Alumni of the communication and theatre arts department have traditionally been some of Eastern Michigan's most loyal, lending their support to recipients of Alumni Association-sponsored awards, scholarships and mentoring students. Further proof of their loyalty was the show of support for the first Forensics Reunion and Hall of Fame induction ceremony in January. The event was the beginning of a highly successful fundraising drive, in which forensics team alumni collected more than $20,000 to support the EMU team's participation in this year's national championship tournament. The reunion was described as "very, very inspirational," with activities that "demonstrated the intensity of feeling that so many alumni have for the department and the University."
Through their desire to form an alumni chapter, alumni and the CTA department sought a means to officially channel those activities and further increase outreach to alumni. According to Pat Barry ('71, '73), one of those spearheading the effort, "This chapter was formed due to the interest of several alumni, but also with great encouragement by two people." Dr. Joe Misiewicz ('68, '70), CTA graduate and current member of the EMU Alumni Associ-ation Board of Directors, is one person Barry credits with pursuing the idea. He also cites Dennis Beagen, "CTA's department head extraordinaire," and says, "The synergy of Dr. Joe and Dennis provided the impetus for this chapter."
On May 20, that goal was realized when the Alumni Association Board of Directors chartered the Communication and Theatre Arts Alumni Chapter as its newest chapter. Led by Barry and Margie Brooks ('93, '95), the chapter is thrilled to be up and running after completing the chartering process. This in-cluded surveying CTA graduates regarding the types of activities in which they would like to participate, holding brainstorming sessions with potential members and drafting bylaws.
Members are eager to keep the momentum. Chapter leaders are working hard to solidify their membership database and spread the word to any "lost" alumni of the department with whom they have not recently been in contact. So far, the chapter database exceeds 200 alumni, and it continues to grow. To be added to the list, please contact the chapter via e-mail at CTA_alumni@emich.edu.
In June, the board distributed the first chapter newsletter to members, which they plan to do four to six times per year. With so many graduates of the department beyond southeast Michigan, the chapter sees one of its key missions as keeping CTA alumni connected and informed of happenings within the University and the department. They also have planned alumni activities for Homecoming.

Amy Spooner, director of alumni programs, presents the CTA Charter to Margie Brooks ('93, '95) and Pat Barry ('71, '73).