Alumni Update

The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. Psalm 126:3

Grace, Peace, and especially Joy to all of you in this 3rd week of Advent. This past Sunday I was reflecting on the many things that bring me joy. This particular Advent season, one of the things I am grateful for is the new opportunity we have for Austin Seminary alums to be connected with one another and with the larger community of Austin Seminary in new and fresh ways.

ASA Board

Some of you have heard by now that your Austin Seminary Association (ASA) Board has been hard at work. They have been meeting and talking and praying together about a new vision for their work together. Last January they adopted a new set of Board Expectations that is an indication of the level of commitment these board members share. The ASA Board has also drafted a new purpose statement and a more complete set of by-laws that will be presented at our Annual Meeting during Midwinters (you will be receiving a copy of the draft of the revisions in January, 2012). The proposed revised purpose states in part: "Austin Seminary Association...exists to communicate, advocate, care and connect at the intersection of Austin Seminary's mission and Austin Seminary's alumni."

One of the more tangible ways we are already at work to accomplish our goals is through communication. And many of you by now have received an introductory email from your regional representative. Regional representative, you say, what is that?

Regions

In the past year, all alums were divided into geographic regions. Each region has its own set of Board representatives, proportionate to the population of alums in that region. Click here to see a map that shows how we have divided those regions. And click here to see who your regional representatives are.

Our regional representatives will be reaching out to you with several goals in mind. It is our prayer that the ASA Board representatives will serve to facilitate those important goals of communicating, connecting, caring, and advocating on your behalf. So, be checking for periodic (don’t worry, we promise not to clutter your inbox) emails you will be receiving that will help us accomplish these tasks.

Alumni Portal

While we know that we must remain sensitive to the portion of our alumni base who are less flexible and adept in mew media, we hope that you who are or are learning will join with us in our efforts to utilize technology to help us be better connected. One of those ways is our new password-protected Portal. Earlier this fall you should have received a mailing with instructions on how to connect to ASAP - Austin Seminary's Alumni Portal.

If you have not, please go to austinseminary.edu/portal and login (upper right hand corner) using this format: Username -- first name last name two digits of first year you graduated (some of you have two degrees); Password: ALUM (case sensitive). For example, our John Doe from graduating class of 2001 would be johndoe01 and temporary password ALUM.

When you get to that point, there will be information on how you can update your info, change your password, etc. If you have any questions, please contact Lana Russell at alum@austinseminary.edu, or 512-404-4809.

There are three reasons I would suggest you update your information now:

  1. If you update your info and opt-in on the directory, you will be entered into a drawing for a free iPad2.
  2. You can find other alums and their info, if they have opted in with their info as well.
  3. It will make it easier for your regional Board member to contact you in the future.
  4. One more thing – don’t forget to look for us on Facebook and be sure to follow us on Twitter.

Comments, Questions, and Concerns

Finally, if you have any information, questions, or concerns that you would like to share with the ASA Board or with other alums, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with me by email at lrussell@austinseminary.edu, or give me a call at 512-404-4809.

I know this season can be busy beyond measure for those who are serving so faithfully in a variety of ministries. As you labor, may God grant you an extra measure of joy. And be in touch.

Serving alongside you,

Rev. Lana Russell