As I write this letter, I am reflecting on the changes that have taken place at Plymouth State over the past decade—expanded library, purchase and modification of the D&M building, renovation and expansion of the Boyd Science Center, the beginning of construction of the new residence hall at Langdon Woods, growth of new academic programs (both on campus and regionally), fundraising efforts that exceeded goals, and the move from Plymouth State College to Plymouth State University. All of this and much more is thanks to the leadership of President Donald P. Wharton. In June 2006, President Wharton will be retiring, and on behalf of the PSUAA Board of Directors and the nearly 25,000 alumni, I would like to publicly thank President Wharton for his leadership over the past 12-plus years in making Plymouth State grow to where it is today.
We, as alumni, have a tremendous opportunity to be involved with the selection of the next president of Plymouth State University. Most of you should have access to the President Leadership Profile a document that is steering the search process. As a body of engaged constituents numbering close to 25,000, we as alumni have a duty to be involved with this process. I believe this may be the most important advocacy we perform in the history of the association, as it has the potential to show the evolution of the Alumni Association’s involvement, and emphasize to Plymouth State and the USNH system that alumni are important constituents.
Please be involved with this process. I would like to invite those alumni who are able to attend at least one session in March (more if possible) to meet a final candidate for the president position. The meeting will be sometime in the evening of a date to be announced shortly. I will be forwarding that information to those who are interested in being involved, and it will also be posted on the alumni Web site.
I am truly proud of the evolution of the PSUAA. This could not be possible without a strong Board of Directors and active, engaged alumni. I thank all of you for your involvement in empowering the alumni of this great institution, and helping to continually improve a place close to all of our hearts—Plymouth!
Ut Prosim,
Eric C. Schwarz ’91
President, PSUAA
