<p>I’ve been wondering about these, are they coordinated by the area recruitment person or something an alumni or parents set up? I’m not aware of any in our area (Orange County CA nor Southern CA). </p>
<p>My S just finished his first year so he’s not really a “send-off” but I know that his school has another 5 students going (4 last year) and I found out that one our other local HSs also has 5 or so students (up from 1 last year) who are also UA bound. I don’t know about the other 4 area schools. I think with UA making such an inroad locally this would be a great way for all these kids to meet so if they see eachother on campus they’ll recognize a eachother. Also the parents will have local support group.</p>
<p>The local one for us, for SE Ohio, has been set up by this area’s UA recruiter Kelly Watson, she has also requested contact information, and has promised to release a email/phone list so parents and students can get in touch with each other, if they chose to participate.</p>
<p>-The weakness I see is that the emails go out to students, who may not relaying the email/info to their parents. Yet another reason to add forwarding of UA email to a parents email.</p>
<p>Does Chicago area have a send off party? Seems that it would be a great way for local students to meet each other and for parents to connect. Any way to organize this? (well at least for next year, since I only have a rising senior lol)</p>
<p>I’d suggest emailing your area’s recruiter ([Find</a> Your Counselor - Undergraduate Admissions - The University of Alabama](<a href=“http://gobama.ua.edu/staff/]Find”>Find My Recruiter)) And suggest a UA send off party.</p>
<p>gojack is absolutely correct. Our area recruiter is also Kelly Watson. My husband and I are hosting a real Southern BBQ for Central Ohio. Kelly suggested an ice cream social but since my husband LOVES to smoke pork shoulder, he was thrilled Kelly liked the idea. It turns out that there are almost 20 new students in our area and a boat load of new students from Cinci, Dayton and Northern KY. </p>
<p>When my rising Senior at BAMA was preparing for college (2008), there was not any kind of send off party organized. Kelly is doing a remarkable job. I think she told me that there are more than 60 new students from OHIO alone! BTW gojack, you are more than welcomed to come to our send off party on Tuesday, July 26th from 5:30-8pm.</p>
<p>I have emailed our local recruiter twice and received no response. Others on this board, from my area, have had the same issue. Honestly, if not for finding this board, I would have written UA off… i was able to get my questions answered and find someone to help me. (Jami).</p>
<p>FYI, son recieved the following for those in the Chicago western/southern suburbs:</p>
<p>We are so excited that you have chosen to attend The University of Alabama in the fall! In celebration, Im hosting a send off party Thursday, July 7, 2011 from 1pm until 3pm at Oberweis in Western Springs. Well enjoy some ice cream and get a chance to meet other students from the Chicago area who are planning to attend UA. If you are able to attend, please let me know and Ill send you the address and directions. Hope to see you soon!!</p>
<p>Best,</p>
<p>Bethany Forrest</p>
<p>Chicago Area Regional Recruiter
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
The University of Alabama
Box 870132
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487</p>