Any organization is only as good as the people involved. The more than 6,000 members of the Institute of Technology Alumni Society (ITAS) can feel very proud of our organization. A look back at the 2005-06 academic year shows a long list of successes and an even more exciting future.
As your alumni society president for the past year, I am happy to report that we had a great year. We were honored as the University of Minnesota Alumni Association’s Outstanding Alumni Society of the Year because of the variety of our projects and the enthusiasm of our volunteers.
In the spring we had an outstanding Science & Technology Banquet, which featured a timely talk by Dr. Paul Horn, senior vice president and director of IBM Research. Dr. Horn has been a champion of translating technology-based research into marketplace opportunities. The event attracted more than 400 participants.
The success of our K–12 outreach programs continues to grow. More than 450 visitors—children and their families—attended Tech Fest at The Works, a hands-on museum that makes learning about science and technology interesting and fun. I have it on the best authority that the day was a huge success—my nine-year-old granddaughter and her friends loved it! We also sponsored teams in the FIRST LEGO League competition to encourage elementary-school students’ interest in science and technology.
Last fall a number of alumni braved inclement weather to return to campus for an ITAS-sponsored public lecture by Professor Max Donath about the achievements of James “Crash” Ryan. Professor Ryan was one of the early legends of the mechanical engineering department and a national advocate for transportation safety.
Our award-winning mentor program, which matches working professionals with Institute of Technology students, attracted more than 300 participants this year. Students toured such workplaces as Lockheed Martin, Seagate Technology, and
Goodrich Corporation, learned networking basics, and enjoyed social events.
This summer we launched our new Young Professional Series, a networking and career development opportunity for alumni in the earlier stages of their careers. The inaugural event featured Michael Berman, veteran medical-device entrepreneur and venture catalyst. Berman, a former president of Boston Scientific’s cardiology business and a former member of the company’s executive committee, has co-founded six companies and served as chairman of four of them.
Even if you live far from the Twin Cities area, you’ll enjoy many benefits as an ITAS member. Dozens of alumni chapters help you stay connected to the University from locations around the world. Chapters support the University and plan spirit, social, and educational events that bring area alumni and friends together. Other benefits include online resources, including an alumni directory, access to national job and resumé postings, a career contact directory, alumni editions of two University Libraries databases, and discounted fees for a distance career counseling service.
As I hand over my duties as president of your alumni society to Dawn Spanhake, I want to thank everyone who helped make this past year such a memorable one for our alumni. The success of our programs depends on our hardworking volunteers, which is why I urge you to get involved with ITAS. I can’t think of a better way to grow professionally and personally while helping the Institute of Technology, our alumni, and the next generation of scientists and engineers.
