As an active member of the Claremont McKenna College Alumni Association since 1992, I am continually impressed with the dedication and commitment of our alumni volunteers. Their efforts to enhance Claremont McKenna College's reputation as a successful and prestigious institution have been remarkable and inspiring. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Alumni Association's incorporation, it is the CMCAA Board of Directors' intention that this year's activities and objectives celebrate all that we are and everything that we endeavor to become.

Throughout my tenure on the CMCAA Board of Directors, I have learned much about the history of our Association, its leaders, and its culture. Today, as a seasoned Board member, I better understand and appreciate the Association's mission to focus on helping the College's institutions, students, and alumni meet their growing needs. It is truly an honor to be the current CMCAA president and I am fortunate to follow in the footsteps of presidential predecessors who have set into motion many vital goals for the Alumni Association. Each made a unique contribution to the College and the Association, and it is from these innovative pioneers that I have selected my priorities for the coming year.

We will endeavor to strengthen the Alumni Association's stewardship of CMC, its institutions, and students through targeted volunteerism and financial support programs. By supporting these entities through either financial means or contribution of time and effort, the Alumni Association has the potential to create a dynamic network of information, experience, and resources.

We will continue to focus on delivering high-quality academic and social activities to meet the needs of our growing alumni population. As the lifestyles and stages of our alumni diversify, it will be imperative for us to acknowledge these differences and fine-tune our programs to meet the alumni's ever-changing needs.

Finally, the CMCAA Board of Directors and its committees will seek to expand upon the global identification, recruitment, and grooming processes for future CMCAA leaders, Board members, and volunteers. We plan to work together on succession planning for not only the Board but also the chapters around the world. Emerging technologies have made remote communication and participation a reality, so that we can begin to nationalize our Board without being constrained by physical proximity. We will employ these channels to recruit, mentor, and groom qualified alumni for future volunteer leadership positions.

Through the implementation of these initiatives, I plan to build upon the legacy of the past and strive for "Alumni Excellence" for the future. The CMCAA Board of Directors and I will consider ourselves successful if we have made demonstrable progress in each of these three areas.

We welcome and encourage your participation to help us achieve these initiatives, as well as the many other activities of the Alumni Association. It is a great way to work with and serve the College and its current students, while reconnecting and building new bonds with the extraordinary individuals that make up our alumni population.

Back to Table of Contents