It is my honor as President of the Roger Williams University School of Law Alumni Association to bring you greetings on behalf of the Association’s Board of Directors. The Board is committed to developing another exciting year and our vision for 2009-2010 is bright and filled with optimism.
With the law school’s sixteenth year now a part of its history, I am pleased to report on some of the accomplishments of the past year. We have experienced consistently high attendance and enthusiasm at the holiday party, the several alumni networking events, and our annual meeting and breakfast. At our 9th Annual Golf Tournament, the Alumni Association raised in excess of $19,000 for the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, with more than 134 alumni, faculty, and staff in attendance.
What I am most proud of is the continued success of our scholarship fund. At this year’s annual meeting, we were able to give out a sizeable scholarship to each of two students who recently completed their first year of law school. With this, we have lessened for these two students the financial burden that accompanies so many well after their schooling has ended. Thanks to all of you who supported and continue to support this effort. We could not do it without your contributions.
But our work is not done. For the law school to achieve true greatness, we will also need your help. Alumni support and vision are the hallmarks of every remarkable institution of higher learning. Roger Williams University School of Law is no exception. The enthusiasm and participation of our more than 2,000 alumni are integral to shaping and realizing our goals. No matter where you live, you can get involved.
Certainly you are all quite familiar with the requests the law school makes from you—to give back and support your school. These appeals are justifiable and necessary, but I would like you to ask a question in response—“what can my school do for me?” The alumni-alma mater relationship should be a reciprocal one—while the law school does need your support, you should also feel that you are benefiting from the school.
When you receive a request to support the law school, I ask that you include your alma mater among your philanthropic priorities, if you can. If you cannot, stay active. Become a mentor, attend a law school or law alumni event, or volunteer your time. As Roger Williams University School of Law is a very important part of your past, there should also be a place of importance for it in your present and in your future. I ask that you share your successes with our current students, who look to our alumni as sources of encouragement and symbols of hope.
Finally, I would like to thank the Law Alumni Association Board members (past and present), the staff of the Alumni Relations Office, and everyone who continues to support this Association with their generous donation of time, talent, and funding.
I sincerely appreciate your support and encouragement and I look forward with great expectation to your active involvement in the advancement of your alma mater. Please let me know your thoughts and questions by writing to me at the address below.
