But the Convention won't be all business. For the first time, former and current NCAA national office interns will reunite during the Association's annual gathering.

The intern reunion will be held in conjunction with the NCAA Office for Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) reception and is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. January 6. From 7:30 to 9:30 that same evening interns also have been invited to the private screening of "Glory Road," the Disney movie detailing the true story of Texas Western University's 1966 NCAA championship win over the University of Kentucky. It was the first time in college basketball history that a school using an all African-American starting lineup captured the title.

The first crop of interns arrived at the national office in 1989. From five interns, the program has grown to support 13 one-year paid internships that begin annually in June.

The purpose of the gathering is not only to reunite former and current interns, but also to provide networking opportunities and highlight the strides the NCAA has made in working to diversify the membership.

ODI extended about 100 invitations and expects about 50 honorees and guests to attend. While this is the first time an intern reunion has been launched, ODI hopes to make the affair an annual one.

Even as the Association celebrates past and current interns, applications presently are being accepted for the 2006-07 class. Application materials must be received at the NCAA national office by December 16. To download application materials or to apply online, go to www1.ncaa.org/membership/ed_outreach/prof_development/minority-womens_internship.html.