To the Editors:

This weekend, the Alumni Council will consider changes to the Alumni Association’s bylaws. Sixteen past presidents of the Alumni Association, including myself, have reviewed the proposed changes, and we urge our fellow Council members to approve the new bylaws.

In our judgment, the proposed bylaws achieve much needed reforms to the Association’s system of governance and will strengthen the Association’s empowerment of volunteers to become more effective in supporting the College and Oberlin communities. The new bylaws also will result in the inclusion of student representatives on a new and expanded governing body, the Alumni Leadership Council. The collaboration with student representatives offers an exciting opportunity to improve the relevancy of alumni support to the student body and establish an early relationship with the Association’s future members and leaders.

The new bylaws will not affect the role of class presidents, class agents, regional coordinators, affiliate group members, et al. The Association, moreover, will continue to invite these key volunteers to return to campus to train, form bonds and experience “renewal.”

Council members, your past presidents are most appreciative of your devotion to Oberlin, and we thank you!

Fred Cohen, OC ’57 (1978-1979)
John Elder, OC ’53 (1977-1978)
Carl Gerber, OC ’58 (1971-1972)
Fran Kaplan Grossman, OC ’61 (1979-1980)
Bill Hilton, OC ’65 (2007-2009)
Jackie Hughes, OC ’76 (2011-2013)
Diane Kenty, OC ’77 (1999-2001)
Peter Kirsch, OC ’79 (1997-1999)
Roberta Maneker, OC ’57 (1989-1991)
Clyde Owan, OC ’79 (2001-2003)
Dwan Vanderpool Robinson, OC ’83 (2009-2011)
Robert Rotberg, OC ’55 (1981-1982)
Wendell P. Russell, Jr., OC ’71 (2005-2007)
Leanne Wagner, OC ’76 (2003-2005)
William Warren, OC ’48 (1987-1989)
Danette Wineberg, OC ’68 (1995-1997)