President's Letter

Welcome to another edition of the Mason Spirit and the official beginning of the new millennium! (We can discuss this detail at Homecoming.) And speaking of Homecoming, this event is fast becoming a great tradition at George Mason. I look forward to seeing you at the Mason Mardi Gras block party and basketball game on February 17.

During our last Alumni Association board of directors meeting, President Merten outlined his vision for George Mason University. He talked about his plans for how George Mason can become "The Innovative University for the Information Society." I encourage you to become familiar with this vision, which can be found at www.gmu.edu/development/reasons.html. It really is exciting to think about where we are going as a university.

One of the things that we, as an alumni organization, must do supremely well is communicate effectively with our constituents. It is critical that we make current and future alumni aware of all the things we do. We are looking at new ways to extend our reach. Our alumni web portal, zPatriots.com, is part of our strategy for improving the way we communicate with you. Alumni chapters, academic departments, and interest groups can create their own "community" on the portal and keep alumni informed regardless of where they live or how often they get back to campus. We are really excited about the opportunities zPatriots.com provides us.

So, I encourage you to check out zPatriots.com. Send me an e-mail and tell me what you think. Register on the site and get involved in the community that interests you. Read Dr. Merten's vision for George Mason, and see how it can become "The Innovative University for the Information Society." In short, come back to campus and check out what's going on--without having to worry about parking.

James J. Laychak,
President, GMU Alumni Association
[email protected]