To my fellow Alums!

I send heartfelt greetings to you all as I begin my term as president of the Heritage Christian University Alumni Association. First, I want to extend my sincere thanks to James Farris ’98, our immediate past president for his leadership and dedication to the Association over the past year. Secondly, please join me in welcoming the new 2006 officers to the Alumni Association that I believe are well positioned to help address our new challenges:

o Vice-President/President Elect – Michael Farris ‘03

o Secretary – Sara Goldman ‘00

o Treasurer – Travis Harmon ‘98

o Officers at Large – Alvin Austin ‘82 (will serve his second year) and Herschel McFarlen ‘75

I hope to see many of you at the 2007 Alumni Days scheduled for March 1st and 2nd. If you come, please take the opportunity to seek out our new officers to say hello and give your support.

I envision exciting times ahead as we begin this new era and I want to personally remind everyone that our strength is based on the involvement of our Alumni. More pointedly, I believe that the importance of our work and our personal involvement is not simply an option.

Some of my immediate goals as Alumni Association President include encouraging more participation of Alumni in HCU programs, activities, and events by creating opportunities for the Alumni to support the university. HCU students are also an important part of our outreach. When they graduate I want to make sure they are actively involved in the Alumni Association. Further, I would like to see the Association involved in helping to bring the excellence of Heritage Christian University to a wider audience of prospective students. I would like to seek out ways to improve communication within the Alumni body because many exciting things continue to happen at HCU and I want to make sure you know about them! Well, as you can see, immediately we will begin this new era faced with challenges as well as new opportunities. I will need your help, your ideas, your participation, your support, and most of all your commitment. Are you up for the challenge?

In closing, I want to say that as the incoming president of the Alumni Association, I feel blessed for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. We have accomplished much in 2005 and have much more to accomplish this year. Please come back and visit the campus, attend alumni events, and of course, stay in touch! Until next time, may God continue to bless you.

Mechelle R. Thompson

Alumni Association President