CAAN Leadership Assembly, May 13–15, 2009. From top left: Ron Lawless (B.A. ’82), Michael Underwood (B.A. ’91), Steven Gray (B.A. ’89), Cupid Hayes (B.A. ’97), Bill Cellini (B.A. ’94), Kristie Borgmann (B.A. ’04), P. A. Cadichon (B.A. ’01), James “Woody” Woodward (M.A. ’03), Don Fox (B.A. ’85), Susan Fore (B.A. ’99), Ross Rylance (B.A. ’84), Josh Culley-Foster (B.A. ’03). Front row, from left: Jodi Hardee (M.A. ’04), Joan Hammel (B.A. ’86), Sarah Schroeder (B.A. ’00), C. J. Hill (B.A. ’99). Photo: Robyn Martin (B.A. ’05).

Recently, alumni leaders from active chapters of the Columbia Alumni Association and Network gathered for the third annual CAAN Leadership Assembly. The assembly was created in 2006 to allow alumni leaders to report on progress within their chapters, identify opportunities and challenges, and set a course of action for the upcoming year of Columbia College alumni activities.

This year’s assembly was aligned with Industry Night—a campuswide evening of professional networking receptions for graduating students—and Manifest, Columbia’s end-of-year celebration of student work (May 14–15, 2009). This provided alumni the opportunity to experience the palpable energy and inspiring talent on display during the last week of the semester. It’s something that I wish all Columbia alumni could witness.

There’s really no better way to put into perspective the incredible transformation Columbia has undergone in recent years than seeing it in person.

There isn’t enough room here to report all of the initiatives that were agreed upon by the CAAN assembly—we simply covered too much ground in our short time together. Chapter leaders were in agreement that building a strong community of alumni is of great importance, as is the grassroots campaign to do so. Providing services to alumni, such as networking opportunities and professional assistance, was at top of mind; mentoring and other alumni-to-student opportunities were also discussed.

I want to thank those of you who have stepped forward to help build our community as both leaders and participants. The time you invest with us makes a real difference. We need more alumni like you to be passionate ambassadors for Columbia to reach the great potential that can come from uniting our talents and ideas. Are there others of you out there who want to be part of it all? Let me know how we can help.

All the best,

Josh Culley-Foster (B.A. ’03)
National Director of Alumni Relations