It is my pleasure to welcome you to the second e-issue of the Blue and Gold. As the University's recently appointed Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the NEIU Foundation, it is both an honor and privilege to have been given the charge of advancing alumni relations, development publications and public relations for Northeastern. I look forward to working with and serving you and on behalf of the NEIU community, I thank you for your commitment to the University.

As a graduate of a Chicago-based, public urban university, I understand and embrace the Northeastern experience. I look forward to working together not only with faculty, staff and students, but also with alumni and friends just like you to continue to enhance and build on NEIU's strong reputation and standing as one of the nation's most diverse institutions of higher learning offering accessible, affordable, high quality education.

How can you join us in this worthwhile endeavor? Most certainly by getting involved—participating in alumni events; contributing your expertise; providing financial support for areas of need; being an advocate for NEIU; and helping us to reconnect and expand our alumni and donor network. Alumni like you play an integral role in the development and advancement of NEIU and we can only achieve our goals and advance the University in this 21st century with your purposeful and enthusiastic involvement.

With more than 140 years of history, NEIU has much about which to celebrate and be proud, most certainly, its alumni. We hope you will return to campus for a visit and continue to build more traditions and long lasting memories. On behalf of the entire NEIU family, I thank you for your loyal and dedicated commitment to Northeastern and look forward to meeting you soon!

Carla Knorowski