For immediate release
contact: ALYSON SELIGMAN
Carey O’Donnell PR Group
(561) 832-3231
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — (DECEMBER 10, 2008) — James O. Birr III, an associate at the Gunster Yoakley law firm in Jacksonville, was named president of the University of North Florida alumni association this summer for a one-year term. Birr, who specializes in construction law and commercial litigation, graduated with honors from UNF in 1995. He later earned his law degree at the University of Florida.
In his role as alumni association president, Birr — better known as “Joby” — focuses on energizing UNF alumni to get involved with the university, attend alumni association-sponsored events and assist in the development of UNF in the alumni community at large.
“We have about six flagship events that we host each year, which include a golf tournament and a zoo day,” Birr says. “Part of the mission is to raise awareness of UNF, but it’s also an invitation for graduates to draw upon their talents and help support future generations of students.”
The annual “Play a Round Fore Scholarships” golf event, scheduled for April 20, 2009, has helped raise $30,000 in scholarships for the First Generation scholarship program, which benefits students who are the first in their family to attend college. The state of Florida has matched this donation, resulting in a total donation of $60,000.
Since his graduation in 1995, Birr has seen UNF’s student population more than double to 16,000. It is still a relatively small state university and it doesn’t receive the same attention as University of Florida and Florida State University. Yet, UNF’s growth in Jacksonville provides great opportunities for students and alums to be directly involved and stake a professional claim to pride in their own university.
“We have our own success stories to share and the UNF alumni association helps us share them,” Birr says. “I want our graduates to inspire others in their personal and professional lives, and our UNF alumni association-sponsored events help accomplish this goal.”
“I encourage all alumni in Jacksonville and beyond to re-establish ties with former classmates and professors,” he said. “The opportunities to build social networks and form alliances to help deepen our community ties are essential to the health of our association, our university and the community at large.”
About Gunster Yoakley
Gunster, established in 1925, is a full-service Florida law firm providing counsel to significant businesses and high net worth individuals. Our statewide platform focuses on a high performance culture and market-leading talent. With eight offices strategically located across the state, 140 attorneys and 200 support staff, Gunster – Florida’s Lawyers for Business. Visit www.gunster.com.
###
