On March 15, 2013, Smilka Melgoza ’03 hosted a reception for the Barry University Alumni Association Alumni Board of Directors in South Miami. Melgoza has served on the Board for five years, and has been President and ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees for the past two years.
This reception was a time for the Alumni Board of Directors (BOD) to celebrate their accomplishments, network with Barry University leadership, and recruit new members to the board.
The BOD have many great accomplishments to celebrate. In the past two years, six Regional Alumni Chapters have been developed throughout the United States and four more are expected this year, including our first international chapter in The Bahamas. In an effort to develop a connection with Barry alumni as soon as possible, the Student Alumni Association and Young Alumni Association have emerged and are beginning to thrive. Reunion has taken steps to develop into a new tradition that includes Homecoming and invites all alumni to return to campus, not just those celebrating 50 years. Finally, The Distinguished Alumni Awards, the BOD’s signature event, continues to grow and improve. In 2012, we were honored to recognize three outstanding alumni, including Laurent Lamothe, Prime Minister of Haiti, and a record was set when nearly $25,000 was raised for student scholarships at the event.
Ther Board of Directors is in a growth period and there are currently several vacancies. We are seeking dedicated alumni to fill these spots who can commit to helping us fulfill our mission of continuing to grow Barry’s Alumni Association. Benefits of membership include privileged access to Barry University Leadership, such as our President, members of the Executive Committee of Administration, and Trustees both at meetings and exclusive events. Directors learn the latest Barry news directly from the decision makers, in advance of the rest of the Barry Community. Directors also help to award scholarships, and each year are responsible for selecting the winners of the Alumni of Tomorrow Scholarship, which is funded by donations and the State of Florida Barry University License Plate fund.
Directors are required to attend at least two of the four annual Board Meetings and to serve on one of the committees. Additionally, to show our commitment to Barry and to help ensure the continued success of the University and its students, each Director is asked to give or get annual fund donations of at least $500 each year.
To learn more about becoming a member of the Alumni Board of Directors, or there in an alumnus/a you would like to recommend, please contact Elizabeth Reed, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at ereed@mail.barry.edu or (305) 899-4013. More information is also available at this website: http://www.barry.edu/alumni/about/board-of-directors.html
Check out the photos from this reception here: http://www.barry.edu/alumni/photo-gallery/?galleryType=photos&galleryID=10151548592978489&galleryCount=49
Directors Smilka Melgoza '03 and Martha Smith '76
The reception in full swing
Our student volunteers