Fall 1993
Volume XXI No. 1
A Message from Rod Hansen, '72, Alumni Association President
Alumni volunteers making a difference for university
Between family, work, and vacations, a record
number of alumni volunteers squeezed in a lot
of hatd work for our alma mater this summer.
Thirty-five members of the National Alumni
Association Board of Directors met fot a day
and a half planning conference in June. It was
a great meeting, and we were glad to welcome
several new members to the board.
Now more than ever, the alumni of Stetson
are involved in every aspect of the university.
Our meeting covered everything from student
recruitment to campus life to career services
to fundraising. We discussed new ideas and a
new philosophy for alumni events, how to
improve Homecoming and Reunion weekends, and ways to help identify prospective
students. You'll hear more about this as the
year goes on. All this hard work adds up to
more involvement by alumni in the future of
the university.
We need your help. As an association and
a univetsity, we've accomplished a great deal,
but there's more to be done. Be sure to read
the article about how alumni can help
recruit. Mike Fronk, our admissions chair on
the alumni board, has a few tips for us; they
will take very little time, but could make a
big difference to admissions.
Also, take the challenge. No, not for a soft
drink, but for Stetson. Those who have never
given, or not given recently, can have their
gifts matched by a new challenge fund
established by the Alumni Association Board.
We all must take ownetship of the university,
and part of our responsibility is to make a
financial commitment to Stetson. Your
participation, not the size of yout gift, is the
key — it's an indication of your interest. (See
pages 4 and 5.)
To those of you who hosted or attended
Off-to-School parties, thank you. It's
impottant that students feel connected to
alumni. The university appreciates our
involvement in this impottant send-off fot
new and returning students.
And now a personal challenge to each of
you: get involved. The alumni association
needs you, and so does Stetson. Attend an
alumni chaptet meeting. Give us the name of
a high school standout in yout area. Attend
Homecoming ot Reunion or both! Write a
letter to me or the alumni office sharing your
ideas. We want to hear from you!
The Alumni Board heard a university update from President Lee, met the new
provost, and discussed opportunities for the university and alumni association at the
annual summer conference. (Photo by Kathy Burley)
New faces, changes greet students in 1993^94
Stetson University begins
its 110th year with some
new faces in prominent
places, changes in programs, and a redesigned
cafeteria.
Two new academic
officers have joined the
university.
Dr. Eugene S. Lubot, provost, officially
began his duties Aug. 1. Former vice president of academic affairs at Albright College
in Reading, Pa., he is replacing Dr. Louis F.
Brakeman, who has retired after six years.
Business Dean Paul E. Dascher has been on
the job since July 1. He replaces Dr. Bill
Wright, who has returned to the classroom.
"Dr. Lubot is an outstanding scholar with
significant administrative experience. He
will bring to the ptovost's office many new
ideas and a creative approach to academic
leadership," President Doug Lee said.
"I am tremendously excited by the
opportunity to serve as provost at Stetson,"
said Lubot. "The university enjoys a well-
deserved reputation for academic excellence
and support for students, and it is a great
ptivilege to join this fine community."
"I'm eaget to get to know our alumni, and
to listen to their ideas about our common
future," said Lubot. "It is our
alumni who preserve our
collective memory of
Stetson's hetitage, and they
also provide a source of
fresh ideas for the future."
Dascher sees alumni as a
strong resource.
"Experience is a fantastic teacher, and our
alumni have it. We want to find ways for
alumni to become involved, for the benefit of
both students and faculty. We want to bring
them back to campus both formally and
informally, and hope to set up a mentoring
program."
He hopes to meet as many alumni as he
can: "They ate out best representatives."
The cutrent education division will split
into three separate departments -- counselof
education, teacher education and sport and
exercise science, with an office of special
projects in education added to the mix,
according to Arts and Sciences Dean Gary
Maris, '62.
Perhaps the biggest change students will
notice is the remodeled Commons, which will
feature food islands that allow students more
choices. New furnishings include booths, and
the color scheme and lighting also have been
improved.
