by I have enjoyed reading the reflections of each of our past few presidents of SoACE, and know that we are so fortunate to have had such amazing individuals leading this organization for the past 10 years! I am truly humbled to be in their company. The work that they started, continued, and championed, is the reason why our organization is as strong as it is today.
As I write this, coincidentally, it is my last day on the Board as I move out of the Past President role. I still remember when I was approached to represent my current home state of Tennessee in the “state showcase” for breakout sessions at that year’s annual conference. Little did I know that this would eventually lead to helping with the conferences in Nashville, Savannah, and St. Petersburg, and then two opportunities to serve on the Board!
Being a part of SoACE has given me the opportunity to develop leadership skills (well, at least I hope I developed these skills – the Board members I served with may disagree!). It has also reminded me why we do the things we do. Our motto this past year in Disney Campus Recruitment has been “We Change Lives” and being part of SoACE has allowed all of us to do that. SoACE is filled with dedicated, passionate, smart people whose number one goal is to employ students. After all, isn’t that the main reason most students are attending college?
From the variety (and evolution) of Knowledge Groups, to recently hosting our third successful Employer Relations Summit, to fantastic webinars, to raising the bar year after year with our annual conference, we have the opportunity through SoACE to develop our skills in ways that not only benefit our colleges, universities, and organizations, but benefit the students we serve as well. I know that I am better in my role because of having been a part of SoACE.
I appreciate all of the visionaries who have served before and with me, who have created an organization that, in my opinion, is second to none. When I first moved into the role of SoACE President, I told the Board at the time that my one goal was not to mess things up. 🙂 I am glad that I was successful in that one endeavor.
For those of you who have been involved over the years in any capacity – thank you for your service! For those who have been thinking about it – I encourage you to find a way to get involved.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t recognize and thank our partners at cmcglobal, our association management firm, whose guidance has also helped us to become a strong organization.
I am excited about another year of SoACE and look forward to seeing many of you in San Antonio!
