From the Director's Chair

Greetings

"S-U-C-C-E-S-S, that's the way we spell success.' Remember that cheer? It still rings in my ears from many years ago. Achieving success seems a straightforward concept, but is it really so simple? Visiting alumni across the country, and reading about Binghamton alumni worldwide, I am impressed by the wide range of success stories. But I wonder -- are we looking hard enough? Examples abound of traditional success stories: Recent Alumni Journal stories have focused on lives such as that of Napster COO Michael Bebel, MBA '86; Clyde Ikeda '73, MD, the surgeon who organizes charitable delivery of medical services; renowned attorney and alumni leader Marty Triano '76; Stanley Reifer '64 and Susan Reifer '65, accomplished professionals with a philanthropic spirit; actor Victor Williams '92; legislative leaders Barry Grodenchik '81 and Michelle Titus '90; financier Marc Zurack '78; cookie entrepreneur Najla Aswad '86; Sesame Workshop VP Jodi Nussbaum '81; economist Ron Ehrenberg '66 and educator Randy Ehrenberg '67; and geologist/photographer Bruce Molnia '67.

Successful alumni often drop by the office to chat. Recently, for example, prominent economist Jasper Okelo '69, from Nairobi, Kenya, dropped by en route to a World Trade Organization conference. Alumni also visit campus as performers, panelists and lecturers. This past year, the University hosted numerous alumni accomplished as scientists, poets, musicians, athletes, artists and judges.

The University recognizes alumni at Commencement with honorary degrees and by giving them special awards throughout the year. But perhaps most important is the recognition alumni can give each other in their everyday lives, by making a point of noting one another's good works, contributions to communities and other achievements.

I can't help thinking that we have only begun to comprehend the amazing array of talented alumni who have achieved 'success' in some aspect of life valued by our University community. When was the last time someone asked you to tell an alumni success story?

Well, now I'm asking.

I would like to hear directly from you about alumni success stories. Define 'success' in a broad way, and tell me about particular alumni you know who exemplify accomplishment in life. Tell me why you picked them, and why they are exemplary. Might they be available for a presentation, a lecture or a performance? Key in a few words to alumni@binghamton.edu or jot a note and mail us the old-fashioned way at Binghamton University Alumni Association, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902. I will use these stories to report about the abundance of success among our 84,000 alumni.

But more important, pay attention to the everyday accomplishments of your fellow alumni and share the joy of their success. Tell them of your pride in them. Their success increases the value of your own degree.

Regards,

Richard Heck, your alumni director

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