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Message from the President

President’s Message

December 2011 - Happy Holidays

Each year at this time in the United States we call Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day the holiday season.  Of course as Women Graduates-USA members we have much to be thankful for.  First and foremost we are thankful that we had the opportunity to have a college education.  For many of us that was made possible because of the value of education of our parents or grandparents who sacrificed a great deal to make that a reality.

On Thanksgiving the majority of us found the day surrounded by our family and friends with lots of delicious food to eat.  Or maybe we provided food for others who wouldn’t have had.  As a farmer I enjoyed a bountiful harvest which provides the opportunity to help feed others not only in the United States but also around the world.  I reflect on how I gave money to a charity for the homeless so they could have a Thanksgiving Meal and baked for my church to help fund a health mission to Haiti as well as the pumpkin pies that I made for the community Thanksgiving dinner.  The list is endless on how we can share.

And now as we move into the month of December, we try to think of ways to give to those we love with cards, letters, and gifts.  Last year I gave two of my sister-in-laws memberships in Women Graduates-USA, which I plan to do again this year.  Perhaps you will give a membership to someone you know.  You might consider giving to a graduate student from another country living in the United States. 

And of course there are so many other charities that we could support that relate to the mission of our organization.  As I opened my mail this morning there were 4 requests, all which support the issues we care about.  As a former professional fund raiser, I encourage you to make a difference by selecting one or two organizations that you can get to know personally.  The difference in generations of giving was that my mother would give a little to every request.  Today’s young people prefer to be more selective so they can be directly involved with the work of the organization. 

Over this past year Women Graduates-USA provided significant impact for three affiliate organizations of IFUW.  We provided delinquent dues payments for the countries of Armenia and Cameroon so they could maintain their membership in the International Federation of University Women.  And most recently we mailed a contribution of $405 to the Japanese Federation for an emergency fund for senior high school girls who were impacted by the tsunami.

We give thanks for the blessings we have received.  And most of all we are thankful that it is possible for us to give in return.  Thank you for being a member.  You are a gift to each other.   

>> President's Message October 2011

>> President's Message September 2011

>> President's Message July 2011

>> President's Message May 2011

>> President's Message March 2011

>> President's Message December 2010

>> President's Message October 2010

>> President's Message August 2010

>> President's Message June 2010

>> President's Message March 2010

>> President's Message January 2010