Since I am writing this with just a few days left in my term as president, this is my “adieu” message. Many exciting things have taken place this year, not because of me, but probably in spite of me. I simply have gotten out of the way to let this fantastic group of association professionals do their work.
Connie White and Michael Carmody continue to produce magazines with fascinating articles that capture one’s imagination. Paul Werner, our financial expert, performs his work with the precision of a trained surgeon. He is an auditor’s delight — and an excellent steward of our finances. Robin Bauer continues to stage events that consistently receive rave reviews.
I pester Donna Mies, our executive assistant, almost daily. She always responds to my many requests in a timely and accurate fashion — with a cheerful, yet professional demeanor. John Jones catapulted us into the computer world. I often don’t know what he is talking about — and I am not sure if that’s because he talks in “techno speak” or because he is from New York. Lea Ann McIlvain laid a good foundation upon which Terrell Benton is adding a unique perspective in membership and alumni chapters and societies, which is an area we feel has a lot of potential for us. Margaret Ochs renews memberships and license plates at a fantastic rate, and the irrepressible Stacy Salters has helped us deal with the departure of the irreplaceable Shannon Giessel.
Yet Debbie Kennedy is our main stay. Her accomplishments are too numerous to list here, but anyone who has had the opportunity to interact with Debbie cannot help but be moved by her enthusiasm and her passion for the association and WSU.
If this staff feels as strongly about me as I will always feel about them, I asked them to give me a sign by not putting any pictures on the next page.
And I can’t imagine working with a better executive committee. I heard they referred to me as Captain Bligh, and although I don’t know what that means, I am certain it must be something good.
You have something very special in your alumni association. Tell all your friends about it because they should be part of our family. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your president. It has been an honor.
