(IRS Section 501(c) (3) Tax Exempted Non Profit Charitable Organization)
INAUGURATION MEETING REPORT
The inaugural event for UC College Alumni association was held on September 2nd at 4.00 pm. The venue was Taste of India restaurant, Bergenfield, New Jersey. The event was well attended by alumni from different decades, ranging from 1950 through 2000. Chief Guest, Retired Principal Dr. A. M. Chacko came from Kerala for the occasion and graced the event by delivering the inaugural address. He suggested that the college must be able to look up to its North American alumni for greater intellectual, academic and financial resources for internationalization of higher education and establish greater international linkages. He talked about advancing the educational standards and promoting student and faculty exchange. The gala event was seasoned by songs, dance, panel discussion and a sumptuous Kerala dinner. It was also decided that the association should start to work on a project to create an alumni directory.
The meeting was chaired by President Dr. Kamakshi Krishnan who welcomed all the guests. Dr. James Jacob, Dr. Pothen Varghese, Mr. George Varghese, Dr. David Jayakar Daniel and Mr. Anil George Alexander spoke. Several others actively participated in the panel discussion. Dr. (Mrs) Rebecca Varghese organized and led the variety entertainment which included group songs, solo and dance. Treasurer, Dr. Thomas P. Mathew presented the financial statement and Mr. Thomas Mathew; Secretary delivered the vote of thanks
It was a memorable evening for all the alumni members who came to meet with their old friends and beloved teachers.
The meeting and the event adjourned after dinner at 9.30 pm.
PANEL DISCUSSION
The panel discussion was held at the end of dinner and many of the guests actively participated in the discussion. All those who spoke stressed the importance of continuing the momentum created by this occasion and build on it by specific plans for the future.
Also there was a suggestion that events of this nature, big or small should be held at different regions in the country to ensure participation of other alumni who could not be there for the inauguration.
The following suggestions were made for the future:
Student/Faculty exchange programs which are beneficial to UCC as well as the alumni community. Many U S corporations value students with educational experience in foreign countries, especially in India and China.
To improve the quality of higher education on par with international standards. Dr. A. M. Chacko mentioned that not even one Indian university was included in the top 200 universities listed worldwide. He suggested that U C College should work with UCCAANA for greater intellectual, academic and financial resources.
Publish an Alumni Directory for North America.
Start an alumni newsletter. Details to be worked out.
Small meetings and events to be held at other parts of the country. There will be one alumni meeting in Chicago in April 2008.
Close communication with UCC and the Alumni Association.
Establishment of an International House in UCC, Aluva which will be useful in the future for student/faculty exchange programs.
Respectfully submitted by,
Thomas Mathew (NJ)
Secretary, UCCAANA.
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