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Beth Binger, an alumna of the University of California, San Diego, has been elected to a two-year term as president of the UCSD Alumni Association’s board of directors.

A 1986 graduate of UCSD’s Muir College, Binger is the founder of Beth Binger Communications, a public relations firm specializing in media relations and media training. Beth Binger Communications is a member of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, San Diego City Club and San Diego Press Club.

Prior to founding her own firm, Binger, a communication major at UCSD, worked for Channel 8 News in San Diego, as a news anchor in Juneau, Alaska, and as a sports reporter for ESPN covering such events as surfing competitions in Hawaii and skiing competitions in the western United States. She was instrumental in public relations and media coverage of 10^th anniversary events for Horton Plaza, as well as media coverage for other downtown San Diego events before deciding to found her own communications firm.

Binger has been a member of the UCSD Alumni Association board of directors since 1997, serving as vice-president for the past two years. She describes this as "an exciting time for UCSD, particularly with the university’s major capital campaign," and says that among her goals are to increase alumni participation in programs for current students, broaden communication with alumni worldwide and position the Alumni Association to assist the university with its private support initiatives.

"The association is pleased to announce its new leadership," says Alumni Association executive director Bernie Farrow. "By developing programs that encourage alumni participation, the association serves as an important resource for UCSD. A strong, dedicated volunteer leadership is essential in these efforts."

Joining the executive committee are vice-president Brian Walsh, ’89, president of Walsh Chacon Commercial Real Estate, and treasurer Armin Afsahi, ’90, senior director of eCommerce, EduPoint.com. Other members of the committee are Ron Bee, ’78, senior analyst, University of California’s Institute on Global Conflict & Cooperation; Henry DeVries, ’79, president, Henry DeVries Communications; Susan McNeil, ’75, executive director, San Diego READS, and Bill Proffer, ’76,’78, chief scientist, Internet Business Systems Division, Science Applications International Corp.

The Alumni Association recently held its annual Awards for Excellence Gala 2000, honoring 40 outstanding alumni and students and celebrating the 40^th anniversary of UCSD.

The UCSD Alumni Association promotes the interests and goals of alumni, students and the university. The association fosters lifetime connections through on-line networking, support for student scholars, advocacy and education about issues affecting the university and recognition of alumni achievements in our community and worldwide.