Vol. 19, No. 3 - Summer 2003

President's letter

Alumni Society

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Spring is a time for beginnings and endings. In nature, spring is a time for planting and rebirth. Bulbs that have been dormant sprout up as soon as the frost thaws and the sunshine warms the ground. It’s a time when we plant our flowers and vegetables which will blossom and bear fruit in the summer. On campus, spring is in full bloom!

In the academic cycle, spring is a time for completion of academic programs. It’s a time for students to say farewell to an institution that has provided them with the knowledge and expertise in their chosen profession. On May 15, our alumni society presented gifts of diploma covers to 500 graduates. And on June 5, we hosted a picnic for students completing their initial teaching licensure program. We welcome all of these graduates as new CEHD alumni and new UMAA members.

For me, personally, it’s the end of year as president of the alumni society. In review, I am proud to say that we have accomplished several goals. First, we started a new program, Alumni College, as a way for alumni to come back to campus for a day of learning and reconnecting with the college. Building on the initial success of this program, Alumni College 2003 will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, so save the date on your calendar! Another goal was to grow our student scholarship fund to the endowment level. This fund, which was started in November 2001, has blossomed to $25,000 and now enjoys endowment status. It was through your generosity as alumni and friends of the college that the scholarship fund is now a permanent legacy of our alumni society. And it was because of your generosity that our society was able to award $3,000 in scholarships to outstanding students at this year’s spring recognition and awards celebration.

Our society board leadership also goes through some endings at this time of the year. Board members Mary Endorf and Ruth Stewart have completed six years of loyal service. Their leadership and participation has been outstanding. Doug Gentile has finished his first three-year term and is moving to Iowa State University where he will be an assistant professor of psychology. We thank him for his service and wish him and his family the best. Barbara Tuckner, who has served as our collegiate society representative to the UMAA national board, has completed her term of service. Hats off to Mary, Ruth, Doug, and Barb for their hard work and dedication on behalf of the college.

We have a great alumni society with great board members. It has been a privilege to serve as your president.

Robert Koenig, Ph.D., ’73
Alumni Society president