Autumn 2008: Campaign Emory

Photo by Kay Hinton

A Message from Crystal Edmonson 95C

I encourage all alumni to be part of Campaign Emory. It is important to remain engaged with the University in a way that is meaningful to you, as mentors, volunteers, or investors. We are all ambassadors.

It is a great thing when people come to me with exciting stories about Emory as a leader in predictive health or sustainability or the many other areas where Emory is emerging. It’s gratifying when people associate alumni with the successes taking place at Emory.

When students come to the University, many of them have a raw passion for something they want to do in the world. They come to Emory because they can gain the right knowledge and abilities, and meet the right people to help them go after what they need to help change the world. Our students have compassion and are concerned about the greater society, and I have no doubt our alumni carry forth these same qualities and concerns when they leave the campus.

The Emory Alumni Board (EAB) Leadership Scholarship program is a great example of alumni passion both for the University and for our current students. The scholarships, which will debut in 2009, include one for an undergraduate and one for a graduate student who demonstrate both financial need and high-level leadership. Every current EAB member and dozens of former members have contributed to the scholarship.

But the EAB isn’t the only alumni organization directly helping students. Emory Gay and Lesbian Alumni (GALA), an EAA interest group, also has established a scholarship—one that encourages emerging leadership and recognizes exceptional established leaders among LGBT and allied students.

These are just two examples of alumni engagement—there are many more now, and many more to come. I urge you to explore what’s going on at Emory. You are sure to find a way to reconnect.

I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.

Crystal Edmonson 95C is President of the Emory Alumni Board.