Recently public funds for higher education in our state have been greatly diminished, resulting in staff and program reductions of a kind and size not seen before, at least not in my memory. Public and private universities are now seeking private support with more intensity and urgency, leaving one wanting assurance that gifts to the school of his or her choice will be effectively placed.

“Why UNCG?”

I recently asked this question to the Alumni Association Board of Directors. One theme emerged from all the answers — Excellence. Whether it was in academics, the arts, athletics, or in the general pursuit of its mission, excellence was being observed and documented.

Like many of you, I have observed impressive results being achieved throughout the campus. The School of Nursing's Celebration of Nursing Education, the Weatherspoon Art Museum, the Maud Gatewood Studio Arts Building, the School of Music's Collage Concert, the Office for Leadership and Service-Learning, among many others, have provided recent examples of the success being enjoyed by UNCG initiatives.

Make time to connect or reconnect with UNCG. Exciting things, wonderful things, excellent things are happening every day. You can see them with your own eyes with a visit to campus, by attending a university-sponsored event, or by visiting www.uncg.edu [link to site].

How better to assure ourselves that our alma mater is continuing to provide excellence in education for a larger, more diverse and more talented student body than we could have ever imagined?

Jana Welch Wagenseller '76
UNCG Alumni Association president

Remember reading a really great book in college that you couldn't wait to talk about? Now you have a chance to experience that again with the all-campus read of “Enrique's Journey.”

The book's premise: 16-year-old Enrique, desperate for the mother who has gone to America to earn money for his care, sets off alone from the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa, with little more than a slip of paper bearing his mother's North Carolina telephone number. Without money, he makes the dangerous and illegal trek up the length of Mexico by clinging to the sides and tops of freight trains.

Sonia Nazario, a 20-year journalism veteran who writes for the L.A. Times, won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for her series about Enrique.

She will speak to UNCG students, faculty and staff Monday, Nov. 16, from 1-3 p.m. in Cone Ballroom, Elliott University Center. You are invited to attend a later session from 7-9 p.m. in Mead Auditorium in the Sullivan Science Building. This session is free and open to all.

Book signings will follow both presentations. Copies of “Enrique's Journey” will be available in the UNCG Bookstore.

So grab a copy of the book and join in the discussion. Be a student all over again.

In the coming months, the UNCG Alumni Association will kick off a number of new regional clubs to bolster Spartan pride everywhere.

“These clubs are for all ages and all interests,Š says Mary Swantek, assistant director of constituent relations.

UNCG Alumni clubs will be geographically based and volunteer-driven. Volunteers serve as direct links between the university and the community in which they live.

The benefit? Alumni will have the opportunity to socialize and network through socials, service events and activities in their own community.

The Alumni Association wants to know what you would like to see in a club. If you haven't already received a survey, look for one to come your way soon.

If you would like more information about these regional clubs, email alumni@uncg.edu or call the Alumni Relations Office at (336) 334-5696.

Do you know an alumnus who has made a difference? Nominate him or her for the Alumni Distinguished Service Award or the Young Alumni Award.

Each year the UNCG Alumni Association recognizes as many as two outstanding alumni who have exemplified the university's “service” motto — whether in their profession, community or university — for the Alumni Distinguished Service Award. The impact can be local or it can be at the state or national level.

In addition to making a difference, the recipient(s) must “exemplify creative and continuous personal growth and a willingness to embrace our changing world.”

The Young Alumni Award is given to an alumnus 40 years old or younger who has made exceptional achievements and significant contributions to his or her profession, community or university.

The winner should exemplify outstanding professional and personal development through either traditional channels or innovative approaches.

Both awards will be presented during a special reception hosted by the chancellor in the spring.

The deadline for submitting nominations for both awards is Jan. 5. To receive a nomination form, please visit www.uncg.edu/ala/awards.html, call the Alumni Office at (336) 334-5696 or email Melissa Potter at melissapotter@uncg.edu.

The Class of 1960 may be celebrating their 50th Reunion in a couple of months, but they've already gotten a head start on the festivities.

They made their presence felt at FallFest, facilitating games of cornhole. They had the boards specially created and then donated them to the Office of Alumni Relations.

They've also organized class gatherings in various cities. And they're excited about Reunion.

So look out — here comes the Class of 1960.