This is the first of a two-part report covering the October meeting of the Executive Committee in Natchitoches. This section turned out a little longer than I had originally envisioned, so I'm giving you a heads-up. In return, I ask that you save this report and come back to it when you have a few minutes. The meeting was divided into internal and external issues; this report will cover external issues. Part Two will be ready next month covering internal issues.
The first half of the meeting consisted of discussion between the Executive Committee (EC), Martha K. (Talbert) Smiley, and Dr. Pat Widhalm, LSMSA Director. Let me state emphatically at the outset that Dr. Widhalm has exhibited unreserved enthusiasm and support for our organization. It is, of course, his job to supervise the daily operations of the School, but his duties also include establishment and maintenance of a long-term plan for school development. To that end, he is actively seeking assistance from School graduates, and together, we have proposed several avenues of support.
The first is to incorporate an ``Ask the Director'' section to the LSMSAAA website. This is significant in that it allows more direct contact with Administration for the Alumni at large than we've previously enjoyed. It symbolizes the willingness of the Administration to hear us and combine effort and resource with us to a common end. Perhaps some of you are less than impressed with symbolism; in this case I believe it to be direct evidence of honest communication, particularly because it was Dr. Widhalm's idea.
Another topic discussed with Dr. W was Alumni participation in educational activities, both on- and off-campus. The former would include visitor presentations/programs and Special Projects Week. For example, an alum would bring a prepared lecture/discussion topic, direct a master class, or even host a symposium on a group of related topics. Members of your EC did just that at the Academic Weekend, and it was very well received by students and faculty. The only drawback is the realization that LSMSA students are a lot younger these days..... There's actually another drawback if you stay in the dorm, but that's another story. In the case of Special Projects Week, the alum would tele- or video-conference with a student or students covering a prearranged set of material, from which the students would derive a finished product.
An intriguing possibility concerning Special Projects Week is the idea that a student might travel to an away site and be hosted by an alumnus. While this would take a little more planning and funding, this would not be too far removed from other high-school level externships - only more intense over a smaller time frame. We discussed the mechanics for such a trip, including Alumni Association funding on a competitive basis (i.e. students submitting bids) and inclusion of faculty on such a trip. Those of you in positions of authority in the workplace, particularly those close to Natchitoches, would be ideal for hosting a prototype project. If you would like to investigate this opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you would like to come to Natch to present to the students, please contact me or Martha K. Anyone interested in Special Projects Week activities can contact me or Dr. Jim Findlay. The SPW topic deadline is in August, and Dr. Findlay would like to have proposals in by end of the summer. If you have a faculty advisor in mind, you can suggest that, too.
The third item discussed was re-emphasis on the College Contact list. We have this list, but there has been little to no activity on it for quite some time. This is to be remedied by increasing student awareness of this resource. Through the Student Affairs Office, we will publicize and aggressively pursue student participation. Therefore, if you are on this list, please answer your e-mails. We will look pretty lame if we advertise availability to students and then fail to respond. I will be contacting those on the list to update participation. If you don't answer, I'll take that as a ``no''. If you aren't on the list and want to be on it, let Andre' DeHon know (he runs the system, and you'll get on faster). If your school is already represented and you want to participate, there is no prohibition of multiple contacts. Finally, those of youwho did not go to straight into college, or skipped college altogether, may want to talk with us about setting up an alternative career contact list. While this may be provocative and a little dangerous, I think it's worth considering if used in the right context.
The last topic I want to bring to your attention is the LSMSA Foundation. Headed by Jim Serra, father of an alumna, its Board of Directors is being re-formed. There are two spots on that board reserved for Alumni. The first slot will be held by the LSMSAAA President ex officio. The second slot is open. I would like to have a name (or names) to bring to the EC for confirmation by the end of the January 2002. That gives all of you 30 days to come up with names of alums willing to serve. According to Mr. Serra, there is no definite experience requirement, but the Board does need people with skills in grant writing, corporate matching, estate planning, and investment management. Anyone with these particular skills is especially encouraged to apply. There are a few of you whom I know to have one or more of these talents. I will be contacting you soon.
The Foundation is the body governing the Richard Brown Memorial Fund. An
overview of this fund is posted elsewhere on this website. I would add
that many of us knew, admired, and benefitted greatly from Dr. Brown, as
evidenced by the list-serv traffic following his death. This fund is an
excellent avenue for honoring his commitment to us and the School. With
Alumni representation on the Board, you can have the greatest confidence
that any monies donated to this or any other Foundation fund will be
managed in a positive and ethical manner. The EC received information that
some Alumni were willing to contribute to the School, but were hesitant to
do so through any avenue other than directly to the LSMSAAA. Put simply, we
now have some oversight, and we hope this will increase your comfort level.
Any alumnus interested in donating to the Brown Memorial Fund can contact
me or Jim Serra (JSKPLC@aol.com). Please consider doing so,
if not for this year, then as part of your tax-exempt planning for 2002.
This concludes the first part of my report. Part two will come out in December via e-mail and website.
On a personal note, if there's anyone out there with an effective method for getting infants to stay awake during the day and to sleep at night, please contact me as soon as possible.
Thanks.