Alumni Weekend 2012
Ruggers,
We are pleased to announce the date of this year’s 8th annual alumni game: Saturday, April 28, 2012.
Further, we are thrilled to announce that we are scheduled to play our very first ON-CAMPUS alumni game. The new Athletics Department administration has proven to be a stellar partner, and while we will have to maintain an off-campus back-up location for contingencies regarding inclement weather and varsity/NCAA conflicts, we have every expectation of finally being welcomed home. This is a big step forward for us, and we hope many of you will make it out for the game, the meeting, and the festivities.
Please let us know if you will be attending and/or participating in this year’s Alumni game. Also, stay tuned for further details.
Your Rugby Alumni Union Board of Directors
Homecoming 2011 Recap
Introduction
It is my pleasure to report back on the rugby events surrounding Homecoming 2011. For the Rugby Alumni Union board of directors the weekend began Friday night, when Martin Greenwood ’01 convened a very productive dinner meeting at his house in Boston. The grill master prepared a delicious three-course meal for about a dozen people, all told, and the result was a very long, very in-depth discussion about where we stand on a number of initiatives and what sorts of goals and action items we can embrace moving forward. The value of the meeting was truly enhanced by the contributions of the current Men’s Rugby Club president, Ezra Krechmer ’12 and match secretary, Joseph Roys ’13.
Fall Meeting
The next morning, we had scheduled a particularly early fall meeting on campus in order to accommodate a 10am match between Wheaton and UMass Dartmouth. It turns out the field where the match was to take place was not fit for playing, and the match was cancelled. This development allowed a small group of probably 20-25 alumni and students to have a more in-depth, conversational meeting than might otherwise have been the case. We began with introductions of all present. We had alumni spanning the classes of 1999-2010 present, and the students ranged from freshman to senior. We then heard from several board members on the progress of ongoing projects.
Following board updates we heard from Ezra regarding the club’s financial plans, especially regarding how they are using the endowment funds we provided. I am very pleased to say that the endowment we provided continues to effectively double the funds the club receives through student government. The total club budget for this year is a very healthy $10,000, and while managing and leveraging that money to greatest effect still represents an excellent learning opportunity for club leaders what we hear about the sufficiency of those funds has completely flipped from two years ago. Ezra assured us in very clear terms that the students fully anticipate having all the money they need to pursue their agenda this year. A few of the ways they have used the money thus far include: new pads for the scrum machine, a set of practice jerseys, rugby balls, referee fees, field rental fees, coaching expenses, and league fees.
For the majority of the meeting we identified three broad areas of action and broke members out into corresponding discussion groups, or committees. First, we explained the nature of each committee and then asked members to choose one to attend. At the end, each group reported out about their conversations. It is important to note that many of the projects discussed in each committee extend beyond the conceptual boundaries separating it from the others (e.g., elements of involvement initiatives depend on important new communications work, elements of fundraising initiatives will have goals of developing relationships, etc.). Likewise, board members are already involved with multiple projects that span multiple committees. Nonetheless, as a working structure to make better use of the immense leadership capacity of our entire membership, this committee design seems very promising:
- Communications – Board members Jon Berkowitz ’03 and Martin Greenwood ’01 led discussion around current website initiatives and other information support ideas that can strengthen the work of the RAU in myriad ways.
- Involvement – Board members Allastair Meffen ’02 and Dave Ostman ’08 led discussion on initiatives and ideas surrounding activities the RAU does and can do together to build relationships through shared experiences.
- Fundraising – Board Chairman Scott St. Onge ’99 and I led discussion about what sorts of donor-oriented projects we might embark upon in the near- and long-term, their viability relating to excitement among members, and how we can learn more about the capacity and interests of our entire group.
We had asked members to attend and contribute to the conversation of their choice, but we were also explicit that participation in a single discussion did not of itself commit them to project-level service. At the same time, we hoped to capitalize on some of the excellent offers of project-level leadership we have received over the past several years. In that vein, we hope that a number of our members who could not attend this year’s meeting will take it upon themselves to contact the appropriate board members for any of these three groups and tell them you want to know more. For instance, Ben Spalter ’09 had been saying for some time that he wanted to be more involved, and as a result of this weekend’s discussion he has found an important role in spearheading an effort on the fundraising committee to better understand our group’s fundraising capacity in relation to potential projects. If in reading about the projects and ideas discussed at this meeting you feel that you want to at least know more about how you might contribute, then please email the following board members:
- Communications – Jon Berkowitz & Martin Greenwood (jnberkowitz@gmail.com, mgicbm@hotmail.com)
- Involvement – Allastair Meffen, Dave Ostman & Yot Saeteng (ameffen@impravata.com, dc.ostman@gmail.com, yot.saeteng@gmail.com)
- Fundraising – Scott St. Onge & Andy Lounder (scottstonge@gmail.com, andrewlounder@gmail.com)
Here are some brief notes on each committee’s discussion:
Communications
The group discussed the utility of social networking and business networking and how the RAU might better leverage both Facebook and LinkedIn. They also discussed the importance of improving our website’s search relevance and the ways in which that can be done. There was agreement that a Wheaton Rugby YouTube site would be beneficial so that students and alumni alike can view game video. The group discussed the importance of continuous updates to the website, and in that vein a biography of the coach gained agreement as a worthwhile addition. Connecting with Wheaton’s larger communications apparatus in new ways also seemed important for several reasons, such as recruiting high school rugby players as applicants and coordinating with other clubs. One item of note that we alumni learned from students is that they would welcome more communication from us in many ways.
Involvement
The group spent a good deal of time discussing ideas for activities that could bring together alumni and students in new ways. Service opportunities captured the imaginations of both alumni and students within the group, and some of the ideas generated include volunteering through an established program, like Sturdy Memorial Hospital’s, or creating our own, such as a road race. Likewise, live athletics events to go along with televised viewings were a point of discussion (e.g., Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, Paw Sox, etc.). Finally, the group touched on an initiative already in the works, which is tentatively being called the “bucket list.” The idea is to have the RAU collectively identify big ticket, or once in a lifetime experiences to share together. The groundwork is currently being laid for a highly inclusive process to support the creation of a prioritized list, and more information about how to contribute to that process will be forthcoming in the weeks and months ahead. One point that should be emphasized is that as a result of each committee’s discussion students showed the willingness to contribute leadership where that would not be a distraction from the club’s affairs. In the case of the involvement committee’s conversation the students seemed particularly motivated surrounding the notion of providing logistics for a service activity with student and alumni participants.
Fundraising
The fundraising committee met and recognized a mandate for answering two key questions: (1) what should the subject of the next RAU fundraising project be, and (2) what is our fundraising capacity for such a project? By way of orientation, the meeting began with discussion of our donor agreement with the college and of the circumstances surrounding our successful $100,000 campaign, which resulted in an endowed supplement to the Men’s Rugby Club’s regular budget. Conversation also included whether and how a tiered “dues” system might both allow donors to recover from the stress of a campaign and ensure continued participation between campaigns. Likewise, donor recognition models seen in other organizations were also discussed. A major point of discussion, though, centered on the need for a group of somewhat younger donors to step up and play the role that another group played about five years ago. Finally, one major challenge took center stage, and that is the lack of a current objective. Wheaton has yet to approve a new field project for which we may consider partnership. At the same time, other much smaller projects are waiting, such as a new scrum machine. The committee hopes these ideas will spark conversation among members going into the spring meeting in 2012.
Volunteer Luncheon
Following the fall meeting several RAU board members were able to attend Wheaton’s annual volunteer luncheon. We were fortunate to be able to support several departing administrators who have been strong advocates of Wheaton rugby and of the RAU since its inception. While we will miss these wonderful people they were sent off in grand fashion. Sharon Howard, who began her career assisting Wheaton’s President, Tish Emerson back in the late 1970s, had for many years served as our Executive Director for Alumnae/i Relations. She retired last spring, and President Emerson returned to campus this past weekend in order to make a very touching speech at this luncheon. Likewise, Heather Corbett, who began her career at Wheaton as a new graduate in 1986 under Sharon, has taken a new position at Tulane University, in New Orleans. Finally, Diane Robbins, who directed the Wheaton Fund for many years, has also retired. Each of these women has been a true friend to rugby, and of course their commitments to Wheaton more generally have rightfully earned them all of our recognition. Several of us were very pleased to wish them well in their new lives.
New Science Building
At one point, a number of alumni also had the opportunity to tour the brand new, $42 million Mars Center for Science and Technology. Its design is particularly attractive, with extensive glass walls to maximize natural light and warm wood panels to combat the doldrums-type images of white lab coats and black, burn-proof countertops many people associate with the sciences. The building is LEED Silver certified, meaning it is particularly environment-friendly and part of a now-established trend my colleges and universities to expand campuses in more sustainable ways. The building is strewn with wonderfully appealing and comfortable study lounges, and I think all of us who got to see it were highly impressed. Of course, many of our members have not only donated funds to rugby over these past several years, but we have also given to the Wheaton Fund, which means that we helped make this project happen. In any case, all of our members should really take the opportunity to walk through the new science center and to feel good about the direction of the college. One story I heard from a trustee this weekend is that Wheaton invited high school science teachers from around the State of Massachusetts to the grand opening this past weekend. About 50 of them attended, and many of them commented that they would now recommend Wheaton as a college destination for many of their best students.
Afternoon Activities
In the afternoon, several alumni contributed to the career fair being held in Balfour-Hood. Ben Berkowitz ’00 had a leading role, and the format resembled that of speed dating. Students moved around to a number of high-top tables, where alumni were waiting to talk with them, casually but informatively, about different lines of work. The ruggers were in high demand out there, and we received many comments of appreciation from Alumnae/i Relations staff for our strong support.
Still others of us were able to attend the varsity soccer game, where we ran into the new Athletic Director, John Sutyak. “Sutty” has been with Wheaton for many years in a variety of roles, and many of us have longstanding relationships with him. We had a good, casual sidelines conversation with him, and we look forward to continuing to work with John for many years.
The final stop of the day was 5 Taunton Avenue, which is the house across the street from the bookstore, where several ruggers have lived over the past few years. There, a number of additional students and alumni were able to gather for some less formal interaction. At one point, looking around the room, we alumni noticed a number of particularly young, new faces. We confirmed that the team currently includes about 10 freshmen. This is of note for a couple of reasons. First, it shows that the club’s internal recruitment initiatives are paying off and that we have good reason to be excited about the high school recruitment initiatives being supported by Dean of Students, Lee Williams and members of the admissions staff. Second, we were reminded that although alumni receive extensive correspondence about Rugby Alumni Union the students do not enjoy the same level of continuous information about what the RAU is up to. Many of the students in the room were not familiar with the club’s history or the RAU’s, and we were able to spend nearly an hour telling the histories of both organizations and taking questions.
Conclusion
Obviously, a great deal of important work was accomplished over homecoming. We can all be optimistic that the spring meeting and related activities surrounding our alumni game will build effectively from here. Alumni game is typically held on either the last Saturday in April or the first Saturday in May. Please mark your calendars, and the date will be verified as we move closer to it.
Read MoreHomecoming Wknd 2011
Home Sweet Homecoming! 2011
Friday, September 23rd, 2011:
- Board dinner and meeting (location and time TBD)
Saturday, September 24th, 2011:
- Morning Meeting at 930:11am in Meneeley 209.
- Undergrad game at Mansfield High 11am
- Back to Campus and lunch
To register for Homecoming: Click here
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Alumni Weekend 2011
It’s that time of the year again! Don’t forget Alumni Weekend 2011!
SCHEDULE
The full schedule is as follows, with addresses and directions below:
- 10am-11:30am: Spring Open Meeting in the Wooley Room of Mary Lyon Hall (the big, yellow building directly across the Dimple from the library). Please note that this is a different room and a different building from where we have met in the past.
- 12pm: Meet at Bridgewater/Raynham High School football field to warm up.
- 1pm: Alumni game kickoff.
- Immediately following the game: Drink-up at Trinity Bar, in Norton, which has sponsored Wheaton Men’s Rugby for the past two years.
- 6pm: Dinner, drinks, and pool at Big City, in Allston Please note that the $50 fee for alumni will apply as it has in previous years.
- 8pm: Organized activities end, and each to his own, but the Board of Directors would like to encourage everyone to stay together a bit longer and take the party directly across the street, to nearby establishment.
WEBEX REMOTE CONFERENCING & CONFERENCE CALL
This year, for the first time, members of the Rugby Alumni Union (students and alumni) who cannot attend the open meeting will have the opportunity to participate via a combination of WebEx and conference call technology. Allastair Meffen will be running the visual WebEx presentation, and the conference call will facilitate sound. Instructions are as follows:
1. Go to https://imprivata.webex.com/imprivata/j.php?ED=150706672&UID=1065952347&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D
2. If requested, enter your name and email address.
3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: (This meeting does not require a password.)
4. Click “Join”.
5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
To view in other time zones or languages, please click the link:
https://imprivata.webex.com/imprivata/j.php?ED=150706672&UID=1065952347&ORT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D
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To join the audio conference
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1-800-377-8846
Passcode: 30789887#
FIELD ADDRESS:
Bridgewater Raynham High School, 415 Center Street, Bridgewater, MA 02324
DIRECTIONS TO FIELD (click for link)
DRINK-UP ADDRESS
Trinity Bar & Restaurant, 184 West Main Street, Norton, MA 02766
DIRECTIONS TO DRINK-UP (click for link)
DINNER ADDRESS:
Big City, 138 Brighton Avenue, Boston, MA 02134
DIRECTIONS TO DINNER (click for link)
Please remember to drink responsibly.
Read MoreAlumni Spotlight
Clenet Verdi-Rose – Wheaton College Class of 2004
Clenet is a graduate of Wheaton and a former rugby player. He was a 4 year starter on the rugby team and most recently played Scrum-Half for the club. While he was a senior at Wheaton, he was apart of the rugby club that claimed the 2004 NERFU Division Championship.
Clenet is originally from Falmouth, MA, but now resides in LA and works in the film industry. He is an Assistant Director, 2nd Unit Director and Director. Most recently he directed and helped produce the film Skyler.
For more information on Clenet, please visit his IMDB page.
For future Alumni Spotlights, send the info to Jon Berkowitz at jnberkowitz@gmail.com
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