Alumni Association, University Approve Cooperation Agreement
Baylor University President Robert B. Sloan Jr. and Baylor Alumni Association Interim Executive Vice President Os Chrisman announced approval May 10 of an agreement that will enable the two organizations to better serve more than 100,000 Baylor alumni worldwide.
The Alumni Association, which is governed by its own board of directors, will continue to operate as an independent organization, publishing the "Baylor Line" and recognizing the achievement of outstanding alumni. In conjunction with the university, the association will continue to sponsor homecoming reunions, the Heritage Club and Legacy Weekend and will promote student programs, including the official Baylor Class Ring program.
"I am grateful for the wise and tireless leadership that Os Chrisman has demonstrated in helping us get to this important point in the relationship between the university and the association. We could not have realized this outcome without his able assistance," Sloan said. "Throughout the discussions that have generated the agreement, it has been clear that the leadership of the association and the university have had one goal in mind, and that is finding ways to serve our alumni in a more comprehensive manner."
Chrisman, a former president of the Baylor Alumni Association, former Baylor trustee and a senior retired judge of the 44th District Court in Dallas, has provided interim leadership for the association since December 2002. "Great universities are supported by active and vital alumni organizations and the Baylor Alumni Association looks forward to coordinating our efforts with those of the university so that all our alumni may be served," Chrisman said.
The university is creating new programming and expanding services to alumni in order to achieve the community-building imperative of Baylor 2012, the university's 10-year vision. Together, the association and the university will offer a wider array of alumni services than ever before in the history of the institution.
"It is clear," according to Dr. Randy Lofgren, associate vice president for alumni services, "that the collaboration of our combined efforts will provide our alumni the very best opportunity to remain connected to their alma mater, so that we may achieve the highest aspirations of our founders."