December 2007

Dear Fellow Alumni,

If you had a chance to read the last issue of the Messenger, you know that one of my goals as president of the University of Delaware Alumni Association is to let you know about the great work of the Alumni Association and to encourage you to get involved. In an effort to accomplish this, I will be writing a letter in each issue of the Messenger to keep you informed.

I want to start by giving you a brief overview of the UD Alumni Association. The association is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of three officers, 18 directors, Satellite Association representatives and the immediate past president. Our work consists of supporting the University, creating opportunities for alumni to get involved, recognizing the achievements of alumni through various awards, helping students reach their full potential through scholarships and awards and recruiting and welcoming new students. The Office of Alumni Relations works closely with our board to implement our programs.

In order to help engage alumni and provide better connectivity for all, the association has funded an online community, which will be launched in early 2008. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to reconnect and network with fellow alumni.

The University and the Office of Alumni Relations are working toward a more vibrant alumni presence, better alumni volunteer engagement and an increase in alumni programming over the next 12-18 months. New initiatives will include a focus on young alumni and student programs, a revitalized Reunion Weekend and increased regional and affinity club activities. If you have ideas for programming, please send an e-mail to the Office of Alumni Relations at [AlumNet@udel.edu].

The last piece of information I’d like to leave you with is that we are looking for enthusiastic and spirited alumni to serve on our Board of Directors. Three men and three women are selected annually to serve three-year terms. The full board meets on the UD campus four times and year, and committees meet as needed, either via conference call or in person. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 18, 2008. Forms and additional information can be found at [www.udel.edu/alumni/alum/board.html].

I wish you all a healthy and happy 2008.

Sincerely,

Shanté Stargell Hastings ’00EG
President, UD Alumni Association