TUAA hosts fourth Regional Leaders Symposium

September 5, 2007--Twenty–six alumni from 25 different regional chapters returned to Tufts on June 7-10 for the fourth biennial Regional Leaders Symposium.

Focused on themes such as leadership succession and communications, the symposium included workshops on resources for planning and marketing events and best practices in developing participation and leadership.

"I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to glean knowledge from TUAA, the Office of Alumni Relations, and my fellow alumni," said Natica Smith, A04, of the Montreal Tufts Alliance.

Leadership succession remains on ongoing challenge for regional chapters, but this symposium demonstrated that alumni are stepping up to take on responsibilities for organizing events.

Sunny Breed, J66, G72, president of TUAA, noted this was a "first time" symposium for 22 of the 26 chapter representatives. “Their presence shows that regional leadership is strong and new leaders are responding to the challenge to keep chapters growing,” she said. Half of the attendees also were young alumni who graduated between 2000-2006. “Their enthusiasm and energy motivated us all,” she said.

Special thanks to symposium co-chairs Elliott Lerman, E65 and Dave Backman, A94, as well Regional Vice President Claire Davis, J79, and Regional Program Committee members Bob Mitchell, E78; Al Potvin, E65; Anita Sinha, A06; and Marcia Miller, J65, for planning the weekend.