The Birth of the University Guide Service Alumni Network
On October 20, 2001, the University of Virginia Alumni Association gave preliminary approval for the establishment of UGS's Alumni Affinity Interest Group (AIG). Named "The University Guide Service Alumni Network," or UGSAN, the UGS AIG is an exciting new way for UGS alumni to stay in touch with each other and the Guide Service. It will foster connections between alumni, current Guide Service members, and The University.

What is an "AIG" ?
An AIG is an association comprised of an organization's alumni, which has official standing with the Alumni Association. The mission statement of UGSAN - the UGS version of an AIG - is:

"To provide a University Guide Service alumni network that will build and support a connection between the organization's current members and alumni."

UGSAN's membership will consist of alumni members and several current students, who will serve as student liaisons. The network will be governed by a board also made up of UGS alums.

What will the UGSAN do?
The objectives of UGSAN are five-fold:

1. To encourage a community between the alumni members of the University Guide Service
2. To provide a social and career network for alumni and current members of the University Guide Service
3. To advise and offer support to the executive board concerning the issues and needs facing the current University Guide Service
4. To foster the preservation of the institutional memory of the organization
5. To develop and maintain a sound financial structure for the organization, network, and other needs the alumni choose to support

In addition to these objectives, the network will provide the Guide Service with additional influence in dealing with the University administration. The network's objectives are flexible, and the members and governing board of UGSAN will determine precisely what programs and events it wishes to undertake. Examples may include reserving a UGS alumni plot at the Foxfield Races, sponsoring the UGS reception at Reunions, facilitating the creation of a Guide Service Oral History Project, establishing a Jefferson Cup/Guide Pin endowment, or sponsoring a career mentoring program.

What will I do as a member of UGSAN?
You can choose your own level of involvement with UGSAN. As an alumni member, you may choose to run for a governing board office, chair or serve on a committee, simply participate in UGSAN sponsored events, or provide financial support. You determine how much of a commitment you would like to make, and what form that commitment takes.

How do I become a member?
Anyone who is a member of the Alumni Association may become a member of UGSAN. If you are interested, please e-mail Ryan O'Donnell, UGS 2003-2004 Chair. Thank you very much for your support and we look forward to your future involvement!