Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Alumni Association is launching its newly rebranded Southwest Georgia Chapter. Formerly known as the Albany Chapter, the chapter has experienced exceptional growth in recent years, and leaders have expanded the scope of programming to include the entire southwest Georgia area. The name change reflects their goal of connecting with UGA alumni throughout the region.
Christie Haynes, a 2010 UGA graduate, will serve as chapter president. She succeeds past-president Wally Binns, UGA class of 1977, whose leadership provided the foundation for the chapter’s present growth. Haynes was a student leader during her time on campus, elected by her peers as president of the Student Alumni Council, speaking at Commencement and resurrecting the G Book, the official traditions handbook of UGA. She currently serves as president of the Early County Chamber of Commerce in Blakely.
With more than 4,000 UGA graduates in the area, the Southwest Georgia Chapter is essential to the UGA Alumni Association’s mission of connecting alumni with the university and with each other. For the second straight year, the chapter has been selected as a stop on the UGA Alumni and Athletic Associations’ UGA Days tour, featuring President Michael Adams, Head Football Coach Mark Richt and Head Basketball Coach Mark Fox. UGA Day in Albany will be held April 24 at Doublegate Country Club. For information and to register, see www.alumni.uga.edu/ugadays.
To build on the excitement of the new name, new chapter leadership and UGA Day, the chapter will hold an interest meeting on June 12, providing an opportunity for area UGA alumni and friends to network with each other and begin planning future chapter events and programs.
For more information about the chapter and for details about the interest meeting, see http://www.alumni.uga.edu/alumni/index.php/site/chapters/albany_area_chapter.
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