April 2008

ALUMNI NEWS

Clifford Alderman, SPA/BS '83, William Crawford, CAS/BA '82, Cathy Blaisdell Johnson, CAS/BA '83, and Ken Seltzer, CAS/BA '83, catch up on old times at President Kerwin's Hartford reception.   photo by Ema Gantcheva

President Neil Kerwin, SPA/BA ’71, met with alumni, parents, and friends across the country this winter as he continued his national tour. His first stop in 2008 was on January 24 in Los Angeles, where he talked with several dozen guests at an intimate gathering in the Skirball Cultural Center.  All of the guests had the unique opportunity to speak personally with him and hear his plans for the university.

Then it was off to Hartford and Boston on March 4 and 5. At both receptions, Dr. Kerwin energized the audience with his presentation about how campus has changed in the past few years and how AU continues to grow and prosper.

“It was great to see President Kerwin in Hartford. The fact that he took time out to meet with us, delight us to a lovely reception, inform us on current AU initiatives, and listen to our issues and advice really shows the level of involvement he is taking on as president," said Christopher D’Ausilio, SPA/BA ’04.  "Events like this show his drive to keep the AU Alumni family together.”

At the Hartford reception, alumni Ron Dresner, SPA/BA '81, also took the opportunity to present President Kerwin with an official State of Connecticut Proclamation congratulating him as the new president of AU.

AU parents Anne K. and Brad Leland pause to pose for a picture at the Boston reception.   photo by Ema Gantcheva

The March 5 reception in Boston brought out more than 60 alumni, parents, and friends. It was an occasion that brought together alumni from all different fields. "I had such a great time meeting Dr. Kerwin and fellow AU alumni here in the Boston area. It brought back fond memories of my time spent in Washington as an AU student, an experience that I will never forget. That special connection is still there, and I am proud to be a part of it." said Maria Papadopoulos, SOC/BA '01.

A good number of parents of current students came out and joined us at the reception to hear President Kerwin speak about their daughters' and sons' school. AU parent of freshman Jenny Leland, Anne K. Leland found "the food and beverage offerings lovely and plentiful." She continues by saying, "it was wonderful hearing both from Dean LeoGrande of SPA, the school our daughter is in, and, of course, I think President Kerwin is a wonderful speaker and says all the right stuff! All in all, a lovely reception."

Diane Sutter, SOC/MS '74, Craig Gruber, CAS/BA '90, Boston alumni chapter leader, Tony Shull, SIS/BA '82 and Heather Gruber enjoy the evening.     photo by Ema Gantcheva

Among the many cities President Kerwin has visited thus far since the start of his national tour include Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City. The next presidential reception is scheduled for April 24, in Miami at the The Grove Isle Hotel & Spa. Please RSVP online for this event and join us on April 24.

- Ema Gantcheva, SIS/BA ’06

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