When a friend from my hometown invited
me to become involved with the IT Alumni Society, at
first I was very reluctant to join the alumni organization.
When I graduated from the University in 1978 with a
degree in electrical engineering, I was eager to get
on with my professional career and leave my student
years behind.
Sometimes the University experience had been a little
frustrating. I'd endured long lines each quarter to
register using computer punch cards and had taken some
classes in marginal facilities like World War II-vintage
Quonset huts. I was ready for the real world.
However, my friend's invitation lingered in my mind.
I thought about the relationship between my education
and the success I'd achieved in my career. Those reflections
piqued my curiosity about what life at the University
was like now, 20 years after I'd graduated. I'd also
begun to tell myself that perhaps the time had come
for me to give something back to the University and
IT.
After I became involved in ITAS, I saw the amazing
changes that are taking place at the University. Historic
buildings are being renovated, and state-of-the art
facilities are being built all over campus. Class registration
has evolved from punch cards and long lines to online
registration from the privacy of a dorm room. There's
a fresh focus on teaching and the undergraduate experience,
and students report a high satisfaction rate.
Through ITAS I've met and worked closely with extraordinarily
dedicated faculty, staff, volunteers, and students.
Although I've attended dozens of events, I've experienced
just a fraction of all that the University has to offer
its alumni and the greater community, too.
My ITAS experience has been so rewarding that I ended
up following in the footsteps of my hometown friend.
Together we've given the small southern Minnesota town
of Stewartville the distinction of having produced two
IT Alumni Society presidents. I guess you can't give
a better testimonial than that.
That's why I'm extending my friend's invitation to
you. Getting involved in ITAS and working on behalf
of the University will give you enormous satisfaction,
and you will make a difference, believe me.
We've made significant progress on behalf of the University,
but we need your help to continue the momentum. I encourage
you to give the University another look. I know you'll
be pleasantly surprised.
