Winner ends term as council president

By Joyce Sipka Winner

While living in Southern California in 1984, I was privileged to know Dale Derrico Simon ’78, who was chosen as one of torchbearers for the Summer Olympics. Dale was one of thousands of participants who carried the Olympic torch a specified distance in its long journey from Athens, Greece, to Los Angeles. Her distance, although short, was a necessary and critical part of the journey.

I can relate to her experience. As a three-year president of the Anderson University Alumni Council, I have been given the great opportunity of bearing the torch for AU’s alumni and to be a part of a wonderful journey. Past President John Zerkle BA ’77 and the council had begun the hard work of establishing the Alumni Council Scholarship Program. This fall the council announced the program’s second recipient, and we are hopeful that by year’s end the scholarship endowment will exceed $100,000.

As a council, we have striven for “ears to hear” the needs of AU’s alumni and to create programs to meet those needs. Several new initiatives have developed during my three years in office. Homecoming 2002 debuted RavenFest, giving all alums, friends, staff, and students the opportunity to gather in the Wellness Center to reminisce and catch up with each other. The council created a Distinguished Young Alumni Award to recognize the accomplishments of alumni during those challenging first 10 years after graduation. Realizing that most people want to help, but need to be asked, we began asking. As a result, we developed an Alumni Volunteer Corp comprised of alumni from around the country who are committed to serving the Alumni Office as needed. We are also at the grassroots stage of an alumni travel program.

Carrying this torch has been a rewarding experiencing. As I look forward, I am reminded that so much of the council’s journey lies ahead. The council is comprised of wonderful individuals who care about AU and its alumni. I have become friends with many new people as a result of my participation in the council. It has been a privilege to work with Kim Wolfe BA ’99, coordinator of alumni programs and events, and her staff as they have made my life so much easier.

Thank you for allowing me to carry this torch for the past three years. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve. At 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2004, Bart Caylor BA ‘92 will be passed the torch as the new president. I know Bart will run the race well.