Last summer I invited you to consider investing your cognitive, temporal and financial resources in support of our alma mater and its Alumni Association. I guaranteed a positive return on investment (ROI), and I believe all who chose to do so would agree the rewards are greater than the cost.

Now it's time to report on our progress regarding the three priorities the board of directors established for the Alumni Association for 2004-2005.

Using a comprehensive, self-study process, we analyzed goals, objectives, programs and structure – to ensure that we were not only doing things right, but doing the right things. The process helped us refine our mission, update our strategic focus, and suggested additional steps to ensure the Alumni Association remains relevant. We are using what we learned to restructure the association into a more representative and responsive organization.

We worked with Provost Tom Isenhour and other leaders to “Connect and Involve” alumni and their association more meaningfully in the academic life of our university. We explored potential roles, partnerships and collaborations to bring alumni and their association closer to the core and essence of the university – its academic mission and programs.

During this process we recognized that we can do a better job of creating opportunities for increased alumni participation within existing college and departmental organizations, and that the board of directors can increase support for these organizations’ events, programs and activities. We also believe the board needs to more closely align membership identification, selection and participation with the colleges and departments, and we will use a newly constituted Membership Committee to do so.

Your Alumni Association has explored other opportunities to assist President Runte, Vice President for Development Alonzo Brandon ’85 and other university representatives and volunteers in support of the capital campaign. We also have chartered new chapters and presented awards to outstanding graduates. We even had a chance to get alumni together to cheer on our student-athletes and helped the university leadership look at the potential for bringing football back to our campus.

At commencement ceremonies last December and May, we welcomed new graduates to the alumni family and recognized many students. We worked with President Runte, Gov. Warner and other elected leaders to foster a partnership designed to develop effective higher education policies for the commonwealth and bring Old Dominion’s funding to a more equitable level.

It has been a pleasure and honor to serve you as president of the Alumni Association. Old Dominion University transformed my life, and the only way I can repay the debt I feel is to pay it forward to today’s students, faculty and alumni. As your Alumni Association prepares to join the celebration of ODU’s 75th anniversary, I again invite you to become active participants by helping to honor the past and shape the future of our alma mater.

Yours for Old Dominion,
Gordon McDougall ’80
ODU80@aol.com