This is my first column since taking over the presidency from Don Smith, a tough act to follow. Don led us and the Actives through a difficult time, and did so in an exemplary manner. We have a valuable and thriving group of advisors. Professor John Seery was recruited and continues as faculty advisor.

The Alumni Active Advisory Committee (AAAC), under Lee Harlan's able leadership, accomplished what many thought was impossible by helping the Actives work their way back into the good graces of the College Administration. Currently the Active Chapter seems to be going strong and is in good standing with the college.

So now we get to build on the past. One issue which Don and I have discussed was the break in contact between the Actives and Alums. Zib did such a good and smooth job of maintaining that contact that when he retired we sort of forgot to keep it going. I like to think that we might have made a difference in heading off some of the Active chapter's problems. Of course the AAAC revived the contact in an intense and productive way.

Continuing that process, the new AAAC Chair Amy Lyford is planning to have Alums attend several of the Active's meetings each year. They have expressed great interest in learning about the NAP history, and some face-to-face contact with alums is a great way to facilitate the process. We hope to engage as many alums as possible from the southland (and elsewhere if available) in this process.

Another goal is to get Paul Nagai some help in preparing the Oak Leaf. He has done an outstanding job in this endeavor, but he needs some help. He is going to look for a co-editor; in these days of electronic communication workers don't need to be geographically close, so the field is wide open. We're shooting for two issues per year.

The outlook for rebuilding the cabin is cloudy, but Cruiser Cohen is maintaining contact with the Forest Service. You never can tell.

These are a few of the opportunities to continue a proud tradition of comradeship and service. I can't think of a more august band of brothers with whom to enjoy it.

Fraternally, Jim Ach '63 #565