The following is a letter from Charles “Wally” Mann, vice president of St. Andrews Alumni Council:
Fellow alumni, faculty, and staff:
While the physical place we have called home for 67 years and has meant so much to so many may be changing, our passion for living and sharing the life lessons and education we treasure has not waned. The former St. Andrews Alumni Council and a few others have been busy working to establish a new 501c3 nonprofit. I am very excited about this new organization with the working name of St. Andrews University Foundation. Membership will be open not only to alumni of Flora MacDonald, Presbyterian Junior College, St. Andrews Presbyterian College, and St. Andrews University but also to those who are former faculty and staff. We are all a part of this unique family!
Among several goals, the Foundation will act as a central clearing house and repository for communication regarding alumni news, gatherings, and reunions. Yes, we plan to keep getting together in fellowship. We will support and publicize information about upcoming gatherings wherever they may be held. For instance, did you know that alumni who were members of the BSU has a reunion planned for October in Atlanta!?! This going to happen, and I am so excited knowing this. Thank you, Larry McDonald, for working to make this happen! Stay tuned for details.
To date, we have received $80,000 in pledges to hopefully begin awarding scholarships! Several people who have had recurring gifts to our Alma Mater have asked for the information to redirect their gift to this new Foundation. The criteria for the scholarships and where to direct these is being worked out. When we have information, we will share.
The Foundation is working on the nuts and bolts of the organization and setting things up legally and equitably for members. Following that, the plan is to develop 1-3-5 year goals and plans. We would love to hear your ideas and thoughts on this! Please either share them here or email me at scouterwally@gmail.com.
Thank you for your love and passion for our shared Alma Mater.
Finally – PLEASE SHARE THIS FAR AND WIDE AMONG YOUR ST. ANDREWS’ FRIENDS AND FAMILY, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff are also welcome. Until we have the organization fully set up, it will be difficult to connect by email, so we need your help to share this awesome news.
In deep gratitude,
The ‘Former’ St. Andrews Alumni Council
Charles “Wally” Mann
Photo by Rooney Coffman
