Christina Cobb can check off the myriad advantages of the Alumni Association’s new digs faster than many UT Arlington graduates can say, "Go Mavs!" Well, almost.

More meeting space. More storage space. A fireproof closet for financial documents and valuable antique artifacts. An entrance with a reception area. And don’t overlook the scenic view of Doug Russell Park.

With 5,810 square feet, the building—at 841 W. Mitchell St. between Cooper Street and Davis Drive—is 35 percent larger than the former Campus Center location that housed the Alumni Association for 17 years. And it’s immensely more accommodating.

From left: Student Alumni Association Public Relations Director Kenny Miller, member Cannell Tyson, member Teerah Beamon, Vice President Kaml Baitz, Special Projects Director Patrick Harmon and President Delila Pleasant outside the Alumni Association's new offices on Mitchell Street. Other SAA executive officers for 2005-06 are Secretary Danielle Klein, Treasurer Stephani Deen and Historian Karla Lanie. Alumni Association Assistant Director Kerri Ressl ('98 BA) advises the group.

"The space is actually set up in an office format, unlike our previous address," said Cobb, the association’s executive director. "It is so much more professional for us and our visitors."

Speaking of visitors, they have been plentiful since the alumni staff relocated in June. Perhaps it’s because there’s more parking space than before.

"We’ve already received a good flow of people stopping by and wanting to meet on-site,"  Cobb said.

One of those is Don Fearing (’77 BS), vice president of events for the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

"The Alumni Association has a wonderful new home nestled in a park with great campus access," said Fearing, operations director at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. "And did I mention the parking—with shade? Hallelujah!"

The building also houses Dial-A-Mav, the University’s telephone outreach program. Staffed by more than 40 students, Dial-A-Mav callers contact alumni to update information, share campus news and ask for support.

"We have added three calling stations and have an open layout that encourages interaction among callers," said Meg Hickox, director of development for annual giving.

Cobb notes that although the Alumni Association’s address has changed, the telephone numbers are the same: 817-272-2594 or toll-free at 800-687-8855.

A full-size kitchen. More space to host events. The list goes on.

— Mark Permenter