From the Senior Director
We know that our alumni are among Willamette’s greatest resources, and the submissions you’ve sent us about your personal turning points are proof positive.
And they have me thinking.
The idea of a turning point really has a couple of facets. Most of the time a turning point amounts to some kind of event, or a realization. Often life’s turning points generate momentum and take us in new, exciting directions. Sometimes, though, as we’ve seen in light of the current economy, turning points can be a little less inspiring. A lost job, a drop in revenue — these are the things that temper those upswings. Unfortunately, we’ve seen our share of the latter in recent months. Just about everyone has.
Despite trying times, we’re lucky that those who have managed the business of Willamette have done so mindfully. The university is healthy, and we continue looking ahead to growth and promising new developments. But the foundation we stand on now didn’t just happen: It took years of planning and careful decision making.
Maybe all of this hints at a more subtle kind of turning point — the kind that takes a while. In a sense, I think, this touches on the value of the Willamette experience in the first place. Not every catalyst in our lives comes in a single moment. To the contrary, those who are able to succeed over time will have demonstrated — just as this university has — the value in making mindfulness a habit. For often we can look behind us and see great change, even if that change was the result of constant nudging instead of just a couple of critical moments.
Keep pushing.
Denise M. Callahan ’95, MBA’00
Alumni Association Elects New Officers
We’re happy to report the election of three new officers to the Willamette University Alumni Association (WUAA) board. The alumni board serves as a group of advocates and advisors who help us keep in touch with alumni needs and implement their feedback effectively. The officers assumed their new roles on June 1.
We would also like to recognize the dedicated work of Julie Branford ’67, president, and Kim (Foskett) Duncan ’69, vice president, who recently completed their terms.
For more about the alumni board, bylaws and related information, visit the Alumni Relations website at www.willamette.edu/alumni.
Reunion 2009
Reunion Weekend 2009 was a great success! Over 450 alumni returned to campus for a fun-filled weekend catching up with former classmates and enjoying new Reunion events, including Cheers to Willamette.
View the Reunion Image Galleries