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For UNH ice hockey fans, there's no place like the Whittemore Center. But fans of the men's hockey team have discovered that the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, N.H., also has its charms. Since the Verizon opened in the fall of 2001, the Wildcats have played five games at the 10,000-seat arena, making it easier for fans in the central part of the state to get to the game and for fans everywhere to get into the game.

Seth Moss '94 likes the "playoff-like atmosphere and TV coverage." Some fans, like John Lefebvre '81, like the smaller rink at the Verizon, believing it makes the game faster and more exciting.

Jeffrey Grey '92 reports that he, his wife Kelly '92, 3-year-old Jillian and 9-month-old Spencer "love the atmosphere so much at the Whitt that it's been a little tougher to fall in love with Manchester." Nevertheless, he says, "having 10,000 screaming UNH fans versus the 6,500 at home adds to the excitement."

The Alumni Association has taken advantage of the Manchester games to offer some centrally located pre-game gatherings. "The objective is to piggyback on the games as a way to bring UNH alumni together with one another and the institution," says Ben Borell '93, associate executive director for alumni programs, "and also to highlight the university in the center of the state's population."

One of the two games played in Manchester each year is the annual competition with Dartmouth. Alums of both schools attend the pre-game event, where coaches and alumni directors from both schools speak. "It drives home how important these events are," says Ed Spuler '96, who coaches the UNH Cycling Team, "when the coaches take time immediately before a game to speak to the crowd."

"I like the way the Dartmouth game brings together the two schools and the alumni of the two schools," says Borell. "It's a who's who of New Hampshire: politicians, judges and business leaders mixed in with fans from both sides."

The receptions, which have been held at a variety of Manchester locations, have attracted anywhere from 500 to 800 alums. Thanks in large part to the generosity of one alum, there is usually no charge at the door. "We have steadfast support from Fred Kfoury Jr. '64, president and CEO of Central Paper Products," says Borell, "and the receptions wouldn't happen without him. That shows how important alumni are in the life of the university."

--Virginia Stuart '75, '80G

Have Your Say

Who will represent UNH alumni for the next few years? It's up to you.

The annual election of alumni representatives to the Alumni Association's Board of Directors and the University System of New Hampshire's Board of Trustees will be held early March through May 1.

Running for an alumni position on the USNH Board of Trustees are James "Jim" Hood '69 and John "Jack" Lawson '49, '52G.

James C. Hood '69

Hood received a B.A. in history magna cum laude from UNH, and a J.D. degree from Georgetown University in 1972. A resident of Manchester, N.H., he is an attorney and partner at Nixon Peabody, LLP. A three-time member of his class's reunion committee, Hood was also an Alumni Association board director from 1987 to 1993, and served as president. Hood received the UNH Alumni Meritorious Service Award in 1995 and the Governor's Award for Excellence in Trade in 2000. He has served on many civic and professional organizations.

Hood states: "I owe much to UNH. I have seen first-hand how important the health of the University System is to a vibrant and growing New Hampshire economy. I have tried to give back to the University by serving on various committees. I continue to have an interest in seeing that our University System grows and prospers to the benefit of our state and its citizens. On the Board of Trustees, I would work to continue to improve the university's image; its relationships with the public and private sector; and the academic and social advantages that it offers to undergraduates and graduates alike."

John H. Lawson '49, '52G

Lawson received a B.S. magna cum laude in physical education and an M.Ed at UNH, and a Ph.D. from Boston University in 1958. He served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and commissioner of education for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Lawson was associate vice president of alumni alumni affairs at UNH from 1993 to 1997. He is retired and lives in Venice, Fla., and Amesbury, Mass.

Lawson was an Alumni Association board director from 1975 to 1981, and served as president. He has also served as a special adviser to the UNH Foundation Board from 1993 to 1997; chair of the Athletic Advisory Committee; a member of the UNH Campaign for Distinction; and a member of numerous capital, reunion and athletic committees. He received the UNH Alumni Meritorious Service Award in 1984.

Lawson states, "Since July of 2000, I have had the honor of serving on the USNH Board of Trustees. I have been appointed to several important committees, bringing to them a unique perspective which I have derived from 13 years as a professor and director of alumni affairs at UNH and from experience in public education. I am proud of the many contributions made by the board through policies and procedures that have encouraged and supported the system's presidents, administrators, faculties, students and staffs. If I am elected, I will continue to be a strong advocate for the highest possible quality of public higher education in New Hampshire."

Running for the alumni Board of Directors are Gary Thulander '85, Katherine Kokko '01 and Persis Gow Whalley '76. Running for reelection are Samuel Paul '60 and Carroll Winch '63.

Ballots will be mailed to alumni dues-payers and alumni donors to UNH at levels established by the Board of Directors. To request a ballot, write the Elliott Alumni Center, 9 Edgewood Rd., Durham, N.H. 03824; call (603) 862-2040 or e-mail alumni@unh.edu. Online voting will be available starting in early March at www.alumni.unh.edu.