Clark University - Clarknews spring 2006
Alumni news and notes (spring 2006)
Dear Clark Alumni,
This is my last letter to you as president of the Alumni Association. I cannot believe two years have gone by so quickly. It has been a pleasure to work on your behalf.
As I had indicated in past communication with you, the Alumni Association and Board of Trustees are in the process of changing the bylaws regarding the Alumni Trustee Election. The Nominating Committee of the Alumni Association’s Executive Board hopes this change will increase alumni participation by broadening the nomination process for Alumni Trustee candidates. The suggested bylaw change would streamline the election process and allow the Alumni Association Executive Board to present the best candidates for consideration to the Board of Trustees. The trustees have taken their first vote to move forward with this change. The second vote, needed to make the change, is expected to take place at the Board meeting on April 29.
For now, the current Alumni Trustee Election process continues. This year’s candidates are: Paula (O’Grady) Collins ’79, Janice Culpepper ’77 and Barbara Dyer ’73. I encourage you to read their statements online at www.clarku.edu/trusteeballot and then vote for the candidate you believe would best represent us on Clark’s Board of Trustees. You can also vote online at www.clarku.edu/trusteeballot (username: trustee; password: ballot) or use the postcard in this issue of Clarknews.
It’s my pleasure to join President Bassett and the Board of Trustees in welcoming Andrew (Andy) McGadney, Clark’s new vice president for University Advancement (see story page 2). Speaking on behalf of the Alumni Association, we look forward to working with Andy and all of University Advancement in moving Clark and the Alumni Association to a higher level of participation in the life of the University.
One place you certainly will get an opportunity to meet Andy will be at Reunion 2006—Alumni Weekend, May 19-21. Alumni reunion committees have been planning a fantastic weekend of events. I encourage you to come back to Clark to meet old friends and make new ones, and you definitely don’t want to miss the fun and thought-provoking “Back to the Classroom” sessions taught by Clark’s faculty and staff. You can register online, see who’s coming and get the most updated schedule of events at www.clarku.edu/reunion.
One event at Reunion I am both happy and saddened to highlight is the presentation of the Alumni Association’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Award, on Friday night during the Clambake. This year’s recipient, Patti Love ’81, will be honored with this award posthumously. Many of you will remember that Patti was taken away from us tragically and suddenly this past year. Her tireless efforts for the Alumni Association are not easily matched. This will be a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to someone who has given so much to the University. I only wish the circumstances were different.
As I come to the close of my two years as Alumni Association President, I wish the best to incoming President Rich Caswell ’89 and the other Executive Board members (full listing online at www.clarku.edu/alumni). Rich’s enthusiasm and commitment to Clark will serve him well in his new role.
I would like to thank the Executive Board members for their hard work over the last two years. Their efforts have resulted in new Alumni Communities around the world, have brought some amazing new students to campus and have helped increase alumni participation in the Clark Fund.
I would also like to thank past presidents Elyse Darefsky ’79, Dimitry Anselme ’93 and Larry Hershoff ’71 for their advice and friendship; the Alumni and University Advancement staff for being there whenever I needed them; and my friend, Alumni Director Bill Bennett M.P.A. ’97, without whom I could never have done this job.
Lastly, I thank all of you. I hope you continue to stay involved with Clark, as I certainly will.
Sincerely,
Faith Linsky '76
Alumni Association President
Flinsky@alumni.clarku.edu
News from the Alumni and Parent Admissions program
The admissions cycle continues to turn. For high-school seniors, the college search is drawing to a close, for juniors it has begun in earnest. Our Alumni and Parent Admissions Program (APAP) alumni and parent members continue to support the admissions staff in our efforts to yield and recruit qualified students for the University.
In early March, the Admissions Committee met to review the more than 4,700 applications submitted to Clark. By April, seniors received their decision letters and began more closely considering Clark before making their final decision. April is a busy month for us. The University offers tours, information sessions, personalized visits, online chats, phone calls and other opportunities to help admitted students and their families understand the benefits of a Clark education. As adjunct members of the admissions staff, we invite you to continue helping us in our efforts to encourage admitted students to enroll at Clark.
Our APAP alumni interviewers began this process in November by representing the University to applicants. Their participation enabled the University to offer 1,642 interviews. More than 1,300 interview reports have been returned to us and 918 face-to-face interviews took place, an amazing 28 percent increase over last year’s 665. These accomplishments speak volumes about the dedication and commitment of Clark’s alumni. They make a difference in the lives of our applicants and their families and give back to the University in a meaningful way.
The spring college fair season has also begun. Spring college fairs introduce Clark to high-school juniors who are beginning their college search. This spring, we are fortunate to have parent members of APAP joining members of the admissions staff at college fairs. Their presence has been well received by prospective parents and they add credibility to the way we represent the University.
On another note, I am genuinely pleased to announce that Harriet Fresolo has been appointed the assistant coordinator of APAP. Harriet joined us in a temporary capacity in September, and we are delighted she has agreed to stay on permanently. We have a great deal of work ahead of us, including a comprehensive membership drive and the development of the Clark Book Award Program. Harriet will be an asset in moving our program forward with these and other initiatives. I know you will continue to enjoy working with her as much as I do.
On behalf of the APAP team, I want to thank you for your continued participation in our many activities. We know we ask a lot of you and in the tradition of Clark’s “Make a Difference” signature, you come through time and time again. We appreciate all you do for APAP and the University.
Warm regards,
Judy Earls
Director, Alumni and Parent Admissions Program
|
