldog Breakfast Clubs. To be a part of these highly popular Association events and get your company in front of thousands of UGA affiliates, contact Wanda Darden for sponsorship information or call 1-800-606-8786. Alumni Staff Addition In April 2006, the UGA Alumni Association gained a bright and social worker, 22-year-old Mia Nobbie. Mia has Down Syndrome, but that doesn't stop her from helping the Association with its massive amount of mailings and many other tasks. Mia's mom Patricia Nobbie, DPA recently wrote an article about Mia and her work experience for Making a Difference magazine, "Mia Adjusts Well to Work Life." Click here to read the article. UGA Alumni Personal Vacation Club As an alum of the University of Georgia, you now have exclusive access to the Personal Vacation Club (PVC) powered by VirtuoCard®. PVC offers everything from luxury to budget travel packages to the world's top destinations. Be sure to check out the Hot Deals and Free Trip contest!       Damn Good Dawgs UGA Alumni Association members can receive the newly released, re-edited, "Damn Good Dawgs" book for only $15 until December 31. Savor South Carolina Join the many UGA alumni and friends involved with Southern Living, Cottage Living, Coastal Living, GOLF MAGAZINE, and Cooking Light as the contributing editors of these magazines team up January 11-14, 2007 for a weekend filled with good eats, fantastic shopping and golf in beautiful Charleston, SC. UGA Capital Campaign Funds collected from the Archway to Excellence Campaign allow the University of Georgia the means to reach its goals of building the new learning environment, maximizing research opportunities, and competing in a global economy. To find out how you can contribute to these goals click here.

The UGA Alumni Association invites you to start your day with fellow Alumni Association members at two upcoming Bulldog Breakfast Clubs.   Wednesday, January 17, 2007, from 7:45 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Guest Host: Myra Blackmon '72, owner of Holland Blackmon and Associates and UGA Alumni Association member. RSVP online. Thursday, February 8, 2007, from 7:45 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Guest Host: Andree Terry, '73, '75, Owner of Andree's Essential Soaps, natural soap moisturizers and spa products. RSVP online. Cost is $10.00 for Alumni Association members, and $5.00 for Student members. Seating will be limited to 10 alumni per session and guests are encouraged to bring business cards. For more information please contact Wanda Darden or 706-542-8199. Experience UGA Women's Athletics Join fellow UGA alumni and friends during the month of January and cheer on the Lady Bulldogs and the Gym Dogs.     *UGA Alumni Day with Women's Basketball Sunday, January 14, 2007, 1 p.m., Stegeman Coliseum. Georgia vs. Tennessee. Cost $10, includes hot dog, popcorn and a bottled soda. RSVP online.     *UGA Alumni Day with Women's Gymnastics Saturday, January 27, 2007, 4:00 p.m., Stegeman Coliseum. Georgia vs. Florida. Cost $6. RSVP online. Other Upcoming Events February 17 - UGA Alumni Night with Men's Basketball, Georgia vs. Auburn, 4 p.m., Stegeman Coliseum, $10. March - Home Buyer's Seminar April - Bulldog Breakfast Club Reunion April 4 - Workin' Like a Dawg UGA Employee Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Georgia Center for Continuing Education April 13 - Annual Alumni Awards Luncheon, 12 p.m., Georgia Center for Continuing Education April 20 - UGA Night at Six Flags

For events held at the UGA Alumni Association Atlanta Alumni Center, the address is Atlanta Financial Center, 3333 Peachtree Road, N.E., South Tower, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA. To RSVP to any of the events below or for more information, please call 404-495-1977 or e-mail Atlanta Programs Coordinator Chardina Choate '05. Atlanta Programs Highlights for 2006 UGA Alumni Association Programs has sponsored more events and received higher participation this past year than any other time. Some of the events included, EXPLORE: Interior Design with Patricia McLean with nearly 100 women in attendance, four different UGA Read Aloud at Drew Charter School and numerous Alumni Gatherings at Atlanta hot spots such as East Andrews Café and Bar, Ecco and Sabrosa Tapas Lounge. Atlanta Programs continued to host its signature Bulldog Breakfast Clubs and ended 2006 with UGA Night at the Louvre Atlanta at the High Museum of Art that had nearly 125 attendees.     UGA Night at the High Museum Attendees at the UGA Night at the Louvre Atlanta at the High Museum of Art.   Read Aloud with Eastlake Community Deborah Dietzler, UGA Alumni Association Executive Director reading to children at the Drew Charter School.       EXPLORE Interior Design with Patricia McLean '83     Upcoming Events January 17 - UGA Alumni Gathering at Saga, a new Midtown area restaurant, serves South African specialties with a southern twist in a high energy, stylish setting. January 23 - Get Financially Fit in 2007 Seminar February 1 - Chocolate Tasting February 7 - Bulldog Breakfast Club at Cabell's Pottery February 21 - Alumni Gathering at Jöel Restaurant March - EXPLORE: Enrichment Programs for Women presents, EXPLORE: Landscape Design   Atlanta Alumni Center - the Place to Be The UGA Alumni Association Atlanta Alumni Center has developed a unique working relationship with area hotels that allows each group positive exposure. In an effort to attract UGA alumni to their facilities, area hotels offer the Atlanta Center a lower group rate and in some cases a discounted rate for UGA alumni. In addition, hotels are utilizing the Center's Conference and reception areas to house overflow meetings. As a result of this strategic relationship, revenue is 35% ahead from last year. For information on booking room at the Atlanta Alumni Center, please contact Beth Crovatt '02 at bcro@uga.edu or call 404-495-1977.

For information on Multicultural events please contact UGA Alumni Association Director of Multicultural Programs Randy Groomes ’92 at rgroomes@uga.edu or at 706-542-5158. Visit the Association's Multicultural Programs Website. Download the latest diversity newsletter. Multicultural Programs Year in Review Multicultural Programs experienced 65% growth in Alumni Association membership among our diverse alumni and offered many successful events including, the Multicultural Conference with over 70 alumni participants, the annual Game Watching Party and TGIF Mixers and socials held at the Atlanta Alumni Center. In addition, Multicultural Programs celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a fiesta at Loca Luna and partnered with the Asian American Student Association to bring Miss America First Runner Up, Monica Pang '04, to campus for Asian American History Month. The year ended with Jazz on the Lawn, the Multicultural Programs homecoming event on the lawn of the Wray-Nicholson House.       Multicultural Conference The Multicultural Conference panel.       Jazz on the Lawn Participants at the inaugural Jazz on the Lawn Homecoming event.       TGIF Mixers TGIF Mixers offer diverse alumni the chance to socialize and unwind.   Alumni Spotlight After graduating with an MBA from the Terry College of Business, Chris Ward '89 started out as a consultant and has risen to the level of executive partner with Accenture, the world's leading management consulting, technology, and outsourcing company. "I was very involved on campus and gained some very valuable skills both inside and outside of class that have served me well." says, Ward. Ward was recently recognized by Black MBA magazine on its 2006 "Top 50 Under 50 Executives" list. Black MBA magazine describes the 50 individuals as "exceptional executives who have reached the pinnacle of success within the highly competitive corporate environment." Hangin' with the Hoop Dogs Join fellow multicultural alumni and friends on Saturday, March 3, 2007 for the Hangin' with the Hoop Dogs annual event. The day will start with a Private Reception from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the Lobby of the Coverdell Building, followed by the 4 p.m. Men's basketball game against Tennessee at Stegeman Coliseum. The day will end with the annual Free Throw Contest. Cost is $10 ($20 after February 9), and includes Reception and discounted Game ticket. Reception only is $5. Register online.

On the Regional Programs page, use the dropdown menu to see the Regional Contact and scheduled activities for your area. For more information on UGA Alumni Association Regional Programs, contact Director of Regional Programs and Alumni Tours Tami Gardner or 800-606-8786. Regional Programs - Worldwide Success During the past year, the Alumni Association increased its alumni participation, programs, activities, and events. From December '05 through December '06 the over 90 worldwide UGA Alumni Association Chapters and Clubs hosted an astonishing 267 events around the US and as far away as London and Taiwan. These activities include Bulldog Breakfasts, Book Clubs, Holiday Socials, flag football competitions, faculty speakers, First Thursday Dinner Clubs, Freshmen Send-Offs and much more.       Freshmen Send-offs Athens Area Chapter Freshmen Send-off.       Clubs Abroad London, England Club Gathering.       DC Chapter Washington, DC Chapter, Tour of the White House.   Dogs Doing Good In the past 12 months, the UGA Alumni Association Chapter and Clubs have reached out to communities in a variety of ways:    Washington, DC Chapter Participated as a group in Hands on DC. Jacksonville, FL Chapter Contributed to Pets are Worth Saving (P.A.W.S.) allowing the organization to purchase special rescue equipment for one of its fire stations in honor of Uga VI. The Chapter also donated its time to Habijax. Pictured is chapter president Brian Fuller '98 and UGA Alumni Association president Swann Seiler '78 with a letter from P.A.W.S. recognizing the Chapter's donation.   Nashville, TN Chapter Participated in Relay for Life by walking to raise money and volunteered for the Country Music Marathon. Pictured are Nashville Chapter volunteers at the Country Music Marathon.   South Florida Chapter Donated Time to Habitat for Humanity UGA alumni and friends helped Habitat for Humanity by assisting with the construction of a Broward County house. Dawgs Feeding Dogs Campaign Since September, Chapters and Clubs throughout the country have taken part in the Dawgs Feeding Dogs Campaign in honor of Uga's 50th Anniversary as Georgia's mascot. The original goal was to collect one ton of pet food and donate it to Humane Societies and no kill shelters by December 1, 2006. To date, over 31% of the Chapters and Clubs have contributed 10,586.3 pounds of pet food proving that Dawgs do make a difference. Through the efforts of Dr. Catherine McClelland '96, a graduate of the UGA College Veterinary Medicine, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., agreed to match pound for pound pet food donated to various no-kill shelters that meet Hill's criteria. Upcoming Chapter & Club Events: For details on the following events, click on your Chapter or Club on the dropdown menu on the Regional Programs page. Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Game Watching Parties Various Chapters and Clubs will be hosting Game Watching Parties to support the UGA Bulldogs as they take on the Virginia Tech Hokies in the December 30 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Check your Chapter or Club page for details on events in your area. Washington, DC Chapter Wednesday, December 20 - UGA Lady Bulldogs vs. George Mason Basketball, 7:00 p.m. tip off Emerald Coast, FL Club Friday, January 19 - Kick-off Event for the newly formed Club in Panama City, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Calypso Café & Sports Grill Athens Area Chapter Thursday, January 25 - Athens Area Chapter Kick-off at the 5th Annual Robert Burns Night Celebration, 6:00 p.m., Melting Point. Delaware Valley Club Sunday, December 17 - Holiday Social, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. $7 Association members, $10 Non-members. Denver, CO Chapter Monthly SEC/ACC Happy Hours Saturday, January 13, 2007 - Snow Shoeing February - Winter Park Ski Train Saturday, April 7 - Wine Tasting with Silent Auction and Guest Speaker Fulton County, GA Chapter Friday, December 22 - Basketball Game Watching Party, 7 p.m. at Loco's in Alpharetta - UGA vs. GT Please visit the Alumni Association Regional Programs Website on a regular basis and attend the events in your area. Contact the chapter or club leader listed for your area and find out how you can become more involved. Your support and time are needed to keep your chapter or club fun, exciting, and representative of every graduate.