Welcome!

Dear Alumni and Friends,

“May you live in interesting times” is reputed to be an ancient Chinese curse, and our current economic downturn could certainly be described as “interesting times.”

Virginia Commonwealth University is challenged to cut expenses close to the bone while continuing to fulfill its mission of education, service and research. In the summer issue of Scarab, which should be in mailboxes soon, the deans of each school on the MCV Campus describe the creative tactics and strategies they are employing to weather the downturn.

The MCV Alumni Association and Scarab are not exempt from this struggle. In the 2008 survey that was part of the MCVAA strategic planning process, alumni identified Scarab as the most important means of communication between the MCVAA and alumni. The magazine keeps us connected and informed, and the association has been proud to send Scarab to every graduate of the MCV Campus.

Without your support, however, we might not be able to continue that tradition, and other programs and activities such as reunion and networking opportunities could be dramatically curtailed. The university provides funding for the MCV Alumni Association staff but not for programs and publications. That funding comes directly from alumni through their membership dues.

What can you do to help? Become a member of the MCVAA. It costs as little as $40, and you can join now.  Not sure whether you are already a member? Check the mailing label on your copy of Scarab. If it says “Membership: Not Active” above your name, join today!

In the coming year, the MCVAA board will have some tough decisions to make. Should we scale back production and provide Scarab only to those who are members of the MCVAA?   It could come to that. And other programs and services might be cut.

You can make a difference. Help preserve the MCVAA’s long tradition of connecting and serving MCV Campus alumni by becoming a member today.

Sincerely,

James H. Revere Jr. (D.D.S.’65/D)

President, MCV Alumni Association of VCU