Dear Fellow Yalies,
I have one word – WOW. I have just wrapped up my first YAA Assembly and Yale Alumni Fund Convocation as YAA executive director, and I am in awe – amazed by the impressive attendance of volunteers who came back to New Haven, inspired by the incredible work of so many alumni who volunteer their time & talent in support of Yale and the alumni community, and excited about our community’s bright future. I knew the past few days were going to be meaningful, but as I reflect, compose my thoughts, and (if being totally honest!) rest my weary feet, I can’t stop smiling.
A common thread running through Assembly and Convocation was “What’s Your Wh/Y?” with attendees sharing why they volunteer for Yale. My personal Wh/Y is “to take the field for Yale (though the "field" has changed!) with amazing teammates, to create connections, joy, and learning in the alumni community.” Others revealed moving sentiments around gratitude, giving back, making the world a better place, and helping future Yalies. It was motivating to hear all the reasons our alumni get involved!
In addition to “What’s Your Wh/Y,” here were some of the programmatic highlights for me:
- First ever Yale Day of Service project at Assembly/Convocation in partnership with Dwight Hall
- YAA Board of Governors meeting with President McInnis
- Alumni Volunteer Awards ceremony, highlighting leadership and excellence among our volunteers and alumni organizations
- Luncheon for new YAA Assembly Delegates
- University update with President McInnis, who was very excited to engage with and meet so many alumni volunteers
- A conversation with University Trustee Neal Wolin ’83, ’88 JD
- Yale Medal Celebration. Congrats again to the 2024 Medalists: Rob Greenly ’83 MBA, Connie Royster ’72, Betsy Sullivan ’74, ’76 MA, Michael Tom ’83 MD, and William White ’73, ’78 DIV!
- Listening to leaders of several Yale institutes at our themed panel: “Health, Historical Inquiry, and the Environment at Yale”
- Best practices sessions and other gatherings with staff and alumni leaders from regional clubs, shared interest groups, Yale College classes, graduate and professional schools, the Yale Alumni Fund, Cross Campus mentors, and Alumni Schools Committees for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions
I’d also be remiss not to mention a few other exciting events that occurred during the weekend:
- Spending time with the Yale Jewish Alumni Association at their board meeting on campus
- Opening of the MENA Cultural Suite on campus with the Yale Arab Alumni Association
- YAA Alumni Village at the Bowl
- A YALE BULLDOGS VICTORY OVER PRINCETON!
The YAA Assembly and Yale Alumni Fund Convocation is a by-invitation event for alumni volunteers in specific leadership roles, and the path to involvement is open to everyone. I encourage you all to think about ways that you can connect with your Yale community and bring that expertise to campus in the future. We want all alumni voices to be heard through this keystone annual event. Please visit our Get Involved page to learn more about opportunities to engage with fellow Yale alumni. As always, the YAA events calendar includes virtual, regional, and on-campus events available to the entire Yale alumni community.
While Assembly and Convocation is over, in some ways our work is just beginning. I hope those who attended will return to their communities with a revitalized energy to listen and support. Our appreciation for Yale and its role in our lives has been front and center for the past few days. Despite our differences, we joined together to celebrate what unites us and to amplify Yale’s mission of improving the world, one alumni community at a time. Don’t just take my word for it; check out the Yale Alumni Facebook group to see attendee photos and posts from the event!
I am so fortunate to be the executive director of the YAA. As we head into this season of Thanksgiving, I am grateful for all of you.
Go Bulldogs,
AC
