With final examinations having just concluded, winter semester '06-'07 has drawn to a close. Having proudly served as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education for almost three years, I have become increasingly aware of the crucial role of alumni in the success of our College. Time and again, alumni have stepped forward to assist the College in a myriad of ways. Examples abound.

Ticket sales and revenue of our Department of Theatre have increased dramatically over the past three years. Revenue increased by 40 percent from the '04-'05 to the '05-'06 season and by over 200 percent from the '05-'06 to the '06-'07 season. This was largely due to "sponsorship" of theatre nights by the CLAE Alumni Council. Their efforts at publicizing our Theatre productions and selling tickets have certainly paid off. In addition, the Alumni Council's "Afterglow" parties following certain Saturday evening performances have been an outstanding success.

In April, the memorial service for Neal Shine '52, and the dedication of the new Neal Shine Media Center as home for the Varsity News and our journalism program was a rousing success. A committee of Varsity News alumni raised over $40,000 for furnishing, remodeling, and equipping the Center. Phase 2 of this project will target fund raising for scholarships and stipends for Varsity News student workers and Communication Studies majors.

In the Department of Psychology, alumni work closely with the department in supporting the Psychology Clinic. In addition to serving as an advisory board for the Clinic, they work with and help supervise psychology students in their clinical experiences. In the Department of Counseling and Addiction Studies, alumni have assisted in launching the counseling clinic this past year. The clinic, which provides counseling services to those individuals who cannot afford such professional services, has already worked with 400 clients. The need for these services is great, and support from our alumni is essential in allowing us to provide such services.

Alumni giving to the College is up for the current year. This is primarily due to the hard work of Jennifer Dafoe, who was assigned as the director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts & Education. A former UDM student, Jennifer's office is in Briggs 134. If you're on campus or in the neighborhood, please stop by to meet her. She is always happy to reconnect with our alumni. The University of Detroit Mercy says to our students "We want great things for you." Through the support of our alumni, our students across our College are accomplishing great things. I thank you.

Charles E. Marske
Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Education