Dear Friends . . .

by Allison Dykes
Vice President for Alumni Relations


We at the Association of Emory Alumni (AEA) are always seeking ways to better engage alumni in the life of their alma mater. Judging by the response to our new Alumni Mentor Program, we have found an excellent one.

Since we introduced it over the summer, a remarkable 250 Emory alumni have stepped forward and volunteered to mentor members of Emory’s Class of 2008 through the AEA’s Alumni Mentor Program. Actually, maybe that number isn’t remarkable. It merely confirms what we already know to be true—that our alumni are committed to giving back to new generations of the Emory family.

I think every one of us can benefit from a mentor. I know I would not be who I am today without the wonderful guidance and positive impact of mentors who have encouraged me throughout my life and career.

My first mentor was my boss at my first job out of college. She not only helped me negotiate the early stages of my career, but through her generous encouragement gave me the confidence to go after what I wanted for the future. We are capable of learning all of our lives, and much of what we learn can come from the experience of our mentors.

The strength, gifts, and talents of our alumni resonate with students. There really is no better person for a current Emory student to look toward for advice than our former students. We are proud of the impact our alumni make every day in their respective communities.

And protégés always remember the mentors who have helped them. I know that I have. Mentorship is a gift that is cherished by those who receive it, and I am—as I’m sure many of you are—always happy to pass it on.

With autumn upon us, I must mention Emory’s homecoming celebration, which is approaching quickly. Catch the spirit with AEA as we come together to celebrate Emory, October 25–29. I know we’ll have a great time, but it will be even better if you join us—particularly those of you in the Classes of 1979, 1981, and 1991 who are celebrating your reunions this year! The AEA has many wonderful events planned not just for reunion attendees but for all alumni who will be coming home this fall.

We also are partnering with many organizations on campus such as Student Government Association and the Department of Athletics and Recreation to present a wide array of homecoming activities all members of the Emory family will enjoy.

Finally, I encourage you to visit our redesigned website at www.alumni.emory.edu. We are most proud of it, particularly our new Alumni Volunteer Link (AVL), which introduces the many volunteer and leadership positions available to you across the University—many of them in your own hometown. If you have been searching for the means to be more engaged with Emory, look no further than the AVL. You won’t be disappointed.

As always, I enjoy hearing from you. If you have any questions or comments about any of our AEA programs, I encourage you to send me an email at adykes@emory.edu. I hope to see you at Homecoming 2006 this October!

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