Welcome

The Adventist Intercollegiate Association (AIA) convention is only one week away, and I'm sure you're all as excited as I am for our annual convention at Atlantic Union College. About 60 percent of you have never attended an AIA convention, and I just wanted to get the word out that this year promises to be another special and unique experience. Hopefully you will make new friends, learns something new, and maybe teach someone something they never knew before. I personally learned how to incorporate committees into the senate of La Sierra University four years ago from Oakwood College (now Oakwood University); the importance of "Robert's Rules of Order" from Walla Walla College (now Walla Walla University); and how to just have fun at a social events from Southwestern Adventist University (still Southwestern Adventist University).

More than just the fun, meetings, and special events I met people who have provided valuable insight to what the focus and potential of AIA could be. My first example is Aimie Apigian from Loma Linda University who had an idea to use the AIA network to recruit volunteers to work in Malawi, Africa. Some of our best and brightest Adventist youth attend AIA every year, people who have the ability to get the word out all over North America. Barry Howe from Southern Adventist University is another great example, as he has been in contact with leaders from many of our Adventist schools about the "Invisible Children" project. Even beyond that, He and I both share the idea that better communication between our schools might allow all of us to partner together to do more incredible things. Next, Alan Cupino from Union College in Nebraska has spent a great deal of time trying to hold me accountable, and encouraging me to hold others accountable. Finally, Ms. Lisa Paulson, the student association, and senate from Pacific Union College all took some time to listen to some of my ideas when I visited in winter. I have been personally inspired by all of the ideas these people have discussed with me this year.

Before this letter becomes to tiresome and long (too late?), I also wanted to mention the need for change. I know that the word "change" has become synonymous with the 2008 elections, but we will have the opportunity once again this year to evolve the AIA for the better. On that note, I am attaching the AIA Constitution to this email. Normally, we forget all about it until this time of year, but I am inviting all of you to look past the difficult 20 minutes it takes to read it and see the potential of incorporating some new ideas. Please feel free to forward any suggestions to me, in any form, before the convention. If you had no idea we had a constitution, please read it anyways. The AIA is always looking for its next generation of leaders, and descriptions of positions are available in our constitution.

As usual, don't forget to bring a great attitude, things from your campus to giveaway, and your own bedding. I really look forward to seeing you all again, some of you for the first time, at the convention this year.

God Bless,

Jeremy Cruz
AIA President