Message From Carol

Dear Fellow Alumni,
    
I am aware some time has passed since you last heard from me, but as the saying goes “I was getting my feet wet” in the new position. Nevertheless, the wheels have been turning and I would like to provide you with a status update on the organization.

We are diligently working behind the scenes to get our Alumni plans in place. Last December, I was invited by Principal Dr. Ausburn Pinnock to the Third Year Graduation festivities.  Also in attendance were Deputy Chair Latoya Reid, Carlton Grant Ambassador and Michael Riggs from the Florida Chapter.

The graduation was a great success. Guest speaker, Ms. Nadine Malloy, President of the Jamaica Teacher’s Association, encouraged and challenged the graduates as well as congratulated them on their high levels of achievement. Dr. Pinnock also commended the faculty and staff and congratulated the graduating class for their hard work and their determination to accomplish their goals. In addition, he expressed his gratitude for the continued partnership between the College and Central Connecticut State University. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Dr. Cecile Walden, former principal, and Mrs. Jeanne Robinson-Foster, Board Chairman of the College.

Short- and Long-Term Goals For the College
During my visit I met with Dr. Pinnock, we discussed his plans for the College, including some of his short-term goals. One of these goals is the need for the new classrooms to be finished as soon as possible as the college is in desperate need of space. We discussed the need for fundraising efforts to enhance the completion of this project. There was also discussion on some long-term goals which you will be apprised of as they materialize. I assured Dr. Pinnock that the Association will partner with him in his efforts to bring his plans to fruition.

Plans of the Association were also discussed - one of which is the plan for 2010 and the missions we will embark on. I expressed the desire of the organization to focus on the “Students Future Education Camp.” Willing Alumni will return and give back to the college in the form of mentoring programs, workshops and seminars. Also discussed were our fundraising plans to assist in the future construction of a campus library. In addition to generating much needed income for the college, the library will also serve to enhance the academic lives of the students.  Along those lines, Dr. Pinnock was informed about the book drive that is in progress.

The meeting was productive and informative and I am looking forward to a great partnership between the College and the Alumni Association.  I encourage you to take the opportunity to fully participate in the Alumni Association as this is one way you can give back to the College and the surrounding community. I am humbled and privileged to serve the organization at such an exciting and significant time in the history of our alma mater because the College in the process of completing a curriculum for the degree program.

Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Efforts
I strongly feel that one of our key objectives should be to broaden the reach of our Alumni internationally. As a result, the Central Executive Branch and Chapter Presidents met on several occasions to discuss the Haiti earthquake disaster relief efforts. As a result of these discussions, we have decided that the need for help is much greater in Haiti this year. Therefore, after much consideration we have decided to cancel this year’s plan for Jamaica, including the reunion, and divert our 2010 Medical Mission and Education efforts to aid the people of Haiti (please know that our missions and reunion will return to Jamaica in 2011). The College will collaborate with the Association on this year’s mission.  We will announce the date of the mission as soon as we are able to do so. We recognize the need for stability in the country of Haiti; consequently, I am in contact with the Haitian Embassy and members of the Finance Ministry in Haiti regarding clearance requirements for entry into the country.

Black Tie Fundraising Affair – June 5, 2010
In addition to raising much needed funds for the Association, there are fundraising efforts on the way to assist us with the Haiti Earthquake Relief venture. Our first major fundraising event will be a Black Tie Affair on Saturday, June 5, 2010 in the state of Maryland which is hosted by the Central Executive Branch.  I am appealing to all Alumni to support your Chapter Presidents in these fundraising efforts. We are fortunate to have the assistance of Dr. Pinnock, as well as the students of the College, who will be partnering with us in our fundraising efforts as we provide assistance to the people of the island nation of Haiti.

Other Chapter Fundraising Efforts
The Chapter Presidents are to be commended on their tremendous fundraising efforts to date.

Recently, the New York Chapter had a highly successful “Valentines Day Dinner Dance” of which I had the honor of attending.  A good time was had by all in attendance.  Keep up the great work, New York!

The Jamaica Chapter also had their fundraising “Fish Fry” in February. While support of the event was low, the event went well.  Good job Jamaica – please continue to persevere!

The Florida Chapter is working on their Bus Trip to Key West later this year.  We wish Florida much success on this event!

Update Your Contact Information
We would love to stay in touch with you but can only do so if we have your correct contact information.  Please take a few minutes to visit the website ( http:/www.1amaica.com/sstc) and verify / update your contact information, including your e-mail address. If your contact information is incorrect as it appears, please send us an email at idealnursing@aol.com or Pauline Brown at Pauline010@hotmail.com
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Coming Soon – Alumni Association Quarterly Newsletter
We are in the process of creating a quarterly newsletter for the Alumni Association.  The objective and goal of the newsletter will be to provide timely updates on activities of the various Alumni chapters.  The first electronic issue will be issued April 15th.  We encourage you to email your stories/articles as well as photos to us at idealnursing@aol.com.  Please note – all photos must be in one of the graphics format (JPEG & GIF).  The deadline for receive articles/photos for this issue is Friday, April 9th.

In closing, I would like to thank you for your continued and committed support to the College and Alumni Association. We ask that you encourage your friends to join us. Our unified efforts can make a world of difference in the lives we touch!

Carol Grant-Gordon