V10.6 NEWS FROM SU FOR ALUMNI
News from SU for Alumni (Vol. 10 No. 6)
June 25, 2008
An Electronic Newsletter for Southwestern University Alumni
Please Note: University offices will be closed on Fridays beginning July 4 (a regular University holiday), and for the next four Fridays, July 11, 18, 25, and August 1.
GETCONNECTED:
Register for the Online Alumni Directory. IT’S FREE! Update your own information and look up friends. Contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations for your personal registration number. Through the online directory, be sure to update your preferred e-mail address so you don’t miss announcements about upcoming events!
FEATURED STORIES:
Alumni Measure Interest in a Columbarium
Alumni Friendship Stories
Changes in Alumni and Parent Relations Staffing
ALUMNI NEWS:
Get Involved: Become an Alumni Volunteer
Alumnus Needs Platelet Donations
Save the Date – Homecoming and Reunion Weekend
End-of-Year Giving – Receive a 400% return on your investment in Southwestern University!
Refer a Prospective Student Online
Alumni Connection Group News
Local Association Happenings
2008 Class Reunions - Look Who’s PLANNING to Come!
Exciting Career Opportunity in Development
Class Notes Spotlight
Join The Association LinkedIn Group!
Check out “The List”
LIFELONG LEARNING:
Chautauqua Institution 2008 Summer Program and Group Rates
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS:
Women’s Golf Takes Third in the Nation
Computer Cluster Help with Southwestern’s Research Projects
Professor Mary Visser’s Artwork to be Displayed in Conjunction with Beijing Olympics
Dirk Early Named Associate Dean of the Brown College
Southwestern Students Set Up Refurbished Computers in Honduras
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Colorado Association Happy Hour – July 10
Dallas Association Day of Service – July 12
Bay Area Association Potluck Barbecue – July 12
Washington, D.C. Association Ballpark Event – July 13
Bay Area Association Third Thursday Happy Hour – July 17
Fort Worth Area Association Networking Happy Hour – July 17
Houston Association Happy Hour – July 17
Greater Georgetown Association Pirates at the Ballpark – July 28
Dallas Association Water Tower Theater Event – August 7
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend – Nov. 7-9
Volunteer Leadership Weekend – Jan. 30-31, 2009
FEATURED STORIES:
Alumni Measure Interest in a Columbarium
Is the Southwestern University campus a place that is special to you? For many alumni, it feels like home. Perhaps, because it is a place of learning and where many meet their spouses or lifelong friends, it feels sacred. That sentiment prompted a group of alumni to think about whether Southwestern could be their final resting place, too. So, a conversation began with President Jake Schrum ’68 about the possibility of building a columbarium on the campus. A columbarium is a structure with niches that serve as a burial vault for the containment of urns holding cremated human remains. Now, the group is trying to measure interest in this project. Click here to read their letter and see a conceptual drawing of the proposed columbarium.
Alumni Friendship Stories
This spring, we asked alumni to send us their stories of lifelong friendships formed when they were students at Southwestern. The response was enormous! Thank you to everyone who submitted surveys and pictures. We will be featuring your stories this summer on The Association Web site and in Southwestern magazine. Visit http://www.sugrads.org to see each week’s featured friends.
Changes in Alumni and Parent Relations Staffing
Two members of the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations staff will be leaving the University this summer. JoAnn Lucero, associate director of alumni relations, is moving to the San Francisco Bay area; her last day is July 10. Megan Radison, associate director of alumni and parent relations, departed June 12 for Tampa, Fl. We are immensely grateful to JoAnn and Megan for their contributions to alumni and parent programs. During their collective eight years of service, they helped: elevate Southwestern’s Homecoming and reunion programs resulting in two consecutive years of record-setting attendance, launch 13 local associations, roll out an online alumni community, expand volunteer opportunities and increase the quality and frequency of alumni communications. Both will be greatly missed. If you or anyone you know is interested in a career in alumni relations, please view the job posting on the Human Resources Web site.
ALUMNI NEWS:
Get Involved: Become an Alumni Volunteer
Interested in becoming involved in The Association of Southwestern University Alumni? Click here to fill out a volunteer interest form and learn about the many ways you can get involved.
Alumnus Needs Platelet Donations
An alumnus who had a bone marrow transplant needs platelets from donors with blood type B+. If you can make donations in the Houston Medical Center area, please contact Jennifer Cassano or contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at 800-960-6363.
Save the Date – Homecoming and Reunion Weekend
Have you marked your calendar for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend (Nov. 7-9, 2008)? If so, let us know! Complete the “Save the Date” survey so that we know that you plan to attend. By completing this survey, you will assist us in developing our “Look Who’s Planning to Come” list. (Please note: this survey is not the official registration form for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.) If you have questions concerning Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations or visit The Association of Southwestern University Alumni Web site.
End-of-Year Giving - Receive a 400% return on your investment in Southwestern University!
As another academic and fiscal year comes to an end, President Schrum shared some exciting news. Southwestern friend and former Trustee Chair, John Duncan and his wife, Brenda, have made a generous gift to The Southwestern Fund to encourage others to contribute before June 30 to meet The Southwestern Fund goal. The Duncan's made this gift in honor of their granddaughter, Emily Duncan '05. They will match your gift 4 to 1.
You can mail your gift to: (must be postmarked by June 30, 2008)
Southwestern University
Development Office
1001 E. University Ave.
Georgetown, TX 78626
You can also make a credit card gift (Visa or MasterCard) by calling us at 800-960-6363, extension 1482 (Susan Stubbs), or by making your gift online. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of Southwestern students. Also, remember to keep up with the Adventures of Captain Ruter at http://www.southwestern.edu/captainruter/.
Refer a Prospective Student Online
The recruitment climate for the best students is competitive and the admission staff is always interested in learning about potential students for whom the University may be a good fit. How can you recognize a student who may be a good fit? In the first-year class that enrolled Fall 2007, half ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class. Eighty-two percent graduated in the top quarter of their class. Southwestern’s average SAT and ACT scores continue to be well above the national average. And, most students who enroll at Southwestern have taken honors and AP classes during their high school career. Now you can refer prospective students online so that they receive an Admission Information Packet. Click here to refer a student you know!
Alumni Connection Group News
Alumni working or interested in working in the world of finance, banking and financial planning are invited to join in professional networking, career mentoring and other professional, social and service-oriented activities through a new Finance Alumni Connection Group. Please contact Alumni Connection Groups Chair Blake Stanford ’81 to participate.
Alumni working or otherwise involved in the non-profit sector are forming an Alumni Connection Group to engage in networking, professional development, student mentoring and other professional, social and service-oriented activities. Please contact Alumni Connection Groups Chair Blake Stanford ’81 to participate.
For a list of current Alumni Connection Groups and for information about the affiliation process, visit The Association Web site or contact Amanda Randall, assistant director of alumni relations.
Local Association Happenings
Check out what local associations are doing across the country! Many local association officers are planning events for 2008. If you have any recommendations for events in your area or are interested in starting a local association, contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, at 800-960-6363.
The Bay Area Association plans Potluck Barbecue – July 12
The Big Apple Association recruits additional volunteers – Contact alumni@southwestern.edu for more information!
The Colorado Association plans Happy Hour – July 10
The Dallas Association plans for Day of Service – July 12
The Fort Worth Area Association organizes Networking Happy Hour – July 17
The Greater Austin Association welcomes new officer, Veronica Garza ’07
The Greater Georgetown Association coordinates a Round Rock Express game – July 28
The Houston Association plans Happy Hour – July 17
The Los Angeles Area Association plans to attend Dodgers game - TBD
The Metropolitan Phoenix Association to organize theater event
The Missouri-Kansas Association creates Alumni Interest Survey. Offer your feedback!
The San Antonio Area Association welcomes new Communications Chair, Wendy Smith ’88
The Washington, D.C. Association organizes 3rd Annual Nationals Ballgame Event – July 13
2008 Class Reunions - Look Who’s PLANNING to Come!
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend is the perfect time to return to the Southwestern University campus, spend time with friends, become reacquainted with classmates, visit with faculty, take classes and enjoy all the activities that are a part of Homecoming. To find out who is celebrating a class reunion, visit the 2008 Class Reunions Web site. You will find detailed information for all class reunions on these pages. Click below for more information. Interested to know who is already planning to come? Visit the “Look Who’s PLANNING to Come” Web page.
Class of 1948: 60th Reunion – Launches Their Class Web Site!
Class of 1958: 50th Reunion – Launches Their Class Web Site!
Class of 1963: 45th Reunion – Launches Their Class Web Site!
Class of 1968: 40th Reunion – Launches Their Class Web Site!
Class of 1973: 35th Reunion – Celebrates with the 1970s Decade!
Class of 1978: 30th Reunion – Plans a Reception with 1970s Alumni!
Class of 1983: 25th Reunion – Launches Their Class Web Site!
Class of 1988: 20th Reunion – Launches Their Class Web Site!
Class of 1993: 15th Reunion – Launches Their Class Web Site!
Class of 1998: 10th Reunion – Come to the Party! Don’t Miss Out!
Class of 2003: 5th Reunion – Check Out Our Class Web Site!
Exciting Career Opportunity in Development
Southwestern University, now in the final stretch of the most ambitious fundraising campaign, Thinking Ahead: The Southwestern Campaign, seeks a fundraising professional to join its development staff. This is a special opportunity to join a high performing team that is fully engaged in support of Southwestern’s mission. The Director of Gift & Estate Planning will oversee the University’s Planned Giving program while developing long-term relationships with alumni, parents and friends of the University and soliciting current and deferred gifts in support of the institution’s priorities. For more information about this position, please visit the Human Resources Web site.
Class Notes Spotlight
Have you heard? Rev. Martin Gutzmer ’72 served the United Methodist Church for 35 years in the New Mexico Conference, the Rocky Mountain Conference and the Central Illinois Conference. He and his wife, Anne, will retire this month to a small farm in Bishop Hill, Ill., where they have honeybees, grapevines and many other interests. See what your classmates are up to by visiting Class Notes online. While you are there, submit your own class note!
Join The Association LinkedIn Group!
Are you LinkedIn? If you are using this professional online networking tool, join The Association of Southwestern University Alumni Group and connect with other members of the alumni community.
Click here to join The Association of Southwestern University LinkedIn Group.
Check out “The List”
Southwestern University alumni and faculty are accomplishing great things on a daily basis. Now The Association Web site (www.sugrads.org) has a special page that provides details on news like upcoming performances, speaking engagements, television appearances and much more – we’re calling it “The List.” If you would like to include an item on “The List,” please e-mail the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations. And, don’t forget to view “The List” online!
LIFELONG LEARNING:
Chautauqua Institution 2008 Summer Program and Group Rates
If you are looking for an enriching, relaxing experience for you and your family this summer, the Chautauqua Institution is offering a special, all-inclusive group rate for Southwestern University alumni. The Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit organization that offers programs and facilities for spiritual renewal, intellectual stimulation and art appreciation. Among its amenities are accommodations at the Athenaeum Hotel, performance venues, golf, tennis, and educational and recreational facilities. Southwestern University learned about the educational offerings of Chautauqua Institution through the Institutions new director of education Sherra Haygood Babcock ’70. If you attend this summer, please share your experience with the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations as we are exploring the possibility of designating a Southwestern week at Chautauqua for Summer 2009. For more information about the Chautauqua Institution and details about the 2008 program, visit http://www.ciweb.org/.
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS:
Women’s Golf Takes Third in the Nation
The women’s golf team improved on its showing at the NCAA Division III Championship by finishing third in 2008. The Pirates finished behind defending national champion Methodist University and Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) member DePauw University. Marisa Mauldin ’09, Kristen Davenport ’10 and Delilah Dominguez ’09 all received All-America laurels for the 2008 season. Southwestern was one of only two teams in the nation to have three All-Americans.
Computer Cluster Help with Southwestern’s Research Projects
This summer, two Southwestern professors plan to set up a computer “cluster” that will enable people to contribute unused computer time to Southwestern University research projects. Steve Alexander, associate professor of physics, and Walt Potter, professor of math and computer science, received $22,000 from Southwestern’s Fleming Collaborative Research and Creative Activity Program to support the project. Click here to read more.
Professor Mary Visser’s Artwork to be Displayed in Conjunction with Beijing Olympics
The Olympics include an artistic component and that many cultural events take place in conjunction with the games. This year there will be two artistic exhibitions traveling around China in conjunction with the Olympic games in Beijing. Mary Visser, professor of art, was one of a group of artists worldwide selected to be included in an exhibition titled “e-form” that will be devoted to the relatively new art medium known as rapid prototyping. The exhibition will travel to the Beijing Today Art Museum in October, to the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art in November, and to a museum in the southern China city of Chongqing in December. Click here to read more.
Dirk Early Named Associate Dean of the Brown College
Dirk Early has been named associate dean of the Brown College of Arts and Sciences at Southwestern University. He will begin a three-year term in the position at the start of the 2008-2009 academic year. As associate dean, Early will be responsible for strengthening the college’s academic programs, helping set budget priorities for the college and articulating needs of the faculty to the administration. Click here to read more.
Southwestern Students Set Up Refurbished Computers in Honduras
In April, Southwestern students, faculty and staff members boxed up approximately 125 computers and monitors to send to children in Honduras. This month, several of those involved with the project traveled to Honduras to help install the computers. Click here to read more.
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