This is our moment . . .
It is an honor and privilege to be elected to serve as president of the College Fraternity Editors Association for 2007-08. I am humbled by the “long, illustrious line” of truly remarkable and visionary editors, executives and communicators who have served in this capacity since our founding on December 1, 1923.
At the age of 26, Charles Duy Walker founded The Beta Theta Pi magazine. In his first edition, dated December 15, 1872, Walker remarked on the developing role of alumni. He wrote, “We take pride in their success in life, and look to them as our examples. They are bound to us and have the noble responsibility of setting such examples as may be worthy of our imitation.”
Worthy of our imitation. I continue to be amazed by the ongoing dedication and commitment of those who elect to serve their fraternal organization. Volunteers and staff professionals give countless hours and boundless energy to the building up of a Greek movement that is worthy of our predecessors.
What should we expect from one another as we set the course for the exciting year ahead?
From me, you can expect the strongest possible commitment to upholding CFEA as an organization worthy of your participation and support. In the days ahead, we will focus on:
- enhanced internal communications
- improved external partnerships, and
- continued focus on education and recognition
In the spirit of being an organization that is “indispensable to its members and the greater Greek community,” I have asked the Board to authorize the resources necessary to engage in an ongoing Strategic Planning Initiative that will provide us with a bright future “worthy of imitation” for years to come.
We are limited only by the depth of our collective imagination. We will need, and frankly, we will expect, your continued commitment as we move forward. While preserving our remarkable past, we will also be greatly enhancing our future . . . together.
Friends, this is OUR moment. We must always be cognizant of the example we set for those who will imitate us when we’ve long passed through this chapter in our lives.
Fraternally,
Thomas C. Olver, president