Letter from the President

February, 2007
Dear Fellow Alumni,

It was wonderful to start the year in Grenada participating in the kick-off of SGU's 30th celebration. Charter Class attendees, besides myself, included Rudy Antoncic and his wife Ruth, Phil Lahrmann and his wife Sue, and Stephen Gibson and his wife Lisa Fara. We shared special moments with the many attendees of the Chancellor's Breakfast held at The University Club. This was followed by a groundbreaking ceremony (yes, we threw shovels of dirt!) on the lower campus for a new 735 seat lecture facility which the Chancellor announced would be called "Charter Hall" in honor of the first class of students. Next came a wonderful "Parade of Students" showcasing the 136 countries now represented within the student body. We concluded the day with an award ceremony honoring those who were instrumental in the beginnings of SGU. For a list of honorees, please check the University's website (sgu.edu).

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Keith Taylor who played such an important role in the continuing development of our Alma Mater. Additional information is posted on the University's site.

While 2006 was spent reviewing and understanding where we (the Alumni Association) had been, 2007 will be a major push forward as there is much for us to accomplish. The Virtual Medical Staff, under the direction of our Vice president Joe Feldman, is progressing well and should be in place by the time the World Cup arrives in Grenada in April. Our Treasurer (and webmaster) Nilay Shah has been working hard to update/reformat our SOM alumni website. Plans for 2007 will be to add a Message Board, restore the Book Store to our site, provide a Professional exchange area where grads can post opportunities available or wanted, working with the students to assist them in connecting with our graduates for the Shadow Program and expanding our news and photo gallery areas. As always, we welcome your suggestions as to what you want to see/read on this site. Please use the "Contact us" link provided.

While in Grenada I had the opportunity to connect with a number of our Alumni-supported projects. There will be more information forthcoming soon as updates will be included in the mailing for our Annual Pledge Drive. To all of you who responded regarding the change from dues to pledges, I thank you. Everyone I heard from and have spoken with has endorsed our moving to a pledge/donation system. It is important to remember that your Association needs your support (financial and otherwise) if we are to move forward and become a fully functional association. So, when the pledge cards arrive, return with a gift according to your financial capability as well as filling out the current information section to assist with keeping our data banks updated. Remember... none of us would be the professionals we are today if we had not had the opportunity to attend SGU.

Your officers will be involved in a reconnect/outreach program this year. This will involve starting up our regional Chapters. In January, the Association held a dinner meeting for the beginning of our Grenada/Caribbean Chapter. It was well attended and their enthusiasm is most contagious! The Chairperson of this Chapter is Nicole Perrotte (also teaches at the University). They elected Carlene Radix and Earlyne Thomas as their Chapter Representatives. As each chapter is started, we hope to be able to start posting Chapter updates on our website to keep each other informed of various activities and events being planned.

Lastly, a SAVE THE DATE request to all for June 15, 2007. We are in the process of planning a special Alumni event, cosponsored with the S.A.I.N.T.S, following commencement exercises. Additional information will soon be forthcoming. Please reserve this date as it will be a very special and fun time for all!

Sincerely,

Linda Klokow, MD
President, SGUSOM Alumni Association