Appreciations and Farewell from President Rojann Alpers

This past academic year and Senate session has been one of the most exciting, amazing and challenging years I have ever experienced.  It was a year of many ‘firsts’, life lessons, personal and professional reflections and insights, and most especially ACTION!

I got to attend my first sporting events (football and basketball) only to discover that I really, really enjoyed being part of the crowd and the festivities (we should all be showing our spirit and support of our student athletes and having this kind of extreme fun!) I was invited to be in one of the Alumni Boxes during a football game (which my 12 year old nephew still brags about attending!) and I took every opportunity to attend the President’s tailgate parties.  I realized early on this would be my one and only chance to be part of so many different events that I took every opportunity afforded me!

My life lessons were many—I have a servants heart and a genuine affection and commitment to ASU, my colleagues, the students and the organization; and I hope to continue to contribute to all, in the future.  I have also experienced and been a student of different leadership approaches, interaction styles, political strategies and communication skills, and I have learned from the best in each of these. 

            On a more personal level I have also found the need for a ‘thicker skin’ and the importance of my own, inner voice.  Professionally, I have re-discovered my passion for writing (let’s all say thousands of emails, reports and memosJ) and my need to be invigorated from my teaching and nursing practice.

            I have had one of the MOST MEMORABLE YEAR’S of my life- I wouldn’t have missed this for anything, but I am ready to return to my ‘anonymous life’ and to my role as an academic.

This year was a tremendous success and much was accomplished (see the PPT presentation for a full accounting), this is due to the commitment  and efforts of many campus officers, committee and task force chairs and members, the Senate office staff and the support and inclusion of the administration. 

            My heartfelt appreciation to all of you  who have worked so diligently and faithfully to serve the faculty, academic professionals, students, staff and our university; and my congratulations to all who continue to step up and step out in service to others.  I believe it has been a year of hard-earned SUCCESS!

            My gift of appreciation to each of you is my favorite quote (attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson).

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Rojann R. Alpers