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  <title><![CDATA[SAA Kicks Off New Year of Alumni Connections]]></title>
  <body><![CDATA[<p>Tech’s largest student organization, the Student Alumni Association (SAA), launches a new year of membership Thursday, Sept. 10, with its annual campuswide kickoff and free-stuff fest.&nbsp;</p><p>SAA gives students the chance to connect with Georgia Tech alumni and to lay the groundwork to strengthen their own future connections with Tech when they become alumni. <a href="http://www.gtsaa.com/s/1481/39-saa/index.aspx?sid=1481&amp;gid=39&amp;pgid=4250">This year’s kickoff</a> will include free food from local favorites such as Chick-fil-A, King of Pops, Waffle House, The Fry Guy, and Blue Donkey Coffee.&nbsp;</p><p>The kickoff will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students can look for stations at Tech Green, the Instructional Center Lawn, Callaway Plaza, the College of Computing, and Atlantic Promenade, where SAA members will be on hand to talk with students about the organization.</p><p>Those who join during the kickoff will also enjoy a Welcome to SAA dinner in the evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at one of four campus dining locations.</p><p>Students can become members by making a $10 donation that is split to support both Tech’s Roll Call Fund and the annual Gift to Tech. In recent years, the Gift to Tech initiative has raised more than $30,000 per year for on-campus programs that students deem worthy; students vote for the Gift to Tech beneficiary each spring, and this year’s gift is already tracking to be more than $40,000.</p><p>Throughout the year, SAA hosts programs that include mentoring opportunities with alumni, dinner and networking events, webinars, and spirit days. The group’s mission is to enhance the experience of Tech students by broadening the college experience, strengthening traditions, building lifelong loyalty to Tech, and preparing students for success after college.</p>]]></body>
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      <value><![CDATA[Students can learn about SAA, pick up giveaways, and join on the spot]]></value>
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      <value><![CDATA[Students can join the Student Alumni Association by making a $10 donation to Georgia Tech.]]></value>
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      <value><![CDATA[<p>Students can join the Student Alumni Association by making a $10 donation to Georgia Tech.</p>]]></value>
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      <value><![CDATA[<p><a href="mailto:catie.miller@alumni.gatech.edu">Catie Miller</a><br />Alumni Association</p><p><a href="mailto:kristen.bailey@comm.gatech.edu">Kristen Bailey</a><br />Institute Communications</p>]]></value>
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