The history of the Alumni Association itself began a little later than that of the School, but its original focus was similar to what we have today. I am del ighted to say that, while our membership continues to grow, the Association is maintaining its tradition, concentrating on practical ways to help the School, as did those very first members of the Association. Now, our special task is to continue the mom entum stimulated by the Centennial. Under the leadership of the Executive Committee, the activities of the current committees are already making a difference; but, alumni/ae need to be involved to make this happen.
This year's activities will reaffirm the Association's original goals and add new ones, all the while encouraging everyone's participation. Our 1998-99 plans for the Alumni-Student Relations Committee and the International Committee will help current students make the transition to and from their professional education experience. "Pot Luck" and "Lunchtime Pizza" network gatherings will be hosted at the School, while the third "Wine, Cheese, and Networking" reception, specifically for second year students, is planned for the sprin g. Seasoned practitioners as well as recent graduates can offer tips about their own experiences with today's challenges from which second year students can benefit greatly. For all those who remember what it was like when we were in School trying to un derstand theory application to practice, the issue is still the same today despite three days of field instruction per week!
As part of the Centennial Celebration, the Association highlighted the outstanding achievements of its own members th rough the inauguration of the Alumni Association Hall of Fame Awards. We honored the pioneers and the first five inductees, alumni/ae known and esteemed throughout the professional community-people who make us proud. Each of us, through our training at CUSSW, has made contributions to the social work profession; a number have made exceptional ones. The committee needs all CUSSW graduates to identify these alumni/ae so we can acknowledge them and say "Thank you."
As we move to the next centu ry, we will continue with a program that again requires your participation for success. The annual Alumni Conference is scheduled for April 1999 and promises to be an exciting follow-up to the Centennial. Coming after that incredibly stimulating and ins piring event, it will be a great challenge for us. In particular, accomplishing the goal of "enhancing the image of the profession and of us as professionals" will require thoughtful planning. The Committee intends to produce a working conference. We n eed not wait another 100 years to have a meaningful assembly that addresses the needs of CUSSW alumni/ae!
Alumni/ae participation in
fund raising activities will be essential in the immediate future. I am
pleased to say that together with the Advisory Council, we will participate
in development plans for the School. Barbara Grodd '79 and Carole Tjoa
'68 will represent the Advisory Council and the Alumni Association as co-chairs
of the newly reactivated Development Committee, a joint activity of both
organizations. A building campaign will be our primary fund raising activity
and we, the Alumni Association, need to play a major role in this effort.
The School and the social work profession are housed under one roof. As
we begin the School' s second century, let's all work together to build
an even stronger foundation for it.
