A new year in the life of the Ariail Chapter of the Columbia College Alumnae Association began at its first meeting September 11, 2008. Thirty- two members gathered at 10 am in Alumnae Hall, Columbia College, beginning their time together with refreshments and fellowship. Rev. John Holler, president of Epworth Children's Home, presented an interesting and informative program.

The Ariail Chapter of the Columbia College Alumnae Association was organized February 14, 1963 in Stackhouse Parlor, Columbia College, and named in honor of Dr. and Mrs. J. M. Ariail. Regular meetings are held the second Tuesday of September, November, February, and April.

President Joyce Hart Mann '56 prepared for the new 2008- 09 year with a planning meeting in July. She reported the 2007- 08 year had been an exciting one with an average attendance of 32 out of 45 members at each of the four scheduled meetings. The chapter presented the Columbia College Loyalty Fund with $500 and $150 in memorials and honorariums. During the meeting, officers and committees participated in planning the 2008- 09 meetings.

Officers for the 2008- 09 year are Joyce Hart Mann '56, president; Mary Beth Moore Sjoberg, '50, vice president; Thelma Rast '45, secretary; Norma Richardson Johnson '58, treasurer; Joan Vaughan Young '56, historian and scrapbook; and Jewell Powell Hill '60, past president and advisor.

Committee members are Marjorie Faucett Patterson '49, constitution; Jewell Powell Hill '60, Frances Ellis Newman '49, and Rebecca Glover Swanson '57, nominating; and Esther Coxe Kelly '43, sunshine. Telephone committee members are Miriam Lyles Hedgepath '67, Emma Coleman Long '41, Nita Milling Montgomery, Betty Jo Marsh Carson '60, Sue Hammond Hance '54, Francis Ellis Newman '49, Devon White Turner '47, and Roberta Simmons Josey '49.

Caroline Whitson, Ph.D., president of Columbia College, is an honorary member of the chapter. Lisa Kennerly Livingston '91 is the executive director of alumnae relations and Kimberly K. Bowers '07, administrative assistant from the office of alumnae relations advises and assists the Ariail Chapter with communications and support.

The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, November 13, 2008, 10 am, Alumnae Hall, Columbia College.