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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Looking Ahead

Hello Alumni and Friends,

As I approach the final months of this post, I’d like to reflect on the opportunities and strengths of the Alumni Group and the responsibilities we share in our collective future.  One of the real virtues of my position has been the continued ties with our alumni.  Over the past 20 years, our Alumni Group has gathered considerable support from several directors and we now enjoy an excellent information system, periodic meetings, allied events, and effective ties with our College and University.

As you know, we send out two issues of our RESOURCES newsletter annually to more than 4700 alums and friends throughout the world. Its dual purpose is updating everyone on the School’s progress, with a further section devoted to alumni news.  From all indications, it serves these needs well. Typically, when meeting our alumni, we inquire about the receipt of RESOURCES and secure pertinent comments thereof.  Everything has been positive.  In fact, a few years ago we asked whether an electronic version might better serve your needs (also saving the School on expenses).  About 15% were in favor of e-mail delivery, but the majority opted to retain the “hard copy” system.  Please keep in mind that the annual printing and mailing of RESOURCES costs the School about $14 thousand.  As such, during our next Alumni Group Meeting (April 18), we should consider a better means for sharing this cost.  I’ll also remind you that the School  supports the Ellen Manno position in her role as Assistant Director for Special Programs.  Nearly 50% of her time is directed to RESOURCES, graduate surveys on employment, and the coordination of our Alumni Group.

Which brings me to the future affairs of our group.  Over the past few years your alumni leadership effectively planned and presented the Centennial Celebrations.  But now what?  Where can we effectively engage our alumni relative to the School’s future?  Conveniently, the School’s next strategic plan for ’09 - ’14 will be started this coming fall, including a portion on stakeholder relations and the Alumni Group.  What does this organization need and expect from Penn State?   In reciprocal fashion, what can the School expect from our alumni?  I’ll offer four suggestions on Alumni Group responsibilities, the first of which has already been presented:

1. Share in the financial responsibility of creating and distributing RESOURCES. Perhaps we need to establish some form of endowment that will contribute a better share toward annual needs.

2. Assist the School in critiquing the professional worthiness of our undergraduate majors.  Take the time, either as individuals or as elected members of our Alumni Board, in responding to forthcoming surveys on our majors.  If interested, please volunteer to Ellen Manno (814-863-5831, exr2@psu.edu).

3. Establish a stronger information-flow system on summer and permanent employment opportunities for our students.  These young people recognize the need for experience but require first-hand news on these opportunities.  Contact Jamie Murphy for further details (814-863-0362, jam563@psu.edu).

4. Participate in the next Penn State Capital Campaign.  Its emphasis will be on student support by way of endowed scholarships and allied teaching needs.  Toward this endeavor, I’m hoping that our Alumni Group will provide added momentum in the organization of class gifts for School students.

That’s it -- there are your marching orders.  My ties with our alumni and Alumni Group have been one of the most enjoyable aspects of this position.  You are one of the strongest and most active set of alumni within our College and University.  And I’m confident that our assembly will better serve ourselves and this University.  After all, “We are Penn State” !

Cheers,  Chuck Strauss

Penn State | College of Agricultural Sciences | School of Forest Resources