First International Leaders' Symposium brings alumni to heart of French Alps

May 14, 2008--From China to Greece, alumni volunteers are working to build vital links to Tufts. Recently, their efforts were given a boost when the Tufts University Alumni Association (TUAA) hosted its first International Leaders' Symposium in Talloires, France, home of the Tufts European Center.

A dozen volunteers came to this charming lakeside village in the heart of the French Alps from May 1 to 4 to learn more about how to better serve their local chapters and to experience the flavor of the Haute-Savoie region – from its famous fondue to even paragliding.

Along with best practices inspired from the conferences for domestic regional chapter leaders (held biennially since 2001 and included Canadian chapters from Toronto and Montreal), discussion topics included forming effective steering committees, and working with various Tufts programs, such as the international Tufts Alumni Admissions Program (TAAP) program, and with Tufts professional schools, such as Fletcher.

Attendance reflected the global nature of the Tufts family, with chapter leaders representing Beijing, Belgium, Brazil, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. They are part of a larger network of 17 groups; other alumni who were invited represented chapters in India, Singapore, Turkey, Italy, and Shanghai.

“Getting to know all of the terrific international chapter leaders was a real privilege,” said TUAA President Sunny Breed, J66, G72. “They are doing an amazing job in the far-flung parts of the world. We are privileged to have them all as leaders in our global alumni community.”

“Combined with our 35 domestic chapters, Tufts alumni leaders and their organizations are building solid foundations around the world,” said Gretchen Dobson, associate director, Domestic and International Programs, in the Office of Alumni Relations.  “Chapter leaders are ambassadors for Tufts and, when provided with a complete picture of  programs and services, and a better understanding of the university’s priorities, they can help strengthen a lifelong connection to Tufts.”

Vikki Garth, J81, of the London Tufts Alliance, said the program was “highly useful and re-invigorating. It isn't easy for any chapter to arrange an alumni program for Tufts that we feel does the school, and all your efforts on our behalf, justice. I hope that it will become a regular event.”
 
“The mix of young and old, veteran and new-comer, alumni and Tufts' representatives was a good one,” added Swiss chapter leader Elizabeth Borner-Knipe, J69. “But the best part was the international mix of cultures, all with a common ground -- Tufts University. I dare say that Talloires may be where the gods go on holiday, but our group found it conducive to some effective brainstorming.”

Laura Irizarry, A04, N06, of Mexico City, agreed, saying that she was grateful to the staff and other volunteers who shared their “knowledge and passion for Tufts and for life.”

“I returned home energized and committed to moving the efforts of the alumni association and admissions department in Mexico forward,” she said. 

The symposium, planned together with the undergraduate Admissions Office, had a distinctly Tufts backdrop for sharing ideas and networking. The director of the Tufts European Center, Gabriella Goldstein, J84, generously made available Tufts' 11th century priory, now celebrating its 30th anniversary. (Read more about the center's summer academic programs).

In addition to Breed and Dobson, the TUAA planning committee, which also attended the event, were: Mark Alpert, President Elect, Al Potvin, Elliott Lerman, Dave Backman, Regional Vice President of TUAA, Claire Davis, Director of Alumni Relations Tim Brooks, and admissions officers Jennifer Simons and Matt Hyde.