September 26, 2006
Notes from the September 20, 2006 Alumni Forum in New York City
New York City alumni responded enthusiastically to the presidential search committee's invitation to discuss the university and the qualities of potential presidential candidates. More than 40 Case Western Reserve University alumni turned out at the New York City Harvard Club in midtown Manhattan to discuss the current presidential search. Joie Gregor, vice chair of the Board of Trustees and search committee co-chair, welcomed the group and thanked them for their attendance. Gregor provided the alumni with up-to-date information regarding the campus and the status of the search. Jennifer Bol, consultant with the search firm Spencer Stuart, briefed the alumni on the search process and explained the proposed timeline for the successful completion of the search.
Following the introductory remarks, the floor was opened to the alumni. Among the questions and comments discussed were the following topics:
- Has Case Western Reserve University clearly defined its goals for the next decade and is that integral to the success of a new president
- The new president must be instrumental in reconciling the disparate elements of the university
- Alumni input is critical to university success and this must be clearly understood by a new president
- Searches for new, permanent deans should be put on hold until a new president is in place
- The new president must improve the current relationship between the university and the Cleveland business community
- The committee should consider non-traditional, non-academic candidates
- The successful candidate must be both a problem-solver and a relationship builder