With a clear charge and distinct challenges, the 101st president of the West Virginia University Alumni Association is leading the organization into an exciting future. Glenn Adrian (83), was confirmed to that position during a recent meeting of the board of directors. He succeeds Stephen Goodwin (69,72 JD), who just completed an impressive one-year term.
“Looking back at the past year, Goodwin observed,”One thing remained constant through my tenureour members are extremely dedicated to the university,”he continued.
During Goodwins presidency the WVU Alumni Association achieved its highest recorded level of membershipapproximately 26,000 dues-paying members, ranking WVU 15th nationally and third among peer land-grant institutions.
“Steve has been on our board for the past five years and has been instrumental in not only setting the stage for growth, but also achieving the goals that we have set forth,”said Stephen Douglas, chief executive officer of the association.”He has been a tireless advocate and his vision will help maintain the level of services we have come to know and the growing needs that we continue to meet.”
Douglas said Goodwins term will also be remembered as a time when the alumni association took significant steps toward realizing its goal of reaching a more diverse and younger constituency. Goodwin supported new initiatives such as the first Black Alumni Weekend in 2001, helping to reconnect WVU with this part of the university family.
“What we know is that there are some groups that have not traditionally participated fully in the association,”Goodwin said.”In many cases if you simply extend a sincere invitation, you will get a positive response.”
The association also experienced significant success this year in attracting younger alumni. Goodwin said local chapters are seeing a renewed interest by alumni in their 20’s and 30’s, breathing new energy into community activities.
Looking toward the future, Goodwin explains,”With such a solid foundation under us, we are confident that Glenn will continue to take us to new levels of growth and service.”
Adrian said he relishes this opportunity to guide the association through an exciting phase of development.
“The potential is tremendous. We want to activate all arms of the association to get involved in the life of this great institution,”he said.
Expanding the Mountaineer Ambassador Program by working with alumni around the world is one avenue Adrian is pursuing. From recruitment to lobbying, Mountaineer Ambassadors could get involved in the life of WVU even from a distance, he said.
Another priority is maintaining clear lines of communication with other WVU entities, ensuring that programs are effective and efficient. The WVU Alumni Association works closely with nearly 100 registered chapters and constituent groups across the country, attracting tens of thousands of people to events each year.
“As we grow, we have to make sure we are working smart and working together,”noted Adrian.”Its certainly an exciting time for this organization and I am proud to be a part of it.”
“The WVU Alumni Association is fortunate to have committed leaders such as Stephen Goodwin and Glenn Adrian,”Douglas said.”Their dedication to the University is the reason why we continue to see the kind of growth and success we are witnessing at the association. It is a great time to be involved.”
In other association business, the board of directors elected Judge Irene C. Berger (76,78) of Cross Lanes president-elect. She will assume the presidency in 2003.
Three new board members were also appointed: Todd M. Beckwith (70) of Martinsburg; Judge James J. Rowe (72) of Lewisburg; and Michael S. Garrison (91,96 JD) of Charleston.