From the Alumni Association President

Katie Dissmeyer Dodd '94 passes down the official madras jacket to incoming Alumni Association President Brian Kasser '86

Dear Menlo Community,

As President of the Alumni Association, it is my sincere pleasure to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2010! This is one of my favorite times of the year, with our seniors excited about college plans and the Alumni Association poised to gain nearly 150 new members. I am particularly encouraged by this newest alumni class, because of both the promise of the individuals and the collective spirit of "giving back" they are already demonstrating. As an example, at the recent Senior Brunch, virtually all of the students pledged to donate $5 a year to Menlo over the next five years.

It stunned me when I first learned that tuition alone does not cover the cost of a Menlo education. But I am heartened that the spirit of giving back is present in this graduating class, a spirit also evident in our greater alumni population. As I reflect upon my two years as Alumni Association President, I think of the many ways Menlo is strengthened by alumni giving back to the School, both financially and, just as importantly, with their time and expertise. The vibrancy of Menlo, and the promise it holds for its alumni, extends beyond the walls of the campus to the experiences we carry forward with us. It resonates in the form of the bonds we have built because of our association with the School.

This year, those of us in the Bay Area participated in several successful alumni events on campus, including Homecoming, the family Easter Egg Hunt, Night at the Ballpark, and the Poker Tournament fundraiser. I hope you'll join us at this year's Homecoming Celebration on October 15-16, when we will be celebrating the opening of Menlo's very own 54,000-square-foot Athletic Center!

It has been my privilege to work as your Alumni Association President, and I hope to see you on campus soon.

Sincerely,

Katie Dissmeyer Dodd '94