Harold Simmons is helping form a co-op alumni affinity group.

When the Georgia Tech alumni band was chartered in 1979 as an affinity group of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, it hit the right note. Ten more alumni affinity groups have been formed since, reflecting common interests. Three others are on the way.

The enthusiastic success of the military affinity group last fall has inspired other groups — including former co-op students, alumni in medical careers and entrepreneurs — to apply for charters.

Joe Cofer, IE 72, professor of surgery and residency program director at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga, thinks Georgia Tech and medicine are a natural fit. He is convinced that an affinity group made up of medical professionals might be just the ticket to encourage Tech students to consider careers in medicine.

Jennifer Kimble, director of pre-health advising, held a similar position at Emory University before coming to Tech in October.

"I have met more than 100 students who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and nursing," she said. "I've been in contact with Dr. Cofer and we plan to work together to form the medical affinity group and enlist the mentoring services of Tech medical alumni. This was one of my long-term projects that came to fruition a lot sooner than I expected."

Interested medical alumni may contact Cofer at (423) 778-7695 or joe.cofer@erlanger.org or senior manager of affinity groups for the Alumni Association Debra Thompson at (404) 894-0779 or debra.thompson@alumni.gatech.edu.

Thompson said the addition of new groups benefits both students and alumni. "Being able to share your life experiences with those following you can be very rewarding," she said.

Since the 1960s, more than 17,000 Tech students have shared the experience of working their way through the Institute participating in the co-op program, according to Harold Simmons, IM 65, director of cooperative education and a co-op alumnus himself.

"Last fall some of us got to thinking that it would be fun to have a Homecoming event just for co-op alumni," he said. "We put together a two-day event and about 40 people attended — more than we expected. We hope our affinity group will provide a way to network with each other and mentor current students. Interested co-op alumni may contact Simmons at (404) 894-1349 or harold.simmons@dopp.gatech.edu or Thompson.

The nonprofit Georgia Entrepreneurs Society was formed on the Tech campus in 2004 to provide services and support for student entrepreneurs.

"We traditionally have worked with graduate and undergraduate students but now we want to branch out to include alumni," said society member J.P. James, BC 06. "Our entire staff are Tech alums and we think an affinity group would be a great way to connect executives that have experience starting companies with those just beginning."

Interested alumni may contact James at (678) 612-7853 or jp@gesnow.com or Thompson.