Change is inevitable, but not always comfortable. But sometimes in the uncomfortable places, great things happen.

Prior to becoming the Alumni Director at IU Kokomo, the former Howard/Tipton Chapter and the IU Kokomo Alumni Association were in the early stages of merging to become one alumni chapter of the IUAA. This was the first proposed merger of this type in IUAA history. In an effort to re-energize dormant alumni chapters and promote a more inclusive alumni culture, the IUAA presented the idea to both alumni boards. When I heard about the merger, I saw an opportunity to work with multiple alumni constituents for the benefit of Indiana University, no matter which campus an alum graduated.

The executive members of each group met to discuss how the merged groups would work together and what the look of the new group would be. They decided that we wanted an all-inclusive alumni board, with IU system-wide representation. Ann Millikan and the late Judge George Hopkins representing the Howard/Tipton Chapter, and former treasurers of the Howard/Tipton Chapter were integral parts of the merger and worked tirelessly to assist with the merger’s completion. Rachael McAfee and Tricia Riveire Stumpf from IUAA assisted the Office of Alumni Relations at IU Kokomo with the merger. Everyone involved with the merger recognized and saw the value of all IU alumni working together to achieve greatness for all of IU.

Now we are the IUAA Kokomo Region, serving all IU alumni within Howard and Tipton counties, and all IU Kokomo alumni within IU Kokomo’s 14-county service region. Our Board consists of IU alumni from the campuses of IUK, IUB, and IUPUI currently and we are working toward full representation with the other campuses.  The transition has been a success and a truly great example of what IU alumni can accomplish, no matter which campus they may have attended. I think it is important for all IU alumni to see that the success of any of our campuses is success for all of IU and that’s something which we all can benefit.

Establishing trust and creating new opportunities for growth after a merger of any kind can be uncomfortable. But with great leadership and vision, anyone can lead from where they are.

Teamwork really does make the dream work.