Dear Members of the Class of 1983:

Happy New Year!  As we launch into the new year, we are already busy planning for Alumni Weekend 2008 and your once-in-a-lifetime 25th reunion, which is scheduled for September 25-28, 2008.  Here is a quick update for you.

REUNION WEBSITE
Check out your reunion website!  On the website, you can view yearbook photos, post a class note, and see who's attending.  Also available are hotel discounts and child care options. 

REUNION EVENTS
We have some great activities in store for Alumni Reunion Weekend, including a Greek-Themed All-Alumni Kick-Off Party; a DC United Soccer Game; Back to Thurston Tours; power breakfasts; museum events; book signings; lectures from your favorite professors; the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards; and, of course, your 1983 class party!!

GET INVOLVED!
If you would like to contact classmates, if you have any ideas for additional Reunion events, or if you would like to get involved in any other way, please contact Andrew Kaufteil, Director of Reunions, at kaufteil@gwu.edu or at (202) 994-6596.

PLEASE JOIN US - FREE TICKETS TO TAILGATE & GAME

We will be hosting our first reunion committee meeting on Wednesday January 30, at 5:30 pm EST, and all 1983 alumni are invited. The meetings usually last 20-30 minutes and we start right on time. You can participate in person or via teleconference.  To participate via teleconference, dial: (877)322-9648, and code: 715706

Those of you who attend in person can request a free ticket to the men's GW vs. St. Joe's tailgate and basketball game that night!  There are a limited number of free tickets available to those who attend the meeting, so please RSVP soon to reserve your ticket.  For more information about the event, please contact Andrew Kaufteil, Director of Reunions, at kaufteil@gwu.edu or at (202) 994-6596.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS
Every issue of your 25th Reunion newsletter will include profiles of fellow 1983 graduates.  E-mail us at reunion@gwu.edu to suggest classmates to profile.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Jeannette Lee

An economics major while at GW, Jeannette Lee now considers herself to be "semi-retired."  After selling her company, Sytel, an information technology services and solutions company, she left her job as CEO/President and decided to try something different, and yet she still keeps very busy.

Jeannette is currently writing a business management book; is investing in real estate; has served as a guest speaker at McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University for the past several years; has been doing international business consulting; is helping a management-consulting start-up company; and is on the board at Via Vinci, a newly established university on entrepreneurship and leadership in the Netherlands.  She also enjoys spending a lot more quality time with family & friends.

Originally, Jeannette didn't want to go to college. "I was offered well-paying administrative jobs at IMF (International Monetary Fund) and other places," says Jeannette, "and being so fresh out of high school, the offers were very tempting.  With the advice of my oldest brother, I decided to go to college.  GW's ideal location, with its proximity to top levels of U.S. government and international organizations, helped widen my vision."

 
"The learning environment at GW was comfortable, with just the right amount of academic challenge while being able to expand my socialization skills with students from all over the world, Jeannette says.  "It helped me realize the value to well-balanced training and exposure.  My first real job after graduation was at the White House Budget Office (OMB).   It was during a heavy recession and it was not easy to find jobs in general.   My job lead came from one of my economics professors.  Even though I still had to earn it with a good credential, record, and successful interview, I am very thankful for that lead from one of my respected professors."

Jeannette says some of her fondest memories of GW include "socializing with members of the Asian Association and giving one of my statistics professors a hard time over one test score; he called me a 'go-getter', which is how I often describe myself now," Jeannette laughs.  "The fondest memory, however, is tons of coffee and studying hours at the Marvin Center - there was a small study room on one of the upper floors and I would hang out there with my late-night study buddies."

Jeannette is serving on the 1983 Reunion Committee and is planning on attending Alumni Weekend 2008.  "I definitely look forward to being able to jog my fondest memories and I hope to see my professors... it's amazing how they remember most of their students after all these years!  I have a tremendous amount of respect for what they do, not to mention ineffable amount of social service they're providing!"

About two years ago, Jeannette moved to McLean, VA from Potomac, MD, where she had been living for 15 years.  She has a son who is a junior at the University of Illinois, and she lives with her two playful, active dogs.

ALUMNI OPEN HOUSE AT YOUR NEW HOME ON CAMPUS - PLEASE JOIN US

You are cordially invited to attend an open house reception at the new Alumni House @ 1918 F Street, NW, hosted by the Young Alumni Network.  Please plan to join fellow GW alumni for food, drinks, and great company.  It's Super Tuesday, so we'll be sure to have updates on the primary elections!

Tuesday, February 5
6 - 8 p.m.
Alumni House @ 1918 F Street, NW
Washington, D.C.

There is no cost to attend the open house, but please register your attendance in advance.  We look forward to seeing you in February and welcoming you to your new home on campus!

TRUSTEE CHALLENGE MATCH
To mark this exciting time at GW and to welcome President Knapp to the University, the Board of Trustees has introduced a special alumni annual giving challenge.  As an alumnus in your reunion year, there is no better time than right now to contribute to GW.  If you join your classmates in making a statement of support with a contribution, the Board will triple the impact of your gift (e.g., your $500 gift will become a $1,500 gift)! 

Please join fellow Colonials and welcome President Steven Knapp to The George Washington University; please make your gift today! Visit: www.gwu.edu/give2gw.

JOIN THE LUTHER RICE SOCIETY!

GW's oldest giving society has been re-launched with new benefits and energy!  Luther Rice Society members enjoy the ability to connect to GW year-round through exclusive access and select networking events around the world that bring them face to face with University leaders and prominent alumni.  For example, members are invited to join President Knapp for an invitation-only reception during Alumni Weekend 2008.  The Society recognizes individuals who contribute between $1,000 and $24,999 ($250+ for recent graduates) annually.  Contact a staff person from the Leadership Annual Giving team for more information on the Society and to learn about its many benefits at (202) 994-5228 or LRS@gwu.edu.  To join today, simply make your gift online! www.gwu.edu/give2gw. 

We look forward to seeing you in September!

The 25th Reunion Committee: