During the past two years we, the Association and the Centennial celebrants, have been working to develop direction and vision for the future of the School, the profession and the Association. That is a monumental task, and our work is not done. There is much yet to do to ensure the future of the School, to continue its influence on the profession, and to burnish even further the image of social work.

As proud alumni\ae, we have staked our position for quality education and social work services throughout the world. Through a strong Alumni Association we can continue to be the front line force in the future of the profession and a strong voice in the community. Mobilization, organizing and involvement are necessary objectives for us to move this agenda forward.

As you will read in this issue of the Newsletter, we have inducted three living members and two pioneers into the Association's Hall of Fame for 1999. At the inauguration of the Hall of Fame during the Centennial, the Association recognized alumni\ae of exceptional achievement. This honor also highlights the diverse fields of practice and backgrounds of award recipients. Taking the pride engendered by the Centennial Celebration and translating it into activism can help us become an even more influential force. In June of 1998 we showed our strength and commitment to issues affecting the School and the profession. In 1999, it is time to mobilize and improve the image of social work before it becomes the accepted one. We must keep that momentum going and join the Association and the School in making these ideas a reality to celebrate at the next anniversary.

Organizing can be the Association's lifeline to future success. Without a constant push to increase active participation in our many committees, we will not make any significant gains and will discourage those who have been giving their time and effort. Although the Hall of Fame is the newest activity, I see this as only the beginning of new initiatives for the Association. If we dedicate ourselves to increasing participation and diversity in Association activities, our active membership resources will expand. As the School moves forward with its capital building campaign it is essential that the Association be in a position to help in this monumental task.

However, we must also look at not only the community within but outside as well. With support and resources, the Association can offer successful programs that deal with professional and community issues. To meet these challenges we need involvement and connections on all levels. From the intense reaction to the Amadou Diallo killing, we have seen an increase of national concern about relationships between the police and the community. But how many of us were present along with the community leaders who, in significant numbers, expressed the need for better understanding and cooperation between police and residents of New York City? Have we become so removed from community issues and from the people we serve that our collective moral and professional obligation has diminished? And what steps can we take for the future to keep another Littleton, Colorado, from happening? Our profession was founded on helping to protect the civil rights and liberties to which each individual is entitled.