Whew!

FOCUS is over! What a great group the class of '11 will be. As I introduced the Guild to parents, I felt even more confident that what the Guild does is so important and sound (I always feel this, but sometimes I gather energy from telling others). I said, "Members make contributions to the Guild Endowment Fund which is how we support our philanthropy on campus." THAT makes sense. I would add that members have the opportunity to direct what is supported through an annual election (eyes lit up because parents liked hearing that they could have ownership). Some members, I said, chose to support the Guild with their time which may include fundraising to further bolster the endowment or coordinating activities that support students. I added that "We recognize how the next generation is comfortable connecting online so we are beginning to dip our toes into various technology. For example, we hosted our first webinar last fall to give an update on the new Union being built." This + the grants + the scholarships + how we are open to everyone (alumni, parents & friends of Valpo) really sunk in. They like the cake idea, too! We rock!