Dear Member,

The Alumni Association Board of Directors recently approved proposed new Bylaws and a Certificate of Incorporation and I ask for your support in approving these changes this spring. The Board spent almost two years reviewing and developing these documents to improve our governance process, help the organization become more inclusive, support our operating and strategic plan, and clarify language and operating procedures. After extensive research of other successful college and university alumni associations throughout the country, a thorough process that allowed members to provide feedback through e-mail and a public forum, and several revisions by our Bylaws Committee and the entire Board, we approved the documents that we present to you at this time. The next step will allow all active and paid members of the UCAA an opportunity to vote on our proposal. This vote will be part of our Board of Directors election process next spring and we urge you to support these improvements to our organization.

The full text of the proposed Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation are posted on the Alumni Association website. This enables you to see the extent of the changes and the clarity of the new language. However, I would like to highlight a few of the key elements of our new bylaws:

1. Article II - Board of Directors - The immediate past president of the Alumni Association will serve as a voting member of the Board for a one (1) year term to give increased continuity to our leadership structure. In addition, the president of the Student Alumni Association will serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Board, which will enhance the continued connection to our current students. Other ex-officio members of the Board including the Alumni Trustees to the University Board of Trustees, and the executive director are also cited.
   
   Another highlight in this section allows for term limits, but most importantly allows for individuals who want to return to the Board after prior service, the opportunity to be nominated and run for a seat again after three (3) years of separation. This will give the Board increased flexibility to maintain our goals of diversity and afford all members an opportunity to volunteer for service at this level.

2. Article III - Committees - The role and composition of the Nominating Committee have been clarified to ensure the Board has representation on this Committee and has an opportunity to find well qualified and diverse individuals to serve on the Board. The Finance Committee and the Diversity and Opportunity Committee are now permanent committees of the Board. These changes give increased status to the important and vital work of these two groups and insure a commitment of the Board to the goals of these committees.


3. Article V – Officers – A new leadership structure and succession plan has been developed. Our officers now will include: President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The roles of each of these officers have been defined and clarified and will provide a strong leadership structure with these individuals serving as the Executive Committee of the Board. The succession plan as outlined in the election process provides continuity of leadership and a strong focus on the goal of addressing long-term issues.

We realize that there are many other changes in our proposal, but most are part of our goal to clarify and enhance the operation of the UCAA. Please take some time to review the documents in their entirety before you cast your ballot. I hope you will support our efforts to improve and strengthen your Alumni Association by approving the Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation that have earned the support of the Board. A “yes” vote from you will help us gain the needed approval of our membership.

I would also like to thank and acknowledge all the members of the Board of Directors for their efforts and support to revise the Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation. Members of the Committee included: Richard Carbray, Dennis Cavanaugh, John Driscoll, Mary Ann Emely, Annette Lombardi, Frank Milone, Rachel Rubin, and Dave Sturgess. These individuals as well as our executive director, Lisa Lewis, deserve recognition for the dedication and commitment they made to this comprehensive and important task.

Robert A. Johnson '69, '79
Chairman, Bylaws Committee