Alumni news and notes (spring 2002)
Letter to alumni
Dear Clark Alumni,
I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce the Alumni Association's next president, Dimitry Anselme '93, who will take over this post when my term ends this May. Dimitry and incoming First Vice President Faith Linsky '76 have given exceptional service to Clark. I am confident that they will continue to advance our Strategic Plan and provide a strong voice for the Alumni Association. I urge you to support them in these efforts. We still have a lot to accomplish together.
One of the most recent and exciting developments for alumni is, of course, the new Alumni Online Community. This community offers a place for you to locate friends, share interests and experiences, gather and exchange information and learn about upcoming campus and area club events. More than 1,100 alumni have already registered for this free service, which is offered exclusively to Clark alumni and trustees. Our effort to use technology to connect alumni has the overwhelming support of Clark's trustees, President Bassett and Chief Information Officer Cathy Smith and her staff. I encourage all alumni to register and see what the online community has to offer (see inside back cover).
Another important initiative launched this year was the interview outreach effort led by the Alumni Admissions Program. As part of this initiative, alumni offered more than 1,000 and completed more than 500 admissions interviews this admissions cycle. Many of you participated in this effort, and we all thank you.
Other key developments this year include: the successful completion of the Clark 2000 capital campaign (see page 13); more than 40 well-attended regional events held across the country and around the world; the rejuvenation of six regional alumni clubs, with more to come; the ambitious activities of the Student Alumni Relations Committee, which hosted the District I Conference of the Association of Student Advancement Programs at Clark this spring; and ongoing preparation and planning for Reunion 2002, May 16‹19. I hope you are helping your class rise to the Reunion Giving Challenge. I look forward to crowning the victorious classes at Reunion.
Two special notes about Reunion this year: Lois Green M.P.A. '78 will receive this year's Distinguished Service Award, the Alumni Association's highest award for service and commitment to the University. Lois and her late husband Robert Green '49 have been some of Clark's biggest supporters. The award will be presented on Friday, May 17, at the Clambake.
Reunion 2002 will also feature a new Clark tradition: Members of the 50-Year Association and the Class of 1952 will lead the Commencement procession on Sunday, May 19. This will be an exciting conclusion to Reunion and the academic year, as well as a warm welcome to the Alumni Association's newest members.
Clark's history and traditions, new and old, strengthen our ties to the University and each other. I have enjoyed representing your interests, and I thank you for your involvement and support. I encourage you to continue to nurture your Clark connections and help spread Clark's message throughout your neighborhood, office and the world. Clark's past is in your memories, and its future is in your hands.
Sincerely,
Larry Hershoff '71
Alumni Association President
P.S. You will soon receive the 2002 Alumni Trustee ballot in the mail. Please vote for one of the three exceptional candidates (see page 16). You can also vote on line.
Alumni Admissions News
We have set a new standard in the Alumni Admissions Office. Our current interview initiative has generated outstanding results. I want to thank all of our alumni interviewers for their contributions.
As of March 1, we had offered 1,138 alumni-admissions interviews to applicants for the entering class of fall 2002. Although this is short of our goal of 1,500 interview offers, we have significantly exceeded our previous interview activity. During our current cycle, Alumni Admissions Program (AAP) members submitted reports for 750 completed assignments. The reports we received included 525 actual interviews‹more than double our previous interview results. The remainder were students who refused the interview or could not be reached.
We accomplished this by proactively offering alumni-admissions interviews. Prospective students who submitted their application prior to Jan. 15 who had not yet completed an admission interview were matched with an alumnus/a and offered the opportunity to interview locally. Prior to beginning interviews this fall, more than 300 AAP members agreed to conduct five admissions interviews each between the months of November and February. Also, four key alumni agreed to act as ³captains² to facilitate the interview process in their geographic areas. Thanks to Elyse Darefsky '79 in Greater Hartford, Conn., Jodi Reiskind '83 in New York City, Laura DiCesare '87 in Montgomery County, Md., and John Morrill '82 in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., for playing this important role in our interview initiative.
The key to our success rests in the AAP members who volunteered to meet with students, answer their questions and share their Clark experiences. Your involvement is not only a great way to give back to your alma mater, but also allows us to personalize the admissions process for our prospective students and their families. Your first-hand knowledge gives students a better understanding of Clark's unique qualities and the opportunities that come with a Clark degree. You bring Clark to life for these students.
Alumni involvement is essential to our success in the Alumni Admissions Program. You can help us continue to meet the needs of future Clarkies by volunteering just a little time. More than 500 of you are already doing just that, but there is more we can do with interviews, receptions and college fairs. Our programs are cyclical, and your time commitment will vary depending on the activities in which you choose to participate. Please write to me at tuber@clarku.edu and tell me how you would like to help.
Tricia Uber.'94
Program Coordinator
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