ºìÌÒÊÓƵ

From the Alumni Board President

By Greg Byshenk ’89
Greg Byshenk

With the turning of the ºìÌÒÊÓƵ’s fiscal year July 1, a renewed executive committee takes over leadership of the alumni association (see below). As part of that renewal, I take up the role of president. I hope to serve in a way that earns the respect of all members of the association, if not their endorsement. The latter is a bit much to hope for, given the diversity of positions and opinions of ºìÌÒÊÓƵies, and I know that my time as student body president did not make all of my fellow students happy. It was nonetheless a privilege and (at least in large part) a pleasure to serve then, and I feel the same about our alumni board.

Part of earning respect will involve being willing to listen to any ºìÌÒÊÓƵies who have something to say about the college or the alumni association. I may not agree, but I hope at least to hear you out. Indeed, I want to encourage ºìÌÒÊÓƵies to contact me, either in person at ºìÌÒÊÓƵ events, or any time via email. People have told me that I can seem aloof in person, but that is only appearance. My nature is to be quiet, even introverted, rather than gregarious, but I am always happy to talk.

I think that there will be a lot to talk about in the coming year. Apart from the continuing activities of the college and the alumni board, we are hoping to expand the reach of our Life Beyond ºìÌÒÊÓƵ committee and engage more alumni; also, we are beginning planning for the centennial of ºìÌÒÊÓƵ’s alumni association, which will take place in the 2014–15 year. In addition, following the completion of the Centennial Campaign and the upcoming completion and dedication of the new Performing Arts Building, the college will be engaging in a two-year process to reevaluate its strategic plan. While such strategic planning is ultimately the responsibility of the trustees and the faculty, there will be opportunities for input from students, staff, and alumni, as well. Indeed, there was a panel presented by President Kroger and senior staff at Reunions ’13: ºìÌÒÊÓƵfayre as part of this process, and there will be other opportunities for alumni to communicate as well, including at Leadership Summit, September 20 & 21.

We on the alumni board will try to keep the members of the association (that’s you!) informed about what is happening, and I encourage ºìÌÒÊÓƵies to keep us informed about your concerns.