Letter from the Chiarman of the Board

Letter from Chairman of the Board
August 2007

Dear Fellow Alumni:

I consider it a privilege to serve the Naval Academy Alumni Association as the Chairman of the Board. I became a volunteer to engage with other volunteers and the dedicated staff, to be a part of a proud tradition and to help guide the Alumni Association’s future.

As a member organization, the Alumni Association has evolved through its 120 year history while continuing to serve and support the alma mater and its alumni. Though leaders – both volunteer and staff – change, the dedication to mission has not wavered.

Recently, the very purpose of the Alumni Association has been questioned, discussed and disparaged on web sites and in email communications. At the core of these communications are issues that I take personally and seriously.

I am sure that as volunteer leaders of your Class or Chapter, you also take the attacks on your Alumni Association seriously. I realize that many of your classmates and chapter members may be confused, and at times misled, by some of the email traffic. In an effort to help you better understand the issues and the supporting facts, I am providing a fact sheet for your information. If you need further clarification or background, please contact me or any Board member.

While we have experienced some criticism in the last several weeks, we must remind our fellow alumni of the meaningful accomplishments achieved over the last few years. The Alumni Association’s performance in executing goals and objectives is evident in the recent Leadership Update, the semi-annual President’s Report and Annual Reports.

Because our chapters span the globe, and our classes span generations, I ask that you and your fellow volunteers continue to stay informed and help to further educate those you serve – your classmates and chapter members. Thank you for your volunteer leadership, your service and your support. I am fortunate to be serving with you.

Carl Trost