Alumni News
Dear Clark Alumni,
Before I mention anything else, I'm pleased to announce that we have a new director of Alumni Affairs. Aixa Kidd joined our team in October from the Boston Conservatory, where she was assistant dean of Student Affairs. She also has experience in human resources, student support services and event management. Some of you may have met Aixa during Homecoming/Family Weekend. I know you will enjoy meeting her at events throughout the year as well. Please join me in welcoming Aixa to Clark. Don't forget that our friend Bill Bennett M.P.A. '97 has a new position as director of the Clark Fund.
A few weeks ago while at my local gym (something I cannot say very often), I saw a guy there wearing a Clark T-shirt. I introduced myself and learned that this guy, Rich, graduated just a few years after I did. We talked, and he reminded me of a few important things that I wanted to share with all of you.
The first, as often said by Tom Dolan '62, is to wear Clark on your sleeve. As Clark alumni, you have many reasons to be proud. Clark continues to be recognized as an outstanding university, and the most recent classes have been among the most competitive and accomplished. As many of you know, Clark is again included in the popular college guide "Colleges that Change Lives," by Loren Pope, and was named one of 25 Saviors of Our Cities by Evan Dobelle, president of the New England Board of Higher Education (see page 4). So, talk about your Clark experiences with incoming students, future students in your neighborhood or other people who cross your path. Volunteer with the Alumni Association and continue to participate in the life of this great University.
A big thank you goes out to all the alumni and parent admissions volunteers for all they did to recruit students for the class of 2010. You made a difference in the admissions process for Clark and these students. Sincere gratitude also goes out to those of you who hosted the various summer receptions over the past few months. Several of our alumni communities held special "kick off" receptions in June and July, bringing together current students and alumni to welcome the incoming class and their families to Clark.
Another point my new friend reminded me about was the uniqueness of the Clark experience. The learning opportunities and environment at Clark often help to define who we are today. Many of us continue to live the "Challenge Convention, Change Our World" motto in our professional, personal, and/or family life. Many of us are proud of the unique perspective that we are able to share with our colleagues, fellow volunteers, neighbors and family. With the start of a new academic year, I am excited to see the energy on campus and to look at the bright new faces joining our Clark family. During Homecoming on September 15–16, many of you enjoyed opportunities to interact with the new student body.
If you haven't had the time or opportunity to get involved in the past, I encourage you to get involved now. Talk about Clark, join the Alumni Association, mentor a current student, and help support the University by making a gift to the Clark Fund. Plan to join us for Reunion 2007 in May. Your efforts can really make a difference.
For more information about what's happening at Clark, check out our Web site at www.clarku.edu, call the Alumni Office, or e-mail me at richcaswell@comcast.net
Sincerely,
Rich Caswell '89
Alumni Association President
richcaswell@comcast.net
News from the Alumni and Parent Admissions program
The newest Clarkies are here!
In August, we welcomed 568 first-year students and 65 transfer students to campus. Your involvement in the Alumni and Parent Admissions Program (APAP), as adjunct members of the Admissions staff, played a key role in bringing these amazing students to Clark. As alumni and parents of current students, you represent Clark with the authority and credibility of experience. You add a unique dimension to the recruitment process that our prospective students and their parents find valuable. Thank you for your loyal and dedicated support of APAP and congratulations on a job well done.
Harold Wingood, associate provost and dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, reminds us that we operate in one of the "most competitive higher education markets in the world." Recruiting qualified students who will build on your or your child's legacy takes considerable effort, and the University needs to employ all of its assets to successfully enroll a class that is the "right fit." Over the past years, our application numbers have grown and so has our need for volunteers. This fall, with the help of President Bassett, the University is undertaking a comprehensive national APAP Membership Drive to help meet the demand we have for more alumni and parent volunteers.
Clark has a compelling story to tell and we need all hands on deck to tell it. Every college fair that goes un-staffed, every applicant to whom we cannot offer an interview, every high school that does not have a liaison are missed opportunities to talk about the benefits of studying at a University that places the highest value on active learning, making a difference, and experiencing diverse cultures. We need to take every opportunity to recruit students who will impact the world in the Clark tradition.
Your involvement in APAP is more essential than ever. Help us keep our program moving forward while we develop new activities and welcome and train new volunteers who will broaden and strengthen the way we serve our audiences and the University. If you haven't done so already, please update your membership at www.clarku.edu/apap.
The APAP staff looks forward to working with you again to enroll the Class of 2011 with students who will honor your legacy. Together we have the power to shape the future of the University.
Your gifts of time and self are truly appreciated.
Warm regards,
Judy Earls
Director, Alumni and Parent Admissions Program
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