VWhen I arrived on Eastern Michigan University's campus back in April, I thought that my experience here would offer little in the way of surprises. After all, I earned two degrees from similar MAC schools, had worked the past eight years just an hour up the road at Kettering University, and did my "homework" on the University. But as I explained at this spring's Alumni Association Awards Dinner, the word I've used most in my early days at EMU is "Wow!"

In my short tenure, a vibrant picture of EMU has emerged. Eastern Michigan is a great university, and the level to which it prepares its alumni to succeed surpassed my estimations. The many Eastern graduates I've had the pleasure of meeting include: two former Pittsburgh Steelers wearing Super Bowl rings; a three-time Olympic athlete; America's "official bugler" who played at President Reagan's funeral; corporate CEOs and school superintendents; a former Secretary of Transportation under President Clinton; and the runner-up from the last Detroit mayoral race, who is now EMU's new governmental relations officer. Also during this brief time, I became better acquainted with the talented students on campus today. I was dazzled by a forensics presentation and a musical theater performance. I saw the Eagles in action at some great basketball games — both men's and women's — and some exciting baseball and softball games. I also received a warm welcome from the University staff. The EMU community continues to impress.

I'm pleased to be "leading off" this fall issue of The Edge. You'll find details inside about the many activities surrounding this year's exciting Homecoming celebration just around the corner. Please plan on joining us the weekend of Oct. 21 or visiting campus sometime soon. Also, consider involvement with our various alumni programs like Career Connection, the Alumni Admissions Recruitment Team, Legislative Connection, alumni chapters and the Alumni Association Board. You also can simply talk about Eastern to your friends, your neighbors or college-bound young people wherever you go. Eastern is an even greater University now than when you attended, and we need you to help tell our story. EMU prepared you well for life and continues to do the same today.

Although I know I'll never meet all 130,000-plus of you out there, I extend an open invitation to come to campus and say "Hello." The door is always open at 207 Welch Hall, and I'm an avid e-mailer at dsczepan@emich.edu. In the meantime, we'll keep you up-to-date on campus activities and an exciting fundraising campaign now in the planning stages.

As my boss, President John Fallon, likes to say, I am honored to work on behalf of your University and will work hard to make it an even greater place. Go Green!

(Darryl A. Sczepanski is vice president for University advancement and executive director of the EMU Foundation.)