President’s Update: IACAC March Madness – Our Shining Moment
By Todd Burrell, President
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
As a basketball fan, I truly look forward to this most exciting time of the year. I have grown up watching basketball, and to this day, I enjoy going to as many games as I can. From my nephew’s 4th grade games; to watching my high school alma mater, the Teutopolis Wooden Shoes; to following many area college teams, I look forward to visiting the gyms and seeing some great games. As we close out March, the season takes on a whole new meaning as each team strives for the ultimate goal of a championship.
Just like the madness in March for basketball, IACAC and all of us enter into a most exciting (and busy) time. From the rush to apply for financial aid and scholarships for students; to the state testing and preparation for the end of a school year; to the many yield programs on college/university campuses (and so much more), our own season of “madness” is here too. It may be that some of us enter into overtime with all that needs to be done before the final bell sounds.
Within IACAC, our association is preparing for our “Final Four”- the IACAC Annual Conference. We have had many opportunities throughout the “season” to come together through our District Seminars; Advocacy Day, and various committee meetings throughout the state. All of these events help to reach out to members and build upon the momentum leading to the Annual Conference. Be sure to check out this newsletter and www.iacac.org/conference for all the details of what is shaping up to be a conference to remember.
In addition to the conference, many members have contributed and continue to contribute to the association. It is such an honor to travel to the various IACAC events and meet such great people within the association. I enjoy hearing the individual stories and the dedication of so many who reach out and work with the students and families. If there is one word to describe IACAC members, it is passionate. There is much passion in the association that I know IACAC members always will come out a champions through all of the “madness.”
As with each team, there are some who will move on, and others who come on. While I say “thanks” to those who have given of much time and energy to the board and various committees, the passion will only continue as we will welcome new members to the IACAC team. I invite you to read in the conference special edition of the newsletter the information about the candidates for the board. I think you will find as I have that IACAC will continue to come out on top due to the continued passion of our leaders.
So, I invite you to enjoy this time of the year; whatever your madness is, and be sure to make time to reflect on all that you do. It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day work (and our volunteer work); that we forget to enjoy this moment.
Every year in college basketball, the season comes to the end in the same way, with the playing of “One Shining Moment.” As the song goes:
But time is short
and the road is long
in the blinking of an eye
ah that moment’s gone
And when it’s done
win or lose
you always did your best
cuz inside you knew…
(that) One Shining Moment…
Here’s to your “One Shining Moment” and here’s to all that IACAC members do for so many.
See you at our Final Four – the Annual Conference.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve.