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Vol. 20, No. 2 - Spring 2004
President's
letter
 Alumni Society
Pop artist and cultural icon Andy Warhol once said that everyone will
be famous for 15 minutes. This past April, several alumni and students
had their 15 minutes of fame when they were honored as recipients of
alumni society scholarships and distinguished alumni awards.
What a pleasure it was to recognize education alumni who have made
their mark in the classroom and in the world and to present
scholarships to our future education professionals. Their stories and
accomplishments inspire us and leave no doubt that College of
Education and Human Development students and alumni have contributed
in so many important ways to our society.
It is through the generosity of alumni and friends that we are able to
grant scholarships to students through our Alumni Society Endowed
Scholarship Fund. Recently, we asked several donors what inspired them
to give to the scholarship fund. Many recalled the great education
they received at the “U” and the impact it has had on their lives. One
said, “The world needs teachers and I want to make sure they are
around.” That fits with psychologist and philosopher William James who
said, “The great use of life is to spend it for something which
outlasts it.” Gifts to the endowed scholarship fund will do that and
make a difference. Others commented on the wonderful memories of
campus and the “Golden Gopher spirit.” We thank everyone who has given
to the college to help this next generation of educators attain their
degrees. Our scholarship fund continues to grow and with your help
next year we will be able to award even more scholarships.
Our alumni society’s busy year comes to a close in June. We are proud
of the programs and activities we offered during the year to students
and alumni. Hats Off! to outgoing Michael Jerpbak, Art Sesma, and Geri
Skogen for their dedicated service on the alumni society board of
directors. We will miss them.
This spring the University of Minnesota Alumni Association’s year-long
“Century of Memories” centennial celebration ends. As UMAA begins its
101st year of serving the University through advocacy, connections,
and spirit, I urge you to
become a member of the UMAA or to renew your membership and become
a part of a second century of creating memories. As Garrison Keillor
said, “We were lucky to have come here.”
Robert A. Koenig, Ph.D., ’73
president, CEHD Alumni Society
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