Sad

This morning I learned that our Provost's son died on Sunday. He was 30. Details haven't been shared, but I heard it may have been a stroke or heart attack. This man's son goes to the same daycare as my son, so I actually knew him as an acquaintance. It brings even closer to home the sadness that I feel about last week's deaths of Heath Ledger (28) and Randy Salerno (45). Though I don't know these people, it serves as a reminder that life is short. Cease the day.

Board of Directors

The Guild Board came to town last Friday and Saturday. They were welcomed by arctic temperatures (which led to some car problems...). It was a productive weekend.

Unfortunately, one board member (Sue) had to resign due to personal reasons. According to the Guild bylaws, the Board appoints her replacement. Sue brought some geographical diversity to the board and she is an excellent strategic thinker.

We are beginning to think about the Guild's presence at Homecoming (when our 2008 annual meeting takes place) and during the 150th. Always moving forward!

computers

Did I mention that I received a new hard drive on Friday, Jan 4 when my old hard drive crashed? This week Diane will receive a - planned - computer upgrade. The next step is getting me more memory. Wouldn't it be nice if I could just insert a chip in my brain to receive more memory?

The new monthly e-update seems to be liked. The next step is posting it so folks can access it directly from our webpage. Unfortunately vigilant spam-blockers prevent the e-update from getting through to all. So, if we can't get to them, perhaps they will come to us.

It is MLK, Jr Day on campus. An excellent keynote speech this morning.

New Year

We hit the ground running when we returned to work on Jan 2. Since then, a letter to parents of nearly 1400 freshmen and sophomores has gone out, the new look for the monthly e-update has been sent to 909 people, and we're getting ready for the student employees (two interns and one aide) to return. My hard drive crashed Friday - thank goodness I save to the network. I'm desperate to get the Guild Bulletin off to the designer - but right now my highest priority is prepping for the Guild Board meeting next week.
Guild joys and sorrows...
joy - Beata will turn 90 in a couple weeks. Let me know if you want to mail her a card.
sorrow - Hildegarde Lutze passed away in December. She was a special lady.
joy - students are back! classes started yesterday.

I have been distracted by all the political activity, too. Very interesting stuff right now!