College of the Holy Cross | Holy Cross Magazine

GAA Moves into the Future
By David Doern '62

David Doern '62, president of the GAA Did you know that each alumnus/a belongs to the largest organized group at Holy Cross? With 30,000 members—all the College’s graduates—the General Alumni Association is Holy Cross’ largest organization. As such, the GAA has a two-pronged purpose: to serve the alumni body and to assist the College as it strives to accomplish its mission as a Jesuit liberal arts college.

The GAA has a range of committees to fulfill its commitment to its membership, the College and current Holy Cross students. Admissions, Bishop Healy, Book Prize, Budget and Finance, Communications, Continuing Education, Credit Card, Guest Program, In Hoc Signo, Nominations and Elections, Regional Clubs, Scholarships, Senate, Summer Fellowship, Senior Reception and Young Alumni/ae are all committees that fall under the GAA umbrella. The committees have missions that range from fund raising and award presentation to fostering interest in GAA activities and providing financial assistance to current and future Holy Cross students.

As with any organization, the GAA has gone through cycles of extensive involvement by its members as well as times when interest lessens. In response to cyclic changes, several years ago the GAA appointed a study committee to review the organization’s structure and programs. The committee was charged with developing recommendations concerning any changes that were needed to make the GAA more effective in the 21st century.

After much research, many meetings, brainstorming, writing and revising, the study committee issued a modified constitution and bylaws. At the June 2002 GAA meeting, the board of directors approved both the revised constitution and bylaws.

The revisions make some important changes, including reducing the board of directors from more than 130 members to 42. In addition, the board will now include seven GAA officers, five current or past regional club presidents, and 30 directors who are elected from five groups of classes. This smaller board should be more accountable and be able to better respond to the needs of alumni. To continue this effort, we are currently reevaluating the mission and success of each committee mentioned earlier.

Going forward, improved communication with alums will be an important component of a streamlined, more dynamic GAA. In sharing ideas and information, the GAA’s officers and chairpersons, as well as the Alumni Relations Office, are committed to utilizing e-mail, with its immediacy, ease of response and convenience. If you are interested in serving on a committee, or just want to share some thoughts or ideas, please feel free to contact me at d.doern@att.net.

Change is exciting, as well as challenging. As we implement the bylaw changes and streamline the GAA, we look forward to a revitalized organization to serve those who have a deep commitment to, and affection for, “the Cross.”