Syracuse University Alumni Association Presidents Column

Syracuse University Magazine Spring 2016

http://sumagazine.syr.edu/2016spring/alumnijournal/suaacolumn.html

Join Us for Orange Central Homecoming

Save the dates of September 15-18 and join us for Orange Central Homecoming 2016! September is one of the most beautiful months of the year on campus, as the leaves begin to change colors and the energy of our students is palpable as they kick off the fall semester. Cheer on the football team as our players, under the leadership of new head coach Dino Babers, take on South Florida. Watch for information on special reunion celebrations for those members of a class ending in “1” or “6.” Additionally, the Office of Alumni Engagement is working to resurrect some exciting traditions at this year’s celebration, as well as to create new experiences that engage alumni returning to campus with young children. My wife, Rachelle (a fellow member of the Class of ’95), and young sons Andrew and Christopher are certainly looking forward to those experiences! I look forward to seeing you on campus for Orange Central Homecoming 2016.

As we prepare for Orange Central, we are excited to welcome Sue Ballard to Syracuse University. Ballard will lead our alma mater’s alumni engagement efforts, and I am confident that under her leadership, we will elevate our alumni program to one that is premier and forward-thinking—an engagement program that starts when a student steps foot on campus for the first time. Ballard is most looking forward to meeting as many alumni as she can— listening to your memories, hearing about your love for all things Orange, and learning firsthand what the Syracuse University experience meant to each one of you. I hope you will join me in giving her a warm welcome to SU!

I’d also like to extend a warm thank you to our alumni clubs/groups around the world. Without the commitment of volunteers from Oregon to Hong Kong, our alumni association could not carry out its mission to create an environment in which Syracuse University alumni, former students, parents, students, and friends become and stay connected to the University and support it with their work, wisdom, and wealth. We are so grateful to these volunteers for drawing thousands of SU alums together with events that range from faculty speakers to career networking opportunities, from game-watching events to evenings at the theater. Please consider joining an alumni club where you live—and show your Orange spirit all year long!

Forever Orange,

Mark Verone ’95

President, Syracuse University Alumni Association