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Dear Alums |
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One month after my arrival, it was necessary for us to move out of Sapp Hall in order for some major repairs to be done to the building. As I was coming up from the basement, wearing dirty sweatpants and a sweatshirt with holes in it, I saw Nancy McDougal for the first time. It came as a bit of a surprise to me that a couple of weeks later, when I was cleaned up, Nancy agreed to have dinner with me. The rest is history. We are going to be married August 18 on a ship cruising to Alaska.
I did not think I would ever leave my job at Alumni and Parent Relations. This has to be the most enjoyable, rewarding job in the world, but Nancy and I have so many things we want to do that it would not be fair to her if I continued in my present capacity at the university. I have given my notice to retire as of August 9, my birthday. In the time that I have been here, the alumni association has evolved in many ways. The relationship between the alumni office and our students has been strengthened immeasurably. The board of directors of the association has become a national board, with members from as far away as South Carolina, Washington, D.C., and New York City. A travel program has been introduced, a Student Alumni Association started, and programs such as Home Away from Home and Dinner with Eight Strangers have been initiated to benefit students. We also have launched Connected, a new alumni publication for association members, and last fall we spearheaded the largest Homecoming event in recent memory. Also, the association has provided a Presidential Scholarship and facilitated the Graham Whitney endowed scholarship. Additionally, the board of directors has taken the major step of introducing a dues membership program. This is of great significance because it is one of the most aggressive ways to generate new funds in support of our students. This program is still in its first year, and if I can leave you with one thought, it is that your university, and our students, need your support. I encourage you to become a member of your alumni association. The future of your university will be greatly enhanced with the broad-based support of its alumni. It is with deeply mixed emotions that I leave my position here at Chico State. I eagerly look forward to the life Nancy and I will enjoy, but I am certain to miss the intrinsic rewards I always feel when I know that I may have done something—anything—that will impact the education of one of our students. Nancy and I expect to be among the most active of supporters and volunteers in Chico. As I have asked so many of you whom I have met personally, and perhaps it is fitting that these be my parting words, “Will you help?” Jack Fox, director |
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