On Nov. 7 BYU alumni worldwide will gather together via satellite to celebrate BYU and meet President Samuelson.
BYU alumni worldwide will have an opportunity to meet new university president Cecil O. Samuelson at a global alumni gathering the evening of Nov. 7. Broadcast live over the Church satellite system from downtown Salt Lake City, the event will be the first attempt to bring together the entire BYU alumni family at the same time.
“We have a great desire to stay in touch with our alumni,” explains John C. Lewis, ’77, BYU associate vice president of advancement for alumni and external relations. “We’re pleased to use the technology that makes a gathering of this size possible. Nearly 20 years ago, the Alumni Association directed a satellite-broadcast Telefest, where BYU performing groups shared their talents with alumni. It was a good idea and very well received. We are making a similar connection on a larger scale. What better opportunity than with the introduction of a new president?”
In conjunction with the broadcast—which will occur at 7 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time—many BYU regional chapters are planning dinners, receptions, and local alumni events. President Samuelson will be a featured speaker and will share some of his perspectives as president. Entertainment will be provided by the much-lauded BYU Men’s Chorus, and a video production will introduce the new president and his wife to alumni.
“The gathering is an ideal way for chapters to bring alumni and friends together to share similar interests and to keep them interested in the university,” says Reid A. Robison, ’75, who directs alumni activities. “We encourage all our alumni and friends to contact their chapter chairs to find out how they are participating in this alumni event.”
“The BYU alumni board is thrilled with the opportunity to be involved in this worldwide gathering,” says Brent W. Romney, ’82, Alumni Association president. “While a few of us have the chance to come back to BYU at Homecoming or at other times in the year, it’s rare to have us all gather at one time to reflect on the impact of our alma mater on our lives and the lives around us. I hope all BYU alumni will arrange their schedules to join with us on Nov. 7.”
Info: To find contact information for your local chapter chair, go to alumni.byu.edu/chapters.
