|
By Stan Slowick ’74 President of the
General Alumni Association
The approaching millennium has given cause
for organizations of all types to research, study, and
plan their roles for the future. For some of these organizations,
this is a new concept. They never before took the time
and effort to just stop and look at where they were going
and, most importantly, why. However, the General Alumni
Association of Holy Cross does not fit this mold. Planning
and having the desire and ability to change are hallmarks
of the organization. The “modern” era of the
Association began as a result of a comprehensive study
authored by John Kershaw ’60. This report was completed
in June 1974, 25 years ago. It detailed the transition
from an Alumni Council to the General Alumni Association
of today. Many elements found in the report have been
carried forward to the present. In his conclusion, John
wrote that “three major ingredients for the future
success of the General Alumni Association are greater
RESOURCES, more IMAGINATION, and continued LEADERSHIP.” Over
the years, Boards of Directors have built upon these recommendations.
Board leadership has worked diligently at constantly increasing and improving
the fiscal condition of the Association. In the late 70s and early 80s, the operating
budget was approximately $10,000—$15,000. Revenues were derived from an
innovative insurance plan where a percentage of the premium generated was returned
to the Association for its use. Continuing Education, Admissions Counseling,
and the Book Prize were just some of the programs funded. During this period,
a modest scholarship program for sons and daughters of alumni who are entering
their senior year at Holy Cross was instituted. Fr. Joe LaBran’s retreat
program also received support. With an eye toward the future, these Board leaders
had the vision to begin building an “endowment fund.” As the insurance
program continued to provide needed revenues, new programs were added and college
organizations supported. After a time, when interest in the insurance program
began to level off, a new source of funding was needed. After much hard work
and planning, the Holy Cross General Alumni Association Credit Card Program was
implemented. With this additional source of income, the budget and endowment
grew at a record pace. From the late 80s through the 90s, budgets increased from
$25,000 to $64,000 with net assets approaching $450,000! The Bishop Healy Committee,
Appalachia Service Project, Retreat Movement, Summer Fellowships Committtee,
and 17 other programs benefited from this success. Next year, the Association
has committed $90,000 in funding 18 projects. Pat McCarthy ’63, director
of alumni relations, was able to secure a multi-year donation from MBNA, our
affinity card provider, to benefit the scholarship fund directly. This donation
will enable the Association to increase our Alumni Scholarship to $36,000 while
continuing to fund all of our other programs.
All Holy Cross alumni have reason to be proud of their Association. Each year,
a newly elected slate of officers, along with members of the Board and Alumni
Senate, strive to add to the accomplishments of those who came before. Aiding
in this effort are periodic in-depth reviews of the Association. In the early
90s, Tom Troidle ’59 completed a detailed survey of board members. One
outcome of the survey was the formation of a Strategic Planning Committee chaired
by Don Burns ’49. Over a three-year period, this committee reviewed each
activity of the Association. The final report listed descriptions of each committee
and any suggestions for possible improvement. One major accomplishment of the
Strategic Planning Committee was the formation of the ad-hoc Bishop Healy Review
Committee to implement new initiatives to increase the recruitment, enrollment,
and retention of black students and to increase the involvement of black alumni
in Holy Cross affairs. As a result of this work, the Bishop Healy Committee has
become a partner with the administration in encouraging diversity.
The General Alumni Association has made a point of reviewing its program on a
regular basis. However, it has been 25 years since the structure, the constitution
and bylaws have been studied. In the next year, a committee of the past president,
president, president-elect, treasurer, and secretary will review the documents.
As was the case with the Strategic Planning Committee, new members may be added
when needed. Our plan is to issue a report by the summer of 2000 for review and
discussion by the Board of Directors.
As this year draws to a close, I would like to thank the committee chairs for
their tremendous efforts on behalf of the Association. I also thank Pat McCarthy ’63,
executive secretary, for his help and guidance this past year. To Anne Reilly
Ziaja ’78, I wish all the best as you begin your term as President of the
GAA. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the General Alumni Association
of Holy Cross.
|
