By Gene Daniels (ThM '99; MDiv '62)

With the start of the new academic year, I am concluding my final term on the Alumni/ae Council.

As I reflect on my years as an alum, it seems improbable that I would ever undertake the kind of close relationship with the Fuller community that serving on the Council entails.

Until the early 1990s, my life as a Fuller grad was characterized by a profound disconnectedness from the seminary family. I attribute this to a couple of reasons. First, I worked outside the borders of the U.S., and second, the seminary no longer had anything to offer me. But as I probe more deeply, it is apparent that, with new institutional commitments, relating to and supporting the educational mission of Fuller at that time was not on my list of priorities.

Being reconnected has brought a new sense of commitment to the seminary and the vision that is shaping its institutional character. God is doing so many new things, both in building people and in reshaping the physical makeup of Fuller's Pasadena campus. Just wait till you check out the new library!

Perhaps some of you are in a dormant state of relating to Fuller. Let me encourage you to consider positive re-engagement.

The Alumni/ae Council, through the Office of Alumni/ae and Church Relations, is doing some really creative things to enhance the relevance of the seminary to the life of Fuller grads. To maximize its effectiveness, though, the Council needs your support. So take the time to learn about emerging possibilities; ask questions; share your thoughts. Consider possible avenues for greater involvement in the life and ministry of Fuller. You will be blessed as I have been.