Campuses:
By Roger Chamberlain, CFANS Alumni Society 2011–2012 board president
There are days when I am quite simply overwhelmed with the continuous drumbeat of life—how it just doesn’t seem to stop to offer one the opportunity to take a deep breath. It’s at these times it would be easy for me to say I just don’t have time for the CFANS Alumni Society. But then I get kicked back to reality (sometimes by Mary Buschette!) by remembering the value the Society provides to alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the university and college. I also remember that things get done because we band together—no one person on their own can accomplish all that is necessary.
The Alumni Society Board of Directors holds an annual board retreat—just a half day session—to focus on our purpose and what we’d like to see done during the coming year. Nearly every one of our board members attended this year’s retreat on July 12 and it was the start of what I am confident will be a rewarding year of activities and accomplishments. Here is a list of some of the just passed and upcoming board-sponsored activities along with the name of the person who has or will lead the event.
Golf Scramble for Scholarships—Scott Manwarren: This annual golf event is held at the U of M Golf Course. Golf registrations and a silent auction have raised about $150,000 over the past eight years and have already provided scholarships to roughly 45 students.
Borealis Night of Excellence—Val Aarsvold: Students, faculty, alumni and friends are recognized for excellence and service to CFANS.
Classes Without Quizzes—Shawn Haag: This annual, half-day event showcases research done by CFANS faculty through presentations to attendees. A kids’ program has been added to inspire children to love science.
Mentor Program—Paul Hugunin: This program matches students and professionals to help guide the student to a more rewarding college experience and to open more doors to professional opportunities.
Homecoming—Quincy Lewis and Bob Lefebvre: A week of Homecoming events is planned to bring alumni back to campus, to allow alumni and students to interact and to build university and CFANS spirit and loyalty.
Science Achievement Award—Kent Horsager: A program that reaches out to high school juniors to recognize academic achievement in science.
Not every leader is a member of the CFANS Alumni Society Board of Directors. We encourage any and all alumni to seek ways to get involved and give back to CFANS. If you see a program or event you have a keen interest in, please feel free to contact me or Mary Buschette, director of alumni and constituent relations. Maybe you have an idea for a new program or event. Let us know.
The CFANS Alumni Society Board is a working board. We get very involved in the planning and execution of sponsored events. However, we receive excellent support from staff, principally Mary Buschette, Darren Lochner and Holly Klinger. I extend a hearty “thank you” for their strong and ongoing contributions.
