Statement of Connie Brand '78

As the Alumni Board representative from the SF Bay Area Chapter since 2012 I strongly object to the proposed constitutional amendments.

If passed, Chapter representation will be reduced by 2/3, and the large majority of the Alumni Board will remain undemocratically selected, “vetted” by an elite Nominating Committee. Direct Alumni participation is already limited because the Board does not perform its duty to convene an Alumni Association meeting annually. Voting for candidates does not occur if no more than one candidate is “nominated” per position.

Chapters are essential to Alumni outreach and participation and for many are an important local opportunity to meet Reedies in real life. Chapter events are organized and funded out-of-pocket by volunteers. The proposed new organization only equals more bureaucracy, further distancing alumni from the College. Historically, College support for Chapter activity has been woefully inadequate, and without funding. I seriously doubt staff could logistically support a new board.

Over a year has been wasted on this proposal at a cost of countless staff and consultant time, creating acrimony, a loss of volunteer leadership, and morale.