It requires you to ask permission to join which may take a day or two, but once you’re in there — that’s probably the best source of information regarding the upcoming reunion in July. I’ll put a prominent link on the sidebar shortly as well as copy details regarding the reunion on this site.

I would like to invite you to participate in an effort to assess our relationship with IMSA. On a pragmatic and delicious level, you will get a free meal in addition to spirited conversation!

As alums, the state legislature expects us to provide a return on their investment in our education. I believe this can take many forms, from intangible to more concrete acts, but legislators are often focused on only one aspect: money. Given the relatively low financial burden for us to attend IMSA, this makes sense. If alums do not show an interest in donating to the Academy after they graduate, should Illinois continue to fund the institution, and should IMSA provide significant financial backing for programs to support the alumni community (such as regional events)?

I am arranging two focus groups to discuss why alums do or do not make financial contributions to IMSA. As part of these conversations, we will discuss the relationship between alums and IMSA through time, as well as past communications from IMSA to alums. Don’t worry if you’ve never donated. In fact, I think that can make the conversation richer. These focus groups are sponsored by the IMSA Alumni Association (IAA) and only IMSA alumni are invited to participate. Feedback from the meetings will be shared with the IAA cabinet and select IMSA staff. No names or identities will be shared with anyone beyond the focus group participants.

The groups will meet at 6 p.m. on March 9 and March 10 at Silver Spoon Thai Restaurant (710 North Rush). If you are interested in participating, please RSVP to mcknisley@gmail.com by Monday, March 8, at 5 p.m. Indicate your preferred date in the email. If we have more than approximately six participants for each group, we will discuss adding another date.

Feel free to contact me with questions.

Best,
Matthew Knisley
IAA President

Happy Holidays IMSA Alumni!
I hope you are preparing for a festive holiday season and an exciting new decade! But before you run off to your holiday parties and ring in the new year, I hope you will consider joining your fellow alumni by making a contribution to the IMSA Fund.

As you know, the IMSA Fund uses your contributions to support the students and faculty of IMSA, which allows the students to have access to equipment and opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. Each year we set a participation goal for alumni giving. This year, that goal is 18% alumni participation by July 2010. We hope to be half way there by the end of December 31, 2009!

We need 252 alumni to make their gift this holiday season to reach that goal - Be Counted and make your gift today!!

A holiday appeal from IMSA and the IMSA Fund will soon reach you by mail. Please take the time to read it and send in your annual contribution before December 31. You can also visit the IMSA web site, www.imsa.edu/giving, to make a gift on-line and learn more about our giving options.

As an alternate, we have introduced Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) this holiday season! EFT is a secure way to deliver your gifts directly and automatically from your bank to the IMSA Fund. As with online giving, EFT donations allow us to minimize administrative expenses. Visit the web site for details and to sign up!

Have a safe and happy holiday, and thank you for your support!
Jennifer

IMSA Alumni,

On behalf of Dr. Max McGee and Dr. Eric McLaren, I’m thrilled to inform you that yesterday afternoon, in Washington, D.C., IMSA was named Star Innovator in the 2009 Intel Schools of Distinction awards program.  Each year, only one school in the nation is the recipient of this prestigious recognition.  You may recall that last spring, IMSA took the top honor for “science excellence” at the high school level.

To see photos, video and the latest news release from Intel visit http://www.intel.com/education/schoolsofdistinction/starinnovator.htm.

This honor is a credit to all who work, learn and live at IMSA, and to all who support us (parents, alumni, funders, board members, etc.).  Go Team IMSA!

My best,
Carolyn Johnson
IMSA’s Coordinator of Alumni Engagement
Links to Intel Schools of Distinction Information:
http://www.intel.com/education/schoolsofdistinction/index.htm
http://www.intel.com/education/schoolsofdistinction/winners.htm