I had an exciting opportunity to welcome our newest Michigan State University alumni during the College of Education’s Graduate Convocation in December at Erickson Hall. I urged the graduates to continue their connection with MSU by joining the College of Education Alumni Association. I told them that as members they would receive this publication you are now reading, the New Educator, and participate in various college functions, including our popular Homecoming Tent Party. What a joy it was to help celebrate with the graduates in this 51st year of the College of Education.

A reception prior to the convocation brought together many families, friends, as well as faculty members and administrators. It was fun congratulating the exuberant students and parents who participated in this special event. The event brought back memories of those days when I graduated from MSU. Wearing the school’s academic cap and grown, the hooding ceremony, the recognition speeches all provide an atmosphere of anticipation for future achievement. A degree is a dream achieved, and those graduates are now in positions to pursue the passions that brought them to MSU in the first place. Graduates like the ones I had the privilege of addressing are the future. So many goals are thought about on graduation day!

The graduates received their degrees, as you and I did, at one of America’s premier colleges of education, as is clear from the U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings on Page 3. I know that we are proud that the College of Education is ranked among the nation’s best. I hope that you too share in that pride.

As I mentioned, our Homecoming Tent Party is great fun for our alumni and friends of the college. In fact, the 2003 party was one of the best ever! It was well attended with the biggest turnout we’ve had—more than 500 people. We had a great band, Root Doctor, and plenty of delicious food. We also were surprised and delighted that the MSU Men’s Glee Club stopped by to sing MSU Shadows. If you didn’t join us last year, make it a point to write it on your calendar for next year. The party will be held on Saturday, October 4.

One of the most important components of our College of Education Alumni Association membership is the scholarship support for undergraduate and graduate students. Your membership dues help us fund the scholarships and fellowships that help a new generation of College of Education students. Another important facet is the recognition of alumni through our three honors: the Outstanding Alumni K–12 Administrator Award, the Outstanding Alumni K–12 Teacher Award, and the Distinguished Alumni Award. If you know of accomplished alumni, we welcome your nominations. You can look for the nomination forms on our Web page (www.educ.MSU.edu/alumni ) or you can contact Dr. Cassandra Book at (517) 355-1787. A huge thank you goes to Mike Clark, chairperson of the board’s Nominating Committee, and members Melody Glick, Carmen Ziegler, and Carol Arens. This committee has the enormous job of selecting the scholarship recipients and the alumni awardees.

I value my longstanding relationship with MSU. I am counting on you to partner with us on the board to make our association the best it can be in 2004. Remember that when you join the College of Education Alumni Association, you are joining a network of people throughout the world who make this a better place to live. So let’s be partners in making that network as strong as it can be. I would love to hear from you through e-mail or write me here at MSU. My desire is to see everyone stay connected to our prestigious school.


Becky Moore, President
MSU College of Education Alumni Association

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