Boise State is, in some respects, a similar institution to UB, though smaller. What are the points of commonality that will help you in your new position?

	Davies

Boise State, like UB, is an institution that has many links and connections to the community. The community partnerships are a strong element to the dynamics of both institutions. Understanding and working within those links can structure a strong alumni-relations program. Additionally, the geographic makeup of the alumni base of each institution is very similar. An overwhelming majority of the alumni base lives within a short drive of the institution. However, a growing segment of the alumni base is moving away from the area. Therefore, to have a balance of regional programs and activities is crucial to those that occur in the Buffalo area. The history of the two institutions also is very similar. Boise State University started as a private institution and then, over history, had four different names and governing bodies.

At Boise, you were a key figure in the acquisition and development of a 7,000-square-foot alumni center, due to open this month. What are some points of comparison with that project and UB's planned Alumni House?

First and foremost, an Alumni House, or Center, is a tremendous asset to any campus. It serves as a continual reminder of the importance of alumni and their role in the future of the university. It is not just a physical building, but one that symbolizes the university's commitment to the past as well as the future. Not only does it serve alumni, but it also will be a symbol to the current students that their role does not conclude at graduation. They have an opportunity, if not a duty, to remain involved and connected to their alma mater. The Janet and Bob Rich Alumni House will serve directly in this role.

Are there specific ways that alumni can foster the university's missions of teaching, research and public service?

Yes. Alumni relations, in the new generation, is an active and proactive venue to involve alumni in the life of an institution. It is not purely a "social club," as it may have commonly been perceived in the past. Specifically, teaching is an ongoing process. The alumni can foster and promote this in several ways. One, alumni themselves can be used to "teach" not only current students but also alumni. For example, last spring, the University Student Alumni Board (USAB) put on a program called "Reality Check" in which alumni came back and worked with students and discussed with them issues they will face after graduation. The research mission is a bit harder, but not impossible. At Boise State, we worked very closely with several departments to provide assistance and resources. Additionally, we were able to connect departments with alumni that were conducting live research and bring it into the classroom. A service component also is an important part of our work and also is a way to involve alumni. For example, our New York City Chapter participates each year in "New York Cares." At Boise State, we also took service to many extremes by once raising a tremendous amount of resources for area food banks, Habitat for Humanity and many other causes. All of these activities are done in the name of university.

You have stated your desire to visit extensively with alumni, both locally and with chapters around the country. How is this going?

My travels and communications have been very fruitful. I have had the opportunity to meet many alumni and friends of UB and discuss with them our challenges and opportunities. I think our biggest hurdle is that we are fairly new at this game. Many of the people I talked with are just starting to hear from us. They are grateful that we are there, but wonder where we have been for the past few decades. Therefore, our biggest challenge and opportunity is to go out and reintroduce ourselves. To re-establish the line of communication and demonstrate our commitment to the entire UB family of alumni is critical.

President Greiner has described the Campaign for UB, which opened Oct. 20, as "an alumni-driven" effort. What is the role of both the Office of Alumni Relations and the Alumni Association in ensuring the campaign's success?

This will be my second capital campaign and from my previous experience, I can tell you a campaign is not only about raising money. It is about raising expectations, commitment, visibility and the standards of an institution. The success of the campaign, as measured in the press, will be dollars, but the true impact will be felt in every area of the institution and it also will be a lasting impact. Specifically, our role is to assist in the development process by creating an environment that will bring attention to the campaign in the eyes of alumni. This includes "getting UB out" to the alumni through our regional and international efforts. Additionally, we will serve as a conduit for alumni and the development officers and campaign staff.

How will the general Alumni Association work with UB's constituent alumni groups (Law Alumni Association, Management Alumni Association, etc.) under your leadership?

I think your question hits it on the mark. We aim to work with the constituent alumni groups. We are not in competition. My goal is to raise the entire level of UB's alumni efforts. It is the best and most appropriate way. For example, my goal is not to increase the UBAA at the expense of a particular school. That would be counter-productive. My goal is to get more alumni involved. Period. To accomplish this, it is imperative that the UB AA and the constituent alumni groups work together. For example, I think homecoming is a prime opportunity. By utilizing one umbrella for the individual constituent alumni groups to have celebrations that demonstrate the greatness of their school. There are many other times of the year in which we can collaborate, especially by using our regional and international outreach efforts. At the same time, there are times and venues when it is totally appropriate for the constituent alumni groups to do their own and separate functions. I firmly understand that and support it. Again, we are here to increase the entire level of alumni support and involvement.

You, your wife and new baby just traveled across the country to take this job. What do you like most about your new city and university?

What is there not to like! I am amazed by the scope of UB. I think that is one of the truly enticing elements of this position. To work with so many different people with such varying backgrounds is truly challenging. Additionally, I like the academic emphasis that we can work with in the alumni-relations area. Having a newborn also is so exciting. As I look around, I think of all the opportunities Katie will have to learn and experience that she may not have had in Boise. I also must admit that I was truly inspired by the changing of the leaves this fall. It was incredible. Then, of course, there is the "beef on weck!"