A Message from the UAB NAS President, Janice B. Ward
To My Fellow Alumni and the UAB Community,
I am honored to serve as President of the UAB National Alumni Society for 2011-2012. I view this role as the ultimate opportunity to be an ambassador for the NAS and the university.
While my UAB story is probably not unique, I have experienced UAB from many different perspectives—first as an undergraduate student, then as an employee, as an instructor, as a graduate student, as an active alumna, as a UAB parent, and as a solid UAB Blazers fan.
I am very grateful for my UAB experiences. I have been an active alumna since 1989—which has afforded me opportunities to connect with many other alumni, students, prospective students, their parents, and members of the community. I’m the person who enjoys Freshmen Move-In Day—there is no better opportunity to welcome the newest members of the Blazer Family to campus each fall. The energy and excitement of the day is an unbelievable experience!
Graduation is my next favorite alumni activity; it is wonderful to experience the culmination of the students’ achievements. This past December, we welcomed more than 600 graduates and their families to the UAB Alumni House. What a remarkable way to help the graduates celebrate their UAB experience and success and to welcome them as our newest alumni! With this event, for me, the circle is complete.
My desire is for all alumni to be as passionate as I am about UAB and about all the things that the NAS does and hopes to accomplish.
I encourage all UAB alumni to become active in the membership and to act as ambassadors for the university. It’s up to us to help spread the Blazer Spirit—not just for sporting events and athletics, but also for all of the university’s extraordinary activities and achievements. I hope all of us will “proudly wear the colors green and gold,” as our school song says. Wearing our school colors is not only a way to express our support for our athletic teams; it is also a way to connect with other UAB alumni—whether we’re on a plane in Chicago, at the Summit Shopping Center, on the subway in Atlanta, or just around campus. Others respond when they see you in your UAB gear. You often get a resounding, “Go Blazers!” Or, an “I’m a UAB graduate!” I can’t think of a better way to spread the Blazer Spirit – wherever you go!
With the tremendously committed and energetic NAS Board of Directors, a Junior Alumni Board, and a hardworking alumni affairs staff, we are looking forward to yet another great year for the NAS and the university!
Best always,
Janice B. Ward
President
UAB National Alumni Society