Thanks, Frank
I love a good tune, especially one that was likely composed right here in my hometown. It’s because of Frank Jones, alumni executive secretary (CEO) from 1968-1987, that IU alumni and friends have a fine appreciation for (if not a complete adoption of) a really great tune–The Chimes of Indiana, Hoagy Carmichael’s alternative Alma Mater …
A Tradition in its Fifth Year
I had the opportunity to take part in a truly inspirational evening last weekend. On Saturday, August 10, several dozen past and current members of the Board of Managers gathered to celebrate the beginning of our year and honor our founding. It is fitting that we do this in August, the month when President William …
Backpack Attack
Don’t worry! We didn’t attack any 4th grader’s bookbag. But my alumni community helped fill backpacks at this amazing program. Now in its 20th year, the initiative has made an enormous impact. Since 1999 when the Indy BackPack Attack began, we have collected over 6 million school supplies and helped tens of thousands of students …
Annual Planning: Embracing the Fun and Function
It’s a new fiscal year here at IUAA, which means we’re spending a lot of time reviewing what went well last year and what we want to improve for the future. And we know that for many of our alumni communities, the summer serves a similar purpose: it’s a time to reflect and plan for …
Recruiting For the Future
A new year, a fresh start! We’ve accomplished so much this past year at the IUAA and now it’s time to welcome in a new fiscal year. This means: Starting the external audit of the corporation and closing FY2019’s books Welcoming our new members of the Executive Council, Board of Managers, and all our Alumni …
An Alumna Who Paved the Way
I’m enjoying getting to know some women that led the Association years ago. One woman in particular that was a way-paver is Kate Milner Rabb, the first woman to ever serve as Chair of the IU Alumni Association. She did so in 1913-1914, before the 19th Amendment was passed in the United States. For her …
Another Alumni Weekend in the Books
Cream and Crimson Weekend 2019 is a wrap! It’s been several weeks since the Annual Alumni Barbecue concluded, but it often takes me at least that amount of time to come down from the elation (and exhaustion) of the greatest gathering of IUAA volunteer leaders we have all year. As I file away scripts and …
Curiosity: Let It Be Your Guide
“I wonder…” Whenever I hear alumni coaching clients start off a sentence with these two words, I feel heartened. It means wheels are turning…intuition is kicking in, and mobilization is in the offing. It means my clients are curious, and ready to move past what is safe…beyond the known. It signals that they’re ready to …
Last Chance to Register…
What does a bowling trophy, strawberry shortcake, the IUAA President’s Award, and Indiana heat all have in common? These are just a few of the things that can be experienced at the June 6-8 Cream and Crimson Alumni Weekend! We are just a few short weeks away and the deadline for registering is this Friday, …
Awarding Our Best Volunteer Leaders
This is an exciting time of year for me – the time when I think about all the great work the alumni volunteers do out in their own communities and world, and how we, in turn, can reward them for this outstanding work. With the partnership of Rachael McAfee, Kim Merritt, and Nattie Meador, we’ve …
On Giving Up Being a Perfectionist
If you sit down at my desk, you will see inspirational messages all around my workspace; messages about courage, kindness, and growth. One of my favorite quotes at my desk is from Brene Brown. It says, ‘Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.’ You see, I consider myself a ‘recovering perfectionist’ and vulnerability …
Grateful: IU Day and Every Day
The 4th Annual IU Day was celebrated on April 10, 2019, and we are so grateful for your commitment in making it a success for the IU Alumni Association! The power of connection across the globe is truly astounding and it is thanks to you that we are able to reach so many people and …