President’s Update: 2014 is Off to a Great Start

January 27, 2014
2013-2014

By Mike Dunker
IACAC President

I’m sitting here looking out my back window at a couple feet of snow, and at a thermometer that says 14 degrees below zero. I’m also listening to three of my children who have been cooped up together in this house for too long. I realize this would be a good time to retreat to my “office” and work on my article for the Admission Essay. Thinking of IACAC always brightens my day, and it could definitely use some brightening today!

Over $1,600 raised after Washington tornadoes

Donations for Washington High School following tornadoes I want to start out by reflecting on the last couple of weeks of 2013. I’m sure you are all aware of the devastation that hit Washington, Illinois in the form of a tornado right before Thanksgiving. True to form, IACAC stepped up in quick fashion to help out. In a matter of a week, we had raised over $1,600 to send to Washington High School to help students that needed it the most. I was elated in our membership’s response to this tragedy. Thanks to everyone who donated! Special thanks to Kris Harding, Marsha Hubbuch, Linda Haffner, and Dan Saavedra for their extra time and effort on this project. This is just one of many examples of IACAC’s mission to help students.

2014 is off to a great start

So far, 2014 is also off to a great start! The Annual Conference is quickly taking shape. Anne Kremer has done a remarkable job of taking over this monumental task. Check out the conference web site for more information. This year we will again host a 5K race to benefit Project Reach will take place at conference. Be sure to get your team together, or just start your individual training! Your goal should be to finish ahead of our aging, overweight President.

The District Seminars are also coming together very nicely. Be sure to visit their web site for times, locations and registration information. Meghan Cooley, Jason Swann, and Kathy Major have been serving as the chairs for these seminars. They serve as a great opportunity for professional development.

Opportunities from IACAC

IACAC Scholarship $1,000 for students IACAC will once again be offering scholarships to several deserving students. I’m sure each of you can think of a very deserving student for this award. Winners will once again be announced at Conference. If you haven’t done so yet, please consider donating to this worthy endeavor.

There are other opportunities for you to get involved with IACAC. You can still volunteer for a Conference Committee, or a standing committee. The time commitment varies depending on the committee, so please feel free to contact the committee chairs if you have any questions.

We will once again be hosting a Legislative Advocacy Day in Springfield in conjunction with our March Board meeting in Springfield. On Thursday, March 20, we will be visiting our legislators in Springfield. If you have never done this before, I would encourage you to give it a try. It is a very educational and worthwhile experience. Our Government Relations Committee will be putting this together. IACAC is a strong organization because of our membership and their willingness to get involved.

So as you are trying to stay warm and thinking of spring, also think about IACAC and what you can do to make this an even stronger organization. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.