Subject: Announcement from LSMSAAA President Taylor '86
Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 11:36:31 -0700
To: LSMSA Alumni Association <lsmsa@lsmsaaa.org>,
     announce@lsmsaaa.org

From:  president@lsmsaaa.org (James Taylor)

 Fellow Alumni-
   As you may have heard, Wendy Wilson has announced her resignation
from the office of LSMSAAA President due to her moving to Michigan.
The LSMSAAA Constitution provides for the succession of the Vice-
President to the presidency in this situation.  Therefore, I have
assumed the office and duties of LSMSAAA President.  I look with
anticipation and gratitude upon the prospect of serving this
organization in such a role.  On behalf of the Executive Committee, I
thank Wendy for her years of service, and look forward to her
continuing participation as an alumna.
   I have spoken with Dr. Widhalm, LSMSA Director, and am very
encouraged by his expressions of eagerness to work with the alumni to
enhance what the school can offer its students.  I have also
communicated with the Executive Committee, who are now reviewing the
methods by which we can enhance what the LSMSAAA has to offer its
members.  Our assignment, then, is twofold, but parallel.
   The EC is preparing to meet in Natchitoches on the third weekend in
October, which will coincide with the LSMSA Academic Weekend.  We plan
to offer 2-3 presentations to the students, as well as meet with Dr.
Widhalm face-to-faces to discuss short- and long-term projects on which
the school and alumni might collaborate.  Any alumnus, particularly
those in academic/professional fields, are encouraged to contact the EC
or Martha K. if there is a presentation you can offer that weekend.
   I have nominated Cindy (Breidhaupt) Billiot ('86) as the new
Natchitoches Liaison subsequent to the resignation of Anita De Rouen
('87) to pursue her next degree in Georgia. I enjoyed the several
occasions I had to interact with Anita, and appreciate the work she did
on behalf of the Alumni at "home base".  Since her departure, Cindy has
essentially been doing this job, so she may as well get the credit (and
official responsibility.)
    In light of the events of the past week, and their certain
ramifications in the months to follow, this is probably not the right
time to start a fund-raising campaign for an Alumni-sponsored
scholarship.  However, it would not be inappropriate to start a
discussion (read:send in ideas/suggestions/personal experiences)
concerning award amounts, award criteria, principal management,
oversight, etc.  Those of you with professional money-management
experience are especially encouraged to apply.  Other projects up for
discussion in the October meeting will be honoraria/memorials, alumni
presentations/teaching opportunities, and alumni-student career
mentoring.  This last topic holds a wealth of potential for guiding the
next generation of grads at both state and national levels.  We've all
been through Natchitoches, but most of the current students have not
been in the world.
    Ultimately, the Alumni are the proof that LSMSA does (or does not)
work.  SAT scores, scholarship totals, and academic trophies look nice
on paper and in display cases, but it is the production of school
graduates in the real world that tells the Louisiana Legislature and
everybody else that it matters whether or not LSMSA exists.  Please
join us in doing just that.

                                                Sincerely,
                                                Jim Taylor ('86)
                                                LSMSAAA President