Volunteer Connection

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson delivered heartfelt and powerful words of appreciation to volunteer leaders at the Friday night Welcome Dinner.

Guests listen to Dr. Jackson's Keynote at the Heffner Alumni House.

RAA President Paul Cosgrave '72, '73G welcomes Rensselaer's alumni volunteers.

Roger Mike '70, RAA President-Elect, at the Farewell Dinner.

Institute Trustee Paula Loring Simon '68 gave a moving speech at the Volunteer & Staff Luncheon.

Thank you for a wonderful
Rensselaer Volunteer Summit 2012!

The second Rensselaer Volunteer Summit, held in Troy April 14-15, was a great success. Beginning with the Welcome Dinner, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson on Friday night, through the Farewell Breakfast on Sunday morning, alumni who participated in the program enjoyed the quality and diversity of the offerings. The seminars were well attended, often to capacity, and early feedback reveals that the program met the expectation of our valued alumni partners.

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson’s address to an audience of more than 100 dinner guests on Friday night emphasized the importance of RPI’s alumni volunteers and expressed deep appreciation for the work that goes on in all areas of volunteerism, from fundraising to mentoring of students to alumni programs on and off campus. There were many opportunities for guests to meet and mingle with alumni, students, and staff. A highlight of the program on Saturday during the Volunteer & Staff luncheon was the address by Paula L. Simon ’68, Institute Trustee and former president of the Rensselaer Alumni Association. Simon shared her unbridled pride in the Institute and her desire to support Rensselaer’s goals and objectives going forward, asking the volunteer leaders who were present to follow her example.

The Deans’ Roundtable was a very special and unique program which brought together all five of Rensselaer’s deans to discuss their individual insights and visions for each of their schools in the larger context of higher education now and in the future. The dialogue that ensued on stage was refreshing and entertaining, offering insights into the interaction and support that exists between the leadership of the schools on a personal level. Click here to watch a video of the program courtesy of RPI TV.

“It was gratifying to see such a terrific turnout of alumni volunteers,” said Paul Cosgrave ’72, President of the Rensselaer Alumni Association. “There was a great exchange of ideas and information, and we were pleased to be able to recognize and thank our volunteer partners.”

Rensselaer's Volunteer Opportunities
Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.

If you are interested in volunteering, there are many opportunities to further your involvement with Rensselaer for personal and professional growth. The following links describe specific involvement opportunities.

Philanthropy
Regional Chapters
Reunion (class or affinity)

If you're interested in volunteering, please fill out the volunteer form here.

Circle of Excellence Award
Rensselaer's Volunteer Relations Program

Council for the Advancement and Support of Educations

Are you interested in what the 2012 Volunteer Summit had to offer?
For a wrap-up of the 2012 Volunteer Summit which was held April 13-15, 2012, visit the website. The site contains program information, links to session handouts, and video of select presentations.

For a Storify summary of the weekend, click here.

For an article from Inside Rensselaer, click here.