Alumni volunteers lend their support all across campus. Last fall, volunteers (pictured) took part in training to be college fair representatives, just one of the many involvement opportunities that exist for alumni. Photo by Thomas Griffin.

RENSSELAER TO VOLUNTEERS: WE HEAR YOU!
Volunteers help support Rensselaer in myriad ways. More than 2,000 volunteers were listed in December's '99-'00 Salute to Involvement, and that number continues to grow.

The volunteer relations program provides a comprehensive approach to identifying and placing alumni who wish to volunteer for Rensselaer. "The most important aspect is to assure that anyone who wishes to become involved receives a response in a timely manner, and is presented with

RENSSELAER ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MISSION: The Rensselaer Alumni Association serves and represents alumni and the Institute by engaging and empowering all alumni as active and effective partners in the Rensselaer community and by promoting the lifelong, mutually beneficial pursuit of the aspirations shared by Rensselaer and its alumni. 2000-2001 RAA Board of Trustees Executive Committee (518) 276-6205 raa@rpi.edu PRESIDENT Jan S. Pirrong ’69 PRESIDENT ELECT Leland B. Bishop II ’60 VICE PRESIDENTS Christina E. Banta ’83 Glenn O. Brown ’54 AnneMarie Ferraro ’90 Matthew C. Fox ’55 Douglas C. Hasbrouck ’57 James F. Morgan ’58 Mary K. Skevington ’79 William C. Stitt ’63 Raymond A. Weisner ’75 VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER Richard S. Latuchie ’73 VICE PRESIDENT EMERITUS David M. Diltz ’38 INSTITUTE TRUSTEE DESIGNATE Cornelius J. Barton ’58 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR David J. Bohan ’82

options that fit the volunteer's particular interests and skills," says Jeff Schanz, director of the volunteer relations program. Since last fall, nearly 400 alumni have contacted the Office of Alumni Relations to become more involved. These potential volunteers have been referred to local chapters, and departments and schools across campus with very positive results.

Alumni involvement varies greatly. Volunteers have been referred to Admissions to assist with recruitment; others work to strengthen regional chapter participation; some are helping to build an electronic and media arts mentor program.

A focus on information technology is at the forefront of the Rensselaer Plan, and the volunteer relations program assisted with the development of an alumni/ student mentor program involving IT professionals. "The IT Mentor Program will assist our current students with career and educational decisions," says Jim Napolitano '77, director of information technology. "It will also help educate the mentors, who return to their corporations with a better idea of what we are teaching our students and what Rensselaer can offer their companies."

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit AlumServ at www.alumni.rpi.edu or contact Alumni Relations at alumni@rpi.edu or (518) 276-6205.

LEGACIES: RENSSELAER PRIDE ACROSS GENERATIONS
More than 200 people attended a reception for current legacy students, their families, and legacy alumni held Nov. 4 during Family Weekend at the Heffner Alumni House. This annual program recognizes legacies (alumni related to current students or other alumni) for their continued support, provides networking opportunities, and helps legacies remain connected to Rensselaer. For more on the legacy program, contact Susan Haight at (518) 276-6042 or haighs@rpi.edu.

WANTED Regional and Chapter Alumni Representatives Help the Class of 2001 get off to a good start—volunteer at the Regional Alumni Chapter Open House Monday, May 7, on the Rensselaer campus. Alumni from across the country come to meet and welcome graduating students who are relocating to their area. Alumni provide important information about living and working in their area. For information, contact Susan Haight at haighs@rpi.edu or (518) 276-6042.

'TUTE TALK: SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND GET ADVICE ONLINE
The alumni office has introduced Web discussion boards, where alumni can meet and talk with others in the same class, professional interest area, or chapter, and get advice from alumni experts in featured subject areas. You don't need to be a computer expert—the boards are simple to use, and online help is a click away. There are unmoderated discussions (affinity groups, regional chapters, Reunion classes) and moderated "Ask the Expert" discussions, such as those that took place in February on Information Technology and how to get a P.E. license. Visit the Online Services section of AlumServ for details.

Photo by Geoff Seber.

THE RIGHT STUFF: CLASS OF 1951 REUNION COMMITTEE
The Office of Alumni Relations works with 10 class committees each year to produce an outstanding Reunion. Members of the classes meet to plan events that are interesting, educational, and fun.

"This year's Class of 1951 committee is really cooking up an outstanding event," says Kathy Kinsey, Reunion program director.

When asked what makes a successful Reunion committee, George Wheeler '51 says it's like following a recipe. "Start with liberal amounts of planning, coordination, and communication, along with a pinch of participation in campus activities. Mix liberally with a Reunion committee of local, convivial, and dedicated classmates.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ALUMNI DATEBOOK

"While the mixture ages over five years," Wheeler continues, "the committee should make multiple uses of available communication devices (mail, e-mail, meeting, and phone) to inform the class of progress." Wheeler says the committee frequently "sampled" Reunion at meetings in Florida, Saratoga, and at the Notty Pine "to assure complete satisfaction with the finished product."

In addition to careful planning of their Reunion events, the class set an ambitious goal of raising $1 million for their 50th Reunion gift. To date, they have over $600,000 committed. The '51 planning committee includes Stanley Lash, Walter Loick, George Wheeler, Frederick Comstock, Robert DeSio, Howard Clarkson, Anthony Reale, Michael Cocca, Al Harrison, Carl Machover, Richard Lupi, and Henry Randall.

The Class of 1951 Web site has photos and updates on Reunion plans. Visit it at www.alumni.rpi.edu/services/class/1951/index.html.

To learn more about your own Reunion committee or activities, contact Kathy Kinsey, assistant director, alumni relations, at kinsek@rpi.edu or (518) 276-2832.