As a 19-year-old kid from small-town Nebraska, if you had told me that someday I would serve our university as Board Chair of the WSU Alumni Association, I would have laughed. Thirteen years have passed since my first semester at WSU, and I may still laugh, not out of disrespect, but shock (no pun intended!). As Shockers we share a special bond, and I want you, my fellow Shockers, to feel as excited about that bond as I do.
Our bond as Shockers is what allows us to celebrate the achievements and service of our alumni across a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. As in all of our magazine issues, this fall we highlight the contributions our alumni have made to the world. Each of their stories makes me proud to share an alma mater with them, and I hope will inspire you as it did me. From the artwork of the late John Davis and Bruce Conner, to following Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker from the hardwood of Koch Arena to the NBA, to the achievements of Boeing’s Leanne Caret, we have some special people in our Shocker family.
As an Association, we exist to promote WSU and all it has to offer in order to help ensure that others have the same opportunities to have wonderful experiences, and create lasting memories and relationships. If you have been sitting on the sidelines waiting to get involved, there are opportunities right now to contribute your time, talent and treasure. Whether it’s a program or event supporting athletics, fine arts, student recruitment, or alumni recognition, you don’t have to do everything, but I encourage you to do something.
On behalf of the entire board of directors and staff, we look forward to leading the WSUAA during what is arguably the most exciting time at our university in decades.
