Alumni Association Views

THE ANNUAL FUND:
GOOD NEWS AND A CHALLENGE

We celebrated the beginning of Northeastern's centennial year on October 1519. More than 6,000 alumni, students, and friends joined in the celebration, which included dancing, an academic convocation, a boat cruise, concerts, tours, lectures, parties, and, of course, football (congratulations to the Husky gridders on their 3419 victory over New Hampshire).

As we look to the next hundred years, it is appropriate to reflect on what President Freeland calls our "national research, student-centered, practice-

oriented, and urban" university, and what it has given to us. Northeastern believed in us, gave us opportunities, and prepared us for real life as no other American university could have. We left with solid career goals, a bit wiser for the experiences that were presented to us. And we left with friends and memories that keep us forever connected to Northeastern.

As students, Northeastern was important to us; as alumni, we are important to Northeastern. We have helped N.U. successfully complete and surpass its centennial fund-raising campaign of $225 million. To all of you who helped reach that goal-and to all of you who are continuing to help break the record total-thank you.

There is also good news and a challenge in the Annual Fund. With $2.6 million in last year's fund, we had the best year in Northeastern's history. However, increased and consistent participation is critical to support the many aggressive initiatives President Freeland has planned. He has put forth a challenge to double the Annual Fund to $5 million next year. For those of you who always intended to make a gift but have not, this is the year to begin giving. For those of you who have given, your continued support is essential and very much appreciated.

I personally enjoy knowing that so much of our giving goes to support students-and knowing something about the students who benefit from alumni support is particularly gratifying. This year's scholarship recipients include Jennifer Bergh, a psychology major from Salem, Connecticut, who carries a 3.906 QPA; Robert James, an accounting major from Lynnfield, Massachusetts, who has a 3.985 QPA; Peter Sirota, a computer science and business administration major from Rockville, Maryland, who carries a 3.987 QPA; and Holly Lyn Ouellette, a physical therapy major from Rocky Hill, Connecticut, who has a 3.898 QPA. These are remarkable students who, if you're lucky, will one day be doing co-ops in your business.

Deborah B. McConchie, BA'75, is president of the Alumni Association.