All alumni can take pride in Association's success

Dear Fellow Alumni:
It has been a busy year and many positive things have been accomplished. The alumni board, staff and all alumni should be proud of the hard work by many individuals who made it happen. As I turn over my responsibility of leading the Association to Tom Sweeney '72, I am confident we are on a solid path toward continued growth and success. Some highlights from the past year include:

  • Going live with our award-winning Web site, www.odu.edu/~alumni, which provides an effective way for alumni to stay in touch.
  • Meeting with members of Prides and enthusiastic alumni across the country. Philadelphia, Raleigh, Northern Virginia, Houston and New England were just a few of my stops. We now have over 70,000 alumni throughout the country.
  • Establishing affinity programs that provide significant financial resources to ensure the Association's ability to accomplish its mission of service.
  • Presenting awards to distinguished alumni and students. We can all be proud of their accomplishments.
  • Having the Alumni Office move to its new home in Webb Center, a more visible location that provides the Association greater access to current students (future alumni).
  • Developing stronger relationships with Athletics, Admissions, Career Management and Student Services.
  • Meeting with President Koch, the Board of Visitors, deans and Educational Foundation to share our plans for the future by working together.

    Finally, the completion of the Strategic Plan, which has been many years in the works, will provide guidance and direction for the future leadership of the Association. Our mission and vision statements have been nationally recognized as examples for other institutions to emulate. Call the Alumni Office to request a copy of the Strategic Plan. Learn about your Association and become more involved. Let's make the plan a reality!

    I would like to thank my board and Executive Committee, whose time, effort and expertise enabled us to accomplish so much, and the staff, who went well beyond what was called for to make this year a tremendous success. Also, a special thanks to my wife, Lynne, and the boys, who were real supporters during the time I spent on university efforts throughout the past year.

    I greatly appreciate the opportunity to lead this organization and the wonderful memories I will take with me.

    -Steven E. Winter '80
    1997-98 President
    Alumni Association

    OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY ALUMNEWS