This and That
June 4, 2012 § 2 Comments
It’s hard to believe that a year has already passed since I launched this blog and, as of July 1, 2012, it will have been a year since I accepted the baton from my friend Larry Bashe and became President of the SU Alumni Association. What a year it’s been! Although much has been accomplished (and obstacles and issues have been overcome), there is still more to be done. I am so grateful to have such a dedicated and passionate Alumni Board, as well as supportive and hardworking staff members at the SU Office of Alumni Relations and the Office of Development, among others within and outside the University, with whom to partner in setting and achieving our goals. I look forward to a successful 2012-2013 year ahead, my second and final year as President of the SUAA, and to continuing and enhancing the great tradition of the Association as an integral part of the University’s outreach to its alumni.
Commencement – Simply stated, it was an incredible experience. For those of you who were not there or have not yet had a chance to view the video of the entire event or of Aaron Sorkin’s highly praised address, I urge you to do so. For me, witnessing it in person was the highlight of my first year. It was so exciting to meet Aaron Sorkin, to process with the other Trustees and dignitaries and to welcome the graduates to the family of SU alumni. A video of the event can be found at:
http://video.syr.edu/Video.aspx?vid=ncFyac2xKUmQUGPy8nY6qQ
Retirement of Board Members and Nomination of President-Elect, New Vice President and New Board Members – At the Annual Forever Orange Dinner, held this year on April 21, 2012, we said our goodbyes to the following members: Larry Bashe (who completed his term as Past President); Anthony Fulton; Laura Holland; Bonnie Kong; and Neal Casey. I want to thank each of them again for their years of service to the Board and for everything else they have done and will do for SU. We will miss them and their wit and wisdom. At the Board’s semi-annual meeting on April 21-22, 2012, the members also unanimously adopted the following recommendations of the Nominating Committee to fill open positions on the Board, formal approval of which by the Association is expected at its annual meeting on June 15, 2012:
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President-Elect – Laurie B. Taishoff
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Vice President – Robert P. Mitchell
- Vice President – Gisele A. Marcus
- General Board Member – Reginald Acloque
- General Board Member – Andrew Laver
- General Board Member – Doug Sherk
- Alumni Trustee – Deryck Palmer
SUccess in the City Events – Beginning this month, these events are held around the country for our newest alumni to network with established SU alumni, members of their local alumni club, and other recent SU grads and make valuable connections that will serve them well throughout their career. It is a great opportunity for them to meet SU alumni working in many industries, as well as for them to learn how to: strategize their job search; make themselves a marketable job candidate; pick up useful tips on networking; practice their networking skills in an informal setting; and join their local alumni club. Information regarding the dates, times and locations can be found at:
http://www.syr.edu/alumni/events/SITC12.html.
New Student Send-offs – Right on the heels of the Success in the City events are the New Student Send-offs occurring throughout the country. These are designed to make the leap to life as a college student a little easier and to bring new students together in an informal gathering so that they can get to know other first-year students from their area even before they get to campus. Current students and alumni will also be on hand to answer questions, provide the inside scoop on what to expect during the first few weeks at SU, and give the new students their first dose of Orange spirit. Parents are invited too. This year a number of SU Trustees will be either hosting or attending some of the Send-offs. For more information, see:
http://readyset.syr.edu/orientation/student-send-off
Other Important Dates to Note – There are many other upcoming events and dates to note, including:
August 23rd – 26th – Syracuse Welcome – Orientation – The Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs will be hosting Syracuse Welcome, its award-winning New Student Orientation Program. This program is devoted to helping first-year students make a successful transition to SU.
September 8th– SU v. USC Football Game – The SU football team will host the USC Trojans at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey to try to avenge the loss suffered last year at the LA Coliseum.
October 5th – 7th – Family Weekend – The SU Parents Office will welcome all family and friends of current SU students back to campus for fun-filled weekend. The SU football team will host the University of Pittsburgh Panthers on Friday, October 5th.
November 9th – 11th – Orange Central 2012 - This is an annual tradition for the SU community to celebrate Orange pride. The Office of Alumni Relations will host Orange Central, which will include a wide array of events – from tours to cultural exhibits to academic programs. The weekend will also include the annual Arents Awards program, and a SU football game against the University of Louisville on Saturday, November 10th. For more information on Orange Central 2012, connect with the Office of Alumni Relations at
sualumni@syr.edu, or visit http://www.syr.edu/alumni/.
I wish all of you a very enjoyable summer. Go Orange!
Brian
I completed my studies at Syracuse in 1979 and attended the 1980 graduation program. I live and work at Tubman University in Maryland, Liberia. Frankly, I am elated by the missive you wrote to the 2012 graduates. It rekindled my resolve to serve Liberia’s disadvantaged students, and sparked a new urge to tell all that Syracuse helped engender said resolve.
Thanks, Mr. President. Go Orange!
William E. Harris
The article you addressed to the 2012 graduates rekindled my desire to serve and grow professionally.
Go Orange!
William E. Harris, 1979/1980