By Stan Slowick ’74 President of the General Alumni Association

It is my distinct honor and privilege to serve as president of the General Alumni Association for the 1998-99 academic year. I deeply appreciate the confidence of the Association’s board of directors in electing me to this position. This year also marks the 25th reunion for my class of ’74. My experience over the summer in planning for the upcoming year has solidified my belief that the spirit of volunteerism is alive and well among the alumni of Holy Cross. It was truly heartening to speak with so many alumni whose response to a request for their assistance was resoundingly positive. Pat McCarthy ’63, director of alumni relations, and assistant director, Shelagh Foley ’95, have succeeded in making the daunting task of naming committee chairs and scheduling the year’s activities a truly enjoyable experience.

Purpose, Budget, and Committees

As stated in the constitution of the Association, the purpose of the GAA is “the promotion of the welfare of Holy Cross College and the alumni.” The Association fulfills its purpose through a combination of programs designed to serve both alumni and students. Each year, the Budget and Finance Committee is responsible for the development of the financial plan for the GAA. For the 1998-99 year, the committee, under the chairmanship of John Mee ’65 and treasurer, Mike Shanahan ’78, proposed a budget of $64,000. Revenues to support the budget are derived entirely from Association-sponsored activities. The credit card program, insurance program, and 4 percent of our endowment provide 100 percent funding of our programs.

The Association does not receive any support from the College nor does the Association charge dues to its members or regional clubs. Activities of the GAA that receive support include Alumni Scholarships in the amount of $13,000, given to a son or daughter of an alum in the beginning of the senior year, based on academic ability and financial need. Twelve thousand dollars is funded through the GAA budget and $1,000 is provided by MBNA, the company that manages our credit card program.

The Summer Fellowship Program, under the chairmanship of Mike Shanahan, leverages $12,000 from the Association with dollars from regional clubs and non-profit organizations to provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for students to work in settings where they can help less fortunate neighbors. These students gain invaluable experience and maturity and become integral members of the organization’s staff. The program is truly an example of Holy Cross educating “men and women for others.”

The Bishop Healy Committee has made tremendous strides over the past few years. Its charges are threefold:
1. To increase the recruitment and enrollment of qualified black students.
2. To increase the retention and improve the sense of belonging of enrolled black students.
3. To increase the involvement of black alumni in Holy Cross activities.
Joe Reilly ’55 has assembled a committee of alumni, students, faculty, and administrators to implement these objectives. The budget for the Bishop Healy Committee was increased from $2,750 to $7,500 in order to provide funding for expanded programming.

Selected other activities receiving funding are Continuing Education, co-chaired by Rick Onofrey Jr. ’87 and Don Burns ’49; Alumni Athletic Guest program, chaired by Bud McManus ’58; Senior Reception, co-chaired by Bill Loftus ’81 and Patricia Haylon ’83; Regional Clubs, co-chaired by Dan Spada ’69 and Robert Shea ’85; Fr. LaBran’s Retreat Program; Alumni Band Homecoming; and the Appalachia Service Project.

Communication: the GAA is the Best Kept Secret

Often, the GAA board of directors is perceived as a group of individuals who meet every so often, receive some mention in Holy Cross Magazine, and form committees to fulfill the purposes mentioned above. This general lack of understanding was certainly brought to the forefront in the Becker survey of the alumni that was presented to the board in June of 1997. Within the section relating to the Association, one finding noted that “76 percent of the general alumni know little or nothing about the GAA Board.” Over the last year and a half, much discussion of this topic has taken place. A great number of dedicated alumni give generously of their time and talent which enables our Association to maintain and expand on our long history of service. These efforts have been recognized by our contemporaries who hold the GAA in high regard. Obviously, the survey results indicate that we have not been as successful in communicating with our own constituency. To this end, I have asked Anne Reilly Ziaja ’78, president-elect, to chair an ad hoc committee that will address the issue of public relations and marketing. Kathy McNamara ’81, director of public affairs, and Jack O’Connell ’81, editor of Holy Cross Magazine, have graciously agreed to provide guidance and counsel to the committee. Assisting Anne will be our three vice presidents, Greg Cahill ’81, Bud McManus ’58, and Marcy Vandale ’87.

Invitation to Become Involved

On behalf of over 45 Regional Alumni Clubs located throughout the country, I extend an invitation to all alumni to become actively involved in the programs and services these clubs administrate at the local level. Although the clubs vary in size as well as levels of activity, they are joined by a common thread of promoting the interests of Holy Cross in their communities. Many of our clubs are governed by a board of directors who, in turn, name committees which are responsible for events ranging from the President’s Reception to Communion Breakfasts to Education Nights featuring a member of the faculty. Receptions for incoming first-year students, theatre parties, and retreat programs are just a small offering of activities available to alumni. At the Association level, Dan Spada ’69 and Bob Shea ’85 co-chair the Regional Clubs Committee. Each year they host a teleconference at which club presidents from around the country share ideas and plan for the future. These club presidents are also members of the Association’s board of directors. All the regional clubs welcome your active participation. New leadership and new ideas are always in demand. Please take a moment to contact your regional club president and find out how you can help.

Rev. Gerard Reedy S.J.

On behalf of the officers and board of directors of the General Alumni Association of Holy Cross, I take this opportunity to thank Rev. Gerard Reedy, S.J., for his leadership over these past four years.