I appreciate you taking time out from your extremely busy schedules to support the efforts of the Association. 

I want to recognize the amazing job members of the executive committee are doing to promote our cause.  Michele Lorenzini, our Membership Chair, is the heart and soul of the group. She ties all the loose ends together into one beautiful knot.  Her continuous motivation keeps the fire burning in the organization.  

Last year I appreciated the individuals who rose to the occasion and helped with organizing efforts.  A special thank you to Ellen Bowles who went above and beyond to meet and greet the new faculty.  Warren Richards and Tim Sullivan pitched in to make our presence known at new faculty orientation.  It is comforting to know that our officers are willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the organization.

Ruth Bell is always willing to assist; she serves as our secretary and a zone rep in spite of the fact that she has hundreds of English papers to grade.

We are so lucky to have Michael McDermott as our Uni-Serve Director.  We rely on his wisdom on a daily basis.  His experience, knowledge, and drive is constantly advancing our cause.

These individuals are the backbone of our Association.  I want them to know that I do not take their efforts for granted.  Their dedication is greatly appreciated.

Please make an opportunity to speak to other NTT faculty members and encourage them to join the Association.  We will need their support when we return to the bargaining table this semester.  More importantly, we need to show the administration that we are no longer a small group of unhappy faculty members, but an organized constituency of professional educators who make a significant contribution to the campus and to the reputation of this university. 

I look forward to working with each of you to make SIUE a great place to work.