Reunion 2010 Debuts New Election Process, Updated Role for Class Officers

The days of the dreaded "I did it, now it's your turn" practice of electing class officers are history.

This electoral pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey that immediately follows the Annual Reunion Luncheon is no longer relevant in today's alumni organizations, and especially one that envisions a more meaningful and measurable relationship with the College.

Wanted and needed are class officers who are interested, comfortable, and unapologetic in promoting support for the College's growth needs to their classmates and others. Alums with sales, marketing, public relations, or other promotional work experience would be ideal.

This year's election cycle encourages alums to generate nominations and self-nominations for class president-treasurer and class correspondent prior to the reunion class meeting. Class fund agents were removed from the election process last year and converted to identification and recruitment by the associate development director.

Enhanced Expectations, Opportunities
A class president serves as the point person for the class in all matters. Presidents are now asked to assist the Alumni Relations Office with identifying and recruiting classmates for specific outreach initiatives such as student recruiting, public visibility, career coaching, and other advancement endeavors. Presidents also now take on the responsibility of class treasurer, formerly a separate role, for those classes with treasuries.

The name change from class secretary to class correspondent is more than cosmetic; rather, it signifies the broader role and larger possibilities now available through electronic communication. Correspondents must be comfortable using online resources. In particular, they must not only use but also encourage the use of CHC Griffins Online among their classmates.

All class officers serve as ambassadors for the College. As is the case at other educational institutions, they are asked to participate as donors in the college's or university's annual funding cycle. We, too, ask our class officers to support the College's Griffin Fund or other funding need of their choice, and at any dollar level, in each of the five years of their electoral term.

A member of the alumni association board of directors or other alumni office designee will facilitate the election in each class meeting. These facilitators will briefly review the officer roles, answer any questions, and conduct the election as the first order of business before leaving the meeting.

What can you do now?
Review the complete profiles of class president-treasurer and class correspondent by clicking the titles, above. Discuss the coming election with your classmates. Nominate good candidates. Consider nominating yourself, especially if the new look of today's --- and tomorrow's --- class officer appeals to you. Submit nominations and self-nominations to the Alumni Office by May 26. If you cannot attend your class meeting but want a voice in the outcome, participate now by contacting either your class president or the Alumni Office at canningp@chc.edu or 215.248.7144.

The Mic's Waiting for You
Friday's "CHC Idol Night on the Hill" brings out the star in even the most unlikely of classmates. At least, that's what's happened in the last two years. Want to be sure your karaoke selection is on this year's playlist? Send your top three favorites to canningp@chc.edu by May 25.

Something for Everyone at Friday's Faculty-Led Sessions
Seats are filling up in Friday's five educational-personal enrichment sessions. Check your reunion invitation booklet, or click for the faculty profiles and links to the Weekend Schedule, then scroll to the Friday afternoon sessions. Your online registration form will record your choice. Did you already register but without choosing a session, and you want to now? Contact Jessica Hannan at hannanj@chc.edu or 215.753.3666.

Saturday Night's Festivities: It's All About You
The floor's yours on Saturday night, June 5, as the Social Room converts to part art exhibit, part art studio, part cabaret when it displays the creations of alumnae artists and authors, captures your countenance in a complimentary caricature, and hosts the cool, smooth sounds of Brazilian jazz trio Minas. Even with all of this going on, "Starring You!" offers just the right staging for sitting back, relaxing, and catching up.
Final call for artists and authors to reserve exhibit space --- contact Jessica Hannan at hannanj@chc.edu or 215.753.3666 by May 18.

Two New Options for SATURDAY SPECIAL Afternoon
"ReunionNews" #3 recommended two additional Saturday afternoon off-campus activities for spouses, significant others, travel companions, and guests: golf at Centre Square Golf Club (www.centresquaregolfclub.com), and a visit to the celebrated Barnes Foundation art collection (www.barnesfoundation.org). Here are two more uniquely Philadelphia attractions:

Simeone Foundation Museum --- the spot for the classic car enthusiast, a top-notch collection of beauties dating from 1909 and including LeMans and other winners. Click here for what you'll see and directions.

Phanatic Around Town --- view Phillie Phanatic statues painted by local artists and stationed in hot spots located primarily in Center City Philadelphia. Take in Philadephia's historic sites as you check out 14 of the 20 five-foot fiberglass statues. Click here for details and map.

The Reviews Say It All: Reunion Weekend a Crowd Pleaser!
What have other alumnae said about their most recent reunion?

“Loved karaoke night [Friday].”
Jean Koch Williams '84

"It was the best reunion since I graduated, and I have attended every one."
Mary Pat Gallagher Boyle '67

“… I love the ‘outdoor’ meal concept -- the Luau -- for Saturday night. Luckily, the weather cooperated ... Jazz trio was good.”
Barbara Cruse ’64

"An event not to be missed."
Regina Beck Moynihan '57

“[Friday] Seminars are keepers –- something different, fun, mixes classes.”
Barbara Mercer Panek ’73

“It was the best reunion I’ve attended for its creativity and its warmth and consideration of our diverse and multiple needs … Memorable … Worth the trip from N.C..."
Jackie Jaixen Rabinovitz ’48

"I feel so connected again. I thought the whole process from the save-the-date card to the final hug good-bye was wonderful..."
Jess Bowman Dodson '98

"It was a great experience. I loved mingling with the other classes..."
Danielle Conlon '03