Vol. 3

Abstract

From the HA Alumni President— It is a pleasure to introduce the latest edition of the HA NEWS. I hope that you and your families had an opportunity for a restful vacation this summer. Let's hope and pray for rain and cool Fall temperatures. As members of the HA Alumni Association , we can all look back to the opportunities we had at SWT to further our education. But, we also realize that our world is rapidly changing, and for those of us who graduated in the early days of the program, many things have changed. We are in an exciting and rewarding profession , but we must continue learning in order to be effective healthcare leaders. Whether we are members of ACHE, HFMA, MGMA, or some other professional society, continuing education is vital. We are constantly bombarded with new information through journals, e-mail, newsletters, and every other medium. Our professional societies can help us sort through all the information and focus where we need to be. Continuing education also includes networking with other professionals. Again, our professionalal societies are a good source for networking. Networking with other professionals offers a rich resource of new ideas, affirmation of current thoughts and practices, and encouragement in these challenging times. Like most of you, I can point to several individuals in my career who helped me learn and grow as a professional. Networking with a mentor, both inside and outside my organization, has been invaluable. I consider it a honor today whn given the opportunity to serve as a mentor to any of the bright and eager young people who have chosen our profession. Perhaps it is a way of saying thanks to all those who have helped me over the years. We have all received a good start (or perhaps jump-start!) in our careers by our graduation from the HA program at SWT. Let's continue to build on that education through continuous learning, networking, and mentoring to those who will follow us. Finally, I wish you and your families a successful year ahead and congratulations to our 2000 Outstanding Alumnae—the Van Slykes!