Thanks to everyone who kept the tradition alive by attending the January JMU alumni 3^rd Thursday happy hour, especially first time attendees (**). Did the torch pass with a new "streaker"? Find out next month!

Theresa Coker 98
Kathleen Coyne
Rich Williams 91
Suzanne Jones 93
Chris Jones 93
Kayleigh Jones 2028
*** Kadee Kirby 02
*** Amanda Kirby 98
Ryan Riggs 04
Jason Lich 94
Elizabeth Coker 01
Kristin Lazenby 02

"Career Night" a Big Draw for Tidewater Alums

October 3, 2006, Norfolk - The lure of a potential job and professional networking was a big draw as more than 30 alums turned out on a Tuesday night for the Tidewater chapter's annual career focused mixer. Organized by Kelly Woodruff ('94), alums were greeted by potential employers and goody bags courtesy of Spherion. Many self-employed alums took advantage of the opportunity to promote their services or offer advice to budding entrepreneurs. Held in the sophisticated lounge of a trendy restaurant, the event was particularly helpful to the Tidewater alumni chapter in engaging recent grads. The crowd of 20 and 30-somethings apparently found lots to talk about as they mixed and mingled for nearly two hours. "I really think it was a great success and I was pleased that the event caught the attention of so many recent grads", said Woodruff.

Although the next official "career" night isn't for another year, every month the Tidewater Chapter host a networking opportunity for JMU alumni via its "3^rd Thursday happy hour". The Chapter has several more great perennial events upcoming, including a swanky holiday dinner, a wine tasting and education with JMU's Dr. Brett Horton in the spring, and of course, the fourth annual alumni BEACH PARTY June 9^th. To get in touch with the Tidewater Chapter, go to www.jmu.edu/alumni/chapters/tidewater.

Alums Treated to a JMU Edu-WINE-cation

Norfolk, VA - April 27, 2006---Nearly 20 alumni and friends got a literal "taste" of what current students in the JMU Hospitality and Tourism Management program are learning as they underwent a shortened version of a lecture delivered directly from Director Brett Horton himself. Although Dr. Horton took it easy on the alums, excusing them from the rigid tests his HTM 473 - Beverage Management and Marketing students are subjected to, even seasoned wine connoisseurs were impressed with the learning experience. Dr. Horton greeted each participant upon arrival with a glass of sparkling wine and a charming smile. Between sips of bubbly, the assembled enjoyed antipasto, seasoned shrimp, beef flank stake and other catered delicacies with the social hour passing quickly. Although packed with useful information such as the trend towards screw caps instead of cork and the effect of acidic or spicy food on a wine's taste, Dr. Horton was very accommodating of the intrigued groups many questions. A total of six wines were sampled with a variety of foods ranging from buttered bread, salami, and tomatoes, to lemon and even chocolate. Participants were amazed at what a difference various foods made to the taste of the same wine. Dr. Horton pointed out that wine was never intended to be drunk alone, but rather develop by wineries with the expectation to compliment some of the favorite or common foods of the region. The Tidewater Chapter is grateful to the generosity of many whom enabled providing such a value to alums in this classy event. Dr. Horton and the JMU College of Business, David Grimm (for donating the wine), and Jerry Kent (for the use of the TowneBank community room).