Category Archives: Fraternity News

Introducing, Kappa Kappa Psi Presents

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KKPsi_presents_logo
Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi,
 
Thank you to everyone who participated in the availability poll! Based on the responses, the first VPSA-hosted student chat will be next Tuesday, September 22nd, at 9pm EDT. The topic for this first session will be the Online Membership Reporting System. Our guest co-host for the session will be Aaron Moore, National Alumni, Historical, and Development Coordinator. He has a long history with the development of the OMRS and is a great resource for your chapters. Please come with your questions and OMRS-related experiences to share!
 
The rest of this announcement will be in two parts. The first part will detail the new format and structure of these chats going forward this biennium. The second relates to the online meeting tool the fraternity has at its disposal. I will provide links to the tool’s website that include system requirements, download instructions, and FAQs.
 
I am excited to continue the great conversations that were started in Lexington! See you online Tuesday evening!
 
AEA,
Zac
 
Zachary T. Humphrey
National Vice President for Student Affairs
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
zac@kkpsi.org
 

Part I: Introducing Kappa Kappa Psi Presents
 
After listening to the feedback received in Lexington and the following weeks, I have been working with members of the national leadership, as well your district leadership, to revamp what was formerly known as the VPSA Student Chats. Out of those conversations, Kappa Kappa Psi Presents was born.
 
The idea behind Kappa Kappa Psi Presents is that once a month, your VPSA will host an online conversation between the active brotherhood nationwide that revolves around a central topic or theme. Participating in these conversations will be a knowledge-area expert from the national level that will act as a resource in addition to the VPSA throughout the conversation. An hour will be allotted, which will allow brothers to actively engage with each other as well as with members of the national leadership. Kappa Kappa Psi Presents will not be a video chat, but rather an audio chat, as video is one of the great limiters in online meetings. Also know that there is a 50 participant maximum.
 
To give brothers a sense of how the hour flow, I give the following breakdown. Each conversation will start with introductions on the theme and host as well as a quick update on the work of the national level. Next, I will turn the conversation over to the guest host and allow them to give a quick overview of their experience as it relates to the topic. I will then pose a series of questions that either myself and the other co-host have come up with or questions that brothers have submitted ahead of time. From there, the goal is to allow the bulk of the time be given over to the brothers in attendance to ask questions of their own and share experiences. Towards the end of the hour, I will begin to wind down the conversation and make any relevant announcements (the next chat topic and time, etc.).
 
You might be asking, “what if I cannot make a session, but I have a question or I want to hear other’s experiences on that topic?” Fear not! As mentioned, I am encouraging brothers to submit their questions or conversation topics relating to the Kappa Kappa Psi Presents topic beforehand. Starting on Saturday, September 19, brothers will be able to send emails to kkpsipresents@kkpsi.org that contain their questions.
 
In addition, I plan to record the audio of each session. The goal is to work with Robert Bratcher, our National Publication Manager and Multimedia Designer, to publish a monthly podcast with the recorded audio that will be made available following each session. This will allow access for brothers who cannot make the time, or for brothers who were not able to attend due to participant restrictions imposed by the software.
 
Now you are probably wonder what are the types of topics we will discuss during these monthly sessions. In the conversations since convention, some of the topics and themes that active brothers want to discuss are as follows:

  • the Online Membership Reporting System
  • the Podium/social media
  • 3rd degree, then what? (continuing membership ed/active-in-training when they get their bid/are candidates, etc.)
  • director and/or sponsor transitions/relations
  • de-mystifying the board of trustees
  • graduating seniors/alumni association/life membership
  • chapter: small and isolated? (small chapter problems)
  • chapter: too big to fail? (large chapter problems)
  • transitions (officer, membership status, etc.)
  • managing finances (not just how to fundraise, but acting in fiscally responsible manners, making financially sound decisions, planning for the future, etc.)
  • service (how do chapters address needs, come up with what to do, etc.) 

I figure this is something that will develop and evolve organically as the program gets going based on feedback, as well as trends that are observed by your district and national leadership.
 
Part II: Online Meeting Tool
 
The national organization has an account with OmniJoin. To access the online meeting room click here. I am linking OmniJoin’s FAQs and system requirements. The tool works on Windows and Mac based machines. Note that for Windows, it works on IE 9 or later, Chrome, of Firefox browsers. For Mac, it works on Safari and Firefox browsers. There is also a mobile app that works with iOS. You can find more info on mobile access here.  In order to participate, you will have to install either the browser plug-in or the client application on your computer or mobile device.
 
Starting at 8pm EDT on Tuesday, I will have the meeting room open to allow brothers the opportunity to try logging on as this is a new tool for the active membership. It is a fairly straightforward process to install, whichever method you choose. The first time I used it, it took less that two minutes to get up and running.
 
Please, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out!

2015-2017 Southeast District Governor Appointment

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Brothers of the Southeast District –

I am pleased to announce to you the individuals that will serve as Southeast District Governors for the upcoming 2015-2017 biennium.

Dr. Craig Aarhus will return in his role as a Southeast District Governor.  You all have worked with him throughout the past several years, and I know that Craig is excited to continue in this role.  He is a valuable resource to the active members of the Southeast District, and I am confident that is going to continue to help guide the district officers and the entire district as the SED continues to Strive for the Highest.

As you all know, the election of past SED Governor Evan Thompson as Kappa Kappa Psi’s National Vice President for Colonization and Membership leaves a vacancy in the SED Governor position.  I have worked closely with Dr. Aarhus and Vice President Thompson to select an individual that will complement the momentum the SED currently has.

I am pleased to announced that joining Dr. Aarhus as a SED Governor will be Latrondrick Hunter.  Tron is no stranger to the SED.  Tron comes to us with great experiences; experiences that will definitely help him in his new governor role.  He was initiated in to the Zeta Eta chapter at South Carolina State University in 2010.  He is a recipient of the J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award.  After receiving his Instrumental Bachelor of Arts degree, Tron began graduate work at Alabama A&M University in pursuit of a Masters of Music Education degree.  There he operated as the Drill/Show Coordinator.  His duties included creating field designs and producing and arranging halftime show concepts.  Currently, Tron contributes to the world of music by producing marching band field shows for high school and collegiate band programs across the Southeast.

If you would like to send a congratulatory e-mail or an introduction, you may reach Tron at lhunter6@gmail.com.

I look forward to seeing the great things the Southeast District will continue to accomplish.  Your work matters, band matters, and Kappa Kappa Psi Matters.

AEA,

Jack

—

Jack Lee

National President

Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band  Fraternity

www.kkpsi.org

Founded in 1919 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kappa Kappa Psi is the leading fraternity solely dedicated to supporting and developing college and university band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi has affiliation with over 210 college and university campuses across the United States of America. Guided by our values, mission and ritual, Kappa Kappa Psi is purposefully working towards our vision; With a dedicated spirit of unity and cooperation, we are unequivocally committed to become the world standard of excellence for band fraternal organizations. Collectively, Kappa Kappa Psi members are inspiring one another and all college band members to Strive for the Highest.

Notification of Dues Increase

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Just a few short weeks ago, the National Chapters met at the 2015 National Convention to participate in numerous leadership development activities, elect our new National Council and Board of Trustees members, and to attend to other business of the Fraternity/Sorority.  Over the next month, you will receive further updates about the changes to come out of convention, but we wanted to call your attention to one change that will begin to affect members immediately.

The 2015-2017 biennial budget for each organization was reviewed and approved by the Ways & Means Committee and then adopted by the majority of the National Chapter in attendance in Lexington.  After a period of six years with no dues increase, both organizations have voted to raise dues and initiate fees by $15 effective for the 2015-2016 school year.  This increase is to cover the growth of the organization, allow for increased development of our programs, and to support several capital improvement projects at our National Headquarters properties.  The following table lists all chapter and membership fees for the 2015-17 biennium:

Active, Conditional, Associate Membership Dues

$100.00 (On-Time)

$125.00 (Late)

Initiate Fees

$110.00 (On-Time)

$137.50 (Late)

Chapter Fee

$75.00 (On-Time)

$93.75 (Late)

Honorary Initiation Fees

$50.00 (On-Time)

$62.50 (Late)

It is important that all chapter officers check to see if they have any pending forms in the OMRS.  These fee changes will go into effect on Friday 8/14.  Once the fees are updated in the OMRS, all pending forms with a balance due will be updated to the current fee structure listed above.

Mourning The Loss of Professor Robert D. Jorgensen

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Robert D. Jorgensen

Kappa Kappa Psi joins The University of Akron college band community in mourning the loss of Professor Robert D. Jorgensen, who passed away on July 4, 2015. Director of Bands at The University of Akron for 26 years and as Director of Bands Emeritus since his retirement in 2013, Jorgensen also held the titles of Professor of Music as well as Assistant Director of the School of Music. Since 2006, Mr. Jorgensen has served as musical director/conductor of The Freedom Brass Band of Northeast Ohio.

During his tenure at Akron, the University of Akron Symphonic Band was invited to perform at 11 conferences of the Ohio Music Education Association, the 1992 conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA); the 1998 CBDNA conference; the 2003 American Bandmasters Association Convention; and the 2004 CBDNA conference. Under his direction, the UA Symphonic Band also performed at Severance Hall in Cleveland in April 2003, followed by a 2008 European tour.

Professor Jorgensen has been widely honored as a music educator and conductor. He received the Outstanding Bandmasters Award from Phi Beta Mu, International Bandmasters Fraternity, in 1999 and the Citation of Excellence Award from the National Band Association in 1981. In 1992, Kappa Kappa Psi honored Professor Jorgensen with the A. Frank Martin Award. Recently, Mr. Jorgensen received unanimous support from his colleagues for the distinction of Professor Emeritus at The University of Akron. He was also honored on December 6, 2013 as a recipient of The University of Akron Honorary Alumni Award.

Mr. Jorgensen has appeared as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the United States and, in 2009, he was invited to serve as an adjudicator for the St. Patricks Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. He has held professional memberships in the The American Bandmasters Association, (past president), National Band Association, Mid-American Conference Band Directors Association (past president), College Band Directors National Association, NAfME – The National Association for Music Education, Ohio Music Education Association, and Phi Beta Mu. Mr. Jorgensen was also an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi (Zeta Omicron) and Tau Beta Sigma (Epsilon Iota).

Mr. Jorgensen earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree from Michigan State University. He was euphonium soloist with the United States Army Field Band in Washington, D.C. from 1969-1972. Prior to joining the faculty at The University of Akron in 1987, Professor Jorgensen had served on the faculty at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY and had also served as Director of Bands at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX.

Professor Jorgensen’s work as a dedicated and devoted musician and educator lives on through the thousands of students he taught and influenced throughout his career.

2015-2017 Western District Governors

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Brothers of the Western District –

I am pleased to announce to you the individuals that will serve as Western District Governors for the upcoming 2015-2017 biennium.

Current WD Governors, James Llamas and James Hudson,  will not return as governors for the upcoming biennium. Both James Llamas and James Hudson has been exceptional members of the Kappa Kappa Psi National Leadership team.  Their professional life is embedded in the work that we do within Kappa Kappa Psi – bands.  Through those efforts, each of them will continue to live the mission and vision of our Fraternity.  I wish them both the best of luck in their future, and I wanted to publicly thank them for their tireless efforts as a WD Governor.

Serving as the Western District governors will be Lance Coochyouma and Charlene Ronne.

Charlene Ronne was initiated into the Brotherhood on April 10, 2009 as part of the Lambda Alpha Chapter at the University of California, Irvine. There she pursued and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in History while playing tenor saxophone and trombone in the UC Irvine Anteater Pep Band and the UC Irvine Wind Ensemble. During her time as an active Brother, Charlene was elected to the offices of Chapter Treasurer, Vice-President, and President. Additionally, during her senior year she was elected Western District President of Kappa Kappa Psi and received the honor of being a J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award winner.

Lance is a two-term WD president, and served on the WD Council for four years.  Lance was initiated in to the Gamma Kappa chapter at Northern Arizona University in the spring semester of 2001.  He served as drum major there for three years, and then transferred to the University of Arizona where he was an active member of the Omega chapter and served as color guard captain.  He is a life member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.  Lance is also a recipient of the J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award.

I am confident that Lance and Charlene are going to be an exceptional team, and that we can expect nothing other than excellence from the Western District.  As I have heard many times: The best are in the West, and I know that we can expect this to continue.

If you would like to send a congratulatory e-mail or an introduction, you may reach Lance at lance@kkpsi.org and Charlene may be reached atcharleneronne@kkpsi.org.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Lexington, KY this summer for the 2015 National Convention.

AEA,

Jack

—

Jack Lee
National Vice President for Colonization and Membership
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band  Fraternity
www.kkpsi.org

Founded in 1919 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kappa Kappa Psi is the leading fraternity solely dedicated to supporting and developing college and university band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi has affiliation with over 210 college and university campuses across the United States of America. Guided by our values, mission and ritual, Kappa Kappa Psi is purposefully working towards our vision; With a dedicated spirit of unity and cooperation, we are unequivocally committed to become the world standard of excellence for band fraternal organizations. Collectively, Kappa Kappa Psi members are inspiring one another and all college band members to Strive for the Highest. 

2015-2017 Southwest District Governors

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Brothers of the Southwest District –

I am pleased to announce to you the individuals that will serve as Southwest District Governors for the upcoming 2015-2017 biennium.  I have determined that for the Southwest District that we will move forward with three district governors.  This will help the governors in their responsibilities of assisting the district officers, chapters, and individual brothers in a district that has over 60 active chapters.

Current SWD Governor, John Graham, will not return as a governor for the upcoming biennium. John has been an exceptional member of the Kappa Kappa Psi national leadership team.  His band program at The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff continues to excel under his leadership.  I wish him the best of luck in his future, and I wanted to publicly thank him for his tireless efforts as a SWD Governor.

 

Toni Castle will return in her role as a Southwest District Governor.  You all have worked with her throughout the past several years, and I know that Toni is excited to continue in this role.

Joining Toni will be Clinton Wieden.  Clinton is no stranger to the SWD.  Clinton’s involvement in Kappa Kappa Psi began in late 2001, when he was initiated as part of the Zeta Delta class of the Alpha chapter. He held multiple chapter and district offices, including two terms as the Southwest District President. His service as an active member saw him twice honored as Alpha’s “Brother of the Year,” and the Fraternity recognized his contributions by awarding him the J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award in 2006.  He has also served in the past as a member of the HQ staff, and is a Life Member of both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.

Also joining the SWD Governor team is Kalem Graham.  Kalem is the current Assistant Director of Bands at Langston University.  Kalem was initiated in to the Zeta Psi chapter at Virginia State University on February 20, 2003 and is also a Life Member of the Fraternity.  He previously served as Northeast District Member-at-Large.  Professionally, Kalem has served as Director of Bands at Franklin City Public School, as a graduate assistant at Radford University, and now as Assistant Director of Bands at Langston University.

 

If you would like to send a congratulatory e-mail or an introduction, you may reach Toni at tonicastle@kkpsi.org.  Clinton can be reached at wieden@kkpsi.org.  You can reach Kalem at kograham@langston.edu.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Lexington, KY this summer for the 2015 National Convention.

AEA,

Jack
—

Jack Lee
National Vice President for Colonization and Membership
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band  Fraternity
www.kkpsi.org

Founded in 1919 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kappa Kappa Psi is the leading fraternity solely dedicated to supporting and developing college and university band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi has affiliation with over 210 college and university campuses across the United States of America. Guided by our values, mission and ritual, Kappa Kappa Psi is purposefully working towards our vision; With a dedicated spirit of unity and cooperation, we are unequivocally committed to become the world standard of excellence for band fraternal organizations. Collectively, Kappa Kappa Psi members are inspiring one another and all college band members to Strive for the Highest.

2015-2017 North Central District Governors

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Brothers of the North Central District –

At the 2015 NCD Convention, District Governor, Rod Whiteman, announced that he would not return as a governor for the upcoming biennium.  On behalf of the entire national leadership team, I want to publicly thank Rod for his outstanding work as a district governor.  He has had an opportunity to directly impact the leadership, development, and personal growth of countless brothers throughout the last 10 years.  He has done this in such a positive manner.

North Central District Governor Ishbah Cox will return in his position as an NCD Governor.

With Rod leaving the governor position, I have been working on selecting a replacement.  I am pleased to announce that filling the role of NCD Governor for the 2015-2017 biennium will be Jason Mlady.

Jason has a strong background in Kappa Kappa Psi.  He is a life member of the Gamma Pi chapter, and has previously served as the NCD President.  He has also served on the national level as a committee chair and committee member for various committees.  In 2013 he was awarded the J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award.  Jason has a passion for Kappa Kappa Psi, and I am confident that he will continue the excellent work that we have seen from brothers of the NCD.

If you would like to send a congratulatory e-mail or an introduction, you may reach Jason at jasonmlady@kkpsi.org.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Lexington, KY this summer for the 2015 National Convention.

AEA,

Jack

—

Jack Lee
National Vice President for Colonization and Membership
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band  Fraternity
www.kkpsi.org

Founded in 1919 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kappa Kappa Psi is the leading fraternity solely dedicated to supporting and developing college and university band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi has affiliation with over 210 college and university campuses across the United States of America. Guided by our values, mission and ritual, Kappa Kappa Psi is purposefully working towards our vision; With a dedicated spirit of unity and cooperation, we are unequivocally committed to become the world standard of excellence for band fraternal organizations. Collectively, Kappa Kappa Psi members are inspiring one another and all college band members to Strive for the Highest. 

KKPsi Alumni Association Board of Directors 2015-2017 Announcement

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KKPsiAA-BoardofDirectors

The National Alumni Association Board of Directors is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating the various facets and initiatives of Kappa Kappa Psi’s alumni program and for driving a strategic vision of alumni involvement in the Fraternity at the national level.

The National Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Alison Beidler (Eta Rho, West Chester), Nicholas Bratcher (Zeta Eta, South Carolina State), Daniel Miller (Omicron, West Virginia), and Nicholas Rorrer (Eta Beta, Virginia Tech) have been selected to join the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Board of Directors.

We had 22 outstanding candidates for the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Both the number and the quality of applicants excites us for the future of leadership for national alumni efforts, as well as local alumni efforts and the National Fraternity at large.

The four new board members will begin their service at this summer’s National Convention in Lexington, KY. They will join Michael Napolitano (Kappa Upsilon, Marist), Brent Cannon (Gamma Phi, Stephen F. Austin), Jennifer Pitts Taylor (Lambda, Arkansas), and Sarah Casias (Xi, Colorado School of Mines) to lead the Alumni Association for the 2015-2017 biennium.

We thank departing members Marco Krcatovich (Nu, Michigan), Craig McClure (Eta Pi, Northern Iowa), Laura Blake (Alpha Beta, Butler), and Amy Heavilin (Zeta Omicron, Akron) for their service and dedication to the development of the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association.

We are excited for the future of Kappa Kappa Psi alumni involvement, and hope you will join in both our excitement and in alumni activities.

 

AEA

Dr. Malinda Matney

Kappa Kappa Psi Board of Trustees, Chair

2015-2017 Kappa Kappa Psi District Governor Application

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NOTE:

Please know that there are multiple districts where Governors are returning, and even some districts that there are no current available positions. However, Jack plans to utilize individuals that submit material for a Governor position in future consideration for committees, task-forces, and special projects. This is more than an application for a Governor position; this is an opportunity to donate your time and energies to Kappa Kappa Psi.

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Brothers:

According to the National Constitution section 5.201, each District shall be under the jurisdiction of at least one (1) District Governor. The District Governor(s) serve for two years, and are appointed each biennium. If you are interested in this opportunity, please review the qualifications listed below and submit materials for consideration.

INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Be at least twenty-five (25) years of age.
  • Completed at least four (4) years of college work.
  • Committed to the 2 year Governor term.
  • Possess outstanding business or professional ability.
  • Capable of representing the Fraternity under all ordinary conditions.
  • Willing and able to devote the necessary time to the execution of the duties imposed by the office.
  • Attendance at District Conventions, District Events, and National Convention.

Specific Governor responsibilities may be obtained by contacting the National Headquarters of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity at (405) 372-2333.

INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION to Jack Lee, Vice President of Colonization and Membership, NO LATER THAN MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2015:

  • Letter of intent which outlines the answers to the following questions:
  • Resume/Vita – both professional and fraternal.
  • A photo and brief biography suitable for publication on the fraternity website (www.kkpsi.org)
    • What do you believe is the role of the Governor?
    • What 3 goals do you feel your district needs to address this biennium and what are your plans to meet them?
    • The direction for this biennium will be “Kappa Kappa Psi Matters.” What do you believe this means for your district?

SUBMIT MATERIALS (NO LATER THAN MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2015) electronically to Jack Lee, National Vice President of Colonization and Membership at lee.jack.d@gmail.com. Questions may also be addressed to Jack Lee at: (817) 729-5841 or lee.jack.d@gmail.com.

 

AEA,

Jack Lee

National Vice President for Colonization and Membership

Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity

 

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SHAREABLE PDF HERE: GovernorApplication2015-2017

 

KKPsiAA

Alumni Association Board of Directors Call For Applications

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Brothers,

The National Board of Trustees is seeking alumni to serve on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD). The National Alumni Association Board of Directors is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating the various facets and initiatives of Kappa Kappa Psi’s alumni program and for driving a strategic vision of alumni involvement in the Fraternity at the national level. Any alumnus who has a keen interest in and commitment to KKPsi and its alumni program should provide a one-page letter and resume by 20 February 2015 (postmark deadline) highlighting her/his qualifications and ideas. Applications should address the following:

  • the professional skills, talents and expertise of the applicant;
  • suggestions for programs or programming for alumni;
  • ideas and thoughts relating to a strategic vision for KKPsi’s alumni program.

There are a limited number of positions, but we welcome letters from everyone interested in this opportunity to serve. If you are not an alumnus of KKPsi but know of an alumnus who would be an asset to our Alumni Association Board of Directors, please encourage her or him to submit a letter. We are also interested in your nominations, and are happy to encourage all who are nominated to formally apply.

Any questions or nominations can be addressed to Michael Osborn, Board of Trustees Alumni Association Board of Directors Liaison or Malinda Matney, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Letters should be sent to both Mike and Malinda. Electronic submission is encouraged.

AEA

Michael Osborn, Trustee Liaison, AABOD
4089 Hampton Ridge Boulevard
Howell, Michigan 48843
osbornmi87@gmail.com

Dr. Malinda Matney, Chair
Board of Trustees
6015 Fleming Administration Building
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1340
mmatney@umich.edu