The next two weeks are going to be busy ones at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House.

Not only are we preparing the alumni package to attend the 2011 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans (with all the excitement of returning to that game in 30 years and seeing the Hogs in their first BCS Bowl,) but we are also packing up all our offices and moving out.

Actually, we are not moving out of the building, but systematically moving offices in order to replace the entire carpeting throughout the facility. Some have said it is new carpeting, but as a testament to “how time flies,” the carpet has seen a dozen years of heavy use and needs replacement. In addition to the Pre-Game Rallies, the building has hosted nearly an event a day for those 12 years. When it was built, we believed it would be a significant addition to our program. We totally underestimated its impact!

So, in this season of giving, my thoughts go to those thousands of people who contributed to the construction of this wonderful facility, provided a fund for future expansion, and most important, created a replacement maintenance fund to enable us to replace the carpet.

If you have ever moved or cleaned out that over-packed closet, you probably have enjoyed unearthing special “nuggets” that jog your memory about an event or people.  This project has produced many of those memories including the original lease agreement with the university for this building (circa 1983.)

Pictures of the original building as we started the renovation brought to mind the two building committees and the original architect, Stephen Rousseau, who was one of our Senior Honor Citation recipients. Ironically, he was from the same town as Terry Rasco, who designed the renovation and now serves on our national board of directors.

A personal favorite were the staff photos from 1991, 1997 and 1999. They brought back so many memories of the wonderful colleagues who have worked in this office. At least three former staff left to run their own alumni association at other schools. Others left to work at associations nationwide.  Some went into public relations, corporate sales, event planning, government, and other U of A offices including development, architecture and career services. Non-profits were destinations for several former staff members. One became a successful minister. Two retired. By my count, 59 staff members have worked for the association since 1988. This does not include the 10 graduate assistants and multitudes of student workers.) It has become a running joke that we cannot take a staff photograph because someone will leave within days. All of these dedicated folks have built this association through blood, sweat and tears not to mention dedication, energy, enthusiasm and passion. They have been the heart and soul of the organization.

All of the current staff joins me in wishing you Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. See you in New Orleans!