2008-09, WHAT A YEAR!

The past year has been fabulous for the Cornell Alumni Association of Westchester (CAAW).  Thanks to the hard work and dedication of your CAAW Board, over 700 Cornellians and friends turned out to CAAW events.  There was something for everyone including a family picnic hosted once again by Peter Kaplan ’74.  Zinck’s night had a record turnout of alums of all ages at the Black Bear in White Plains.  John Murray ’43 led the 2nd Friday Lunch Club every month, gathering Cornellians with diverse interests. Susan Murphy, Dean of Undergraduate Students, even joined in the fun and updated everyone on the latest happenings far above Cayuga’s waters.  In the fall, Cornell President Emeritus Hunter Rawlings joined us just in time for a pre-election discussion of “The Role of Religion in American Politics.”  Westchester Cornellians turned out to help support the University and fundraise at the Westchester phonathon.  While students were home for winter break, Cornell alums, friends and current Cornell students joined together at Cornell Cares for a day of community service with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters.  Tennis players, and non-players as well, turned out for a joint Penn-Cornell tennis evening!  Frank DiSalvo, Director of Cornell’s Center for a Sustainable Future, visited and discussed the role Cornell and individuals can play in creating a sustainable world.  Last, but not least, to finish of the year, Frank Robinson, Director of the Johnson Museum of Art, once again led a guided tour of the Egyptian collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

THANK YOU TO JIM, ANDREA, JOHN & JANE
On behalf of myself and the CAAW Board, I want to take this opportunity to recognize the leadership provided by Jim Irish ’74 as Cornell Alumni Association Co-president and Speaker Chair.  Jim has been a familiar face at almost every CAAW event and devoted countless hours to increasing membership, organizing interesting programs and welcoming Cornellians at CAAW events.  Jim and Andrea Glanz ’74 have recruited outstanding speakers who have come to Westchester for the enlightenment and education Cornellians of all ages.  At Jim and Andrea’s invitation and urging, noted Cornell professors and presidents including Frank H.T. Rhodes, Mary Beth Norton, Ted Lowi, Ross Brann, and Trevor Morrison to name just a few, have come to meet and speak with Westchester Cornellians.  The entire CAAW board thank both Andrea Glanz and Jim Irish for their dedication in creating numerous successful programs, You will both be missed. 

A large thank you, too, to John Murray’43 who for many years has been the name behind the face of the 2nd Friday Lunch Club.  Fellow Cornellians meet regularly the 2nd Friday of every month for great discussions of current events and fellowship over food.  John has turned over the 2nd Friday Lunch program to Susan Bittker ’66, who invites you to join future 2nd Friday lunches.

Thanks, too, to Jane Hankin ’72, who has ably coordinated the Westchester Book Award recognizing an outstanding High School student from each high school in Westchester.  The Westchester Book Award is given to a high school Junior with general academic excellence, above-average involvement in extracurricular activities, and meaningful participation in community service.  This year each honored Junior received The Moon by Whale Light:  And Other Adventures Among Bats, Penguins, Crocodilians, and Whales, by noted author Diane Ackerman, a Cornell graduate.  

All Westchester Cornellians have benefited from the dedication and enthusiasm of Jim, Andrea, John and Jane.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
You are probably wondering why you haven’t received your copy of the Cornell Alumni Association of Westchester Calendar in the mail.  The Cornell Alumni Association is transitioning to electronic communications.  All reservations and advance payment for CAAW events will be done electronically.  In support of Cornell’s efforts for a sustainable environment, CAAW has opted to participate as a pilot for the roll-out of CornellConnect.  Transitioning to paperless communications under CornellConnect will save money, save time and save trees.  Please keep an eye out as Alumni Affairs implements CornellConnect.  The new system, which is expected to be operational soon, will dramatically change the way Cornellians access information.  Until then, please respond to emails and check the CAAW website http://westchester.alumni.cornell.edu for the latest details. 

CAAW NOW DUES FREE
The Cornell Alumni Association of Westchester has gone dues free!  With the support of Cornell Alumni Affairs, the CAAW will no longer collect annual dues.  As we roll-out Dues Free CAAW, please help us fine tune our program by contacting me to provide feedback on what is working for you and what improvements you would like to see!

Through the summer, the CAAW board has been planning and organizing another exciting year of events that we hope will motivate you to join fellow Cornellians, friends and parents to learn, laugh and connect.  BUT, we need you to come out and support events.  For those alums who are interested in taking it a step further, accept this invitation to get involved and help lead your CAAW.  New faces are not only welcome, but needed to ensure the continued success of the Cornell Alumni Association of Westchester.  Specifically, if you are interested and able to help out with a Cornell listserv to Westchester Alums, we need you!  The “Meet the Professor” speaker program is transitioning to “Cornell on the Road” and we need an alum to spearhead this program.  Please contact me at LDF8@cornell.edu for further details.

CAAAN-Cornell Admissions Ambassador Network
CAAAN activities are already underway.  The Fall Reception for high school seniors is scheduled for early October and the bus trip to Cornell is set for November and  CAAAN member training is scheduled for late October.  CAAAN support Cornell’s Undergraduate Admissions office and their efforts to attract outstanding students to Cornell.  CAAAN members connect with high school seniors and help to personalize the Cornell admissions experience.  Westchester CAAAN members also help out at College Fairs, Accepted Students reception in the spring and the traditional Freshman Send-Off in August.  Please go to http://caaan.admissions.cornell.edu/ to become a CAAAN member.

WE NEED YOU!
Again, you are vital to the Cornell Alumni Association of Westchester.  We need you to come out for CAAW events, to get involved and to provide feedback.  Your input helps us to better serve you.  Let us know what kind of events will excite you.  Better yet, become more involved.

Bringing Big Red to Westchester.  Here’s hoping you will join us soon!

Sincerely,
Laura Fratt ‘81
President, Cornell Alumni Association of Westchester