APSU REUNION – 2005 ATLANTA September 2 nd – 4 th 2005 REDEFINING THE APSU – AUGUSTINE’S LINK by Dr. Charles E. Appeadu 77/ 79

APSU MISSION The mission of the St. Augustine’s Past Students’ Union is to promote and foster a dynamic, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship between St. Augustine’s College, Cape Coast and its alumni; enlist and encourage alumni support for the School; sustain a spirit of excitement in our alma mater; and provide opportunities for alumni to connect with each other through meaningful programs and activities.

The Organization of APSU An effective Alumni Group must be –Numerically and Programmatically Strong –Meaningful –Goal Oriented –Proud of its Link with the Alma Mater –Involved in the School –Financially Strong ** Single Most Important **

Numerical Strength We already have the numbers – 2005 Scattered. Attractive APSU can bring them together Numbers Strong both domestically and Internationally Quality of Numbers also high

Meaningful APSU Why do we exist as an Alumni Group? The default state is not enough Attractive/Meaningful Programs? Linked to Goals

Goal Oriented What are our Goals? –Short Term Academic Achievement in 2006 Discipline Water Supply –Intermediate Term Sound Admissions Policy Board Representation Visible Alumni Involvement

Goal Oriented Long Term Goals –Financial Strength –Scholarships –Best High School in Ghana/West Africa –Buildings –Transportation –Well organized and self sustaining APSU!

Involvement in School Alumni should officially speak to students on important matters affecting students future: –Professional Trends –Scholarships and Admissions to Local and Overseas Universities –Salaries and Requirements of Various Professions –Hard Realities of Living Waywardly

Involvement in School Individuals Setting Up Named Scholarships Visiting School on Vacation and Given the Chance to Address Students Feedback From Board Representative (s) Voluntary Teaching During Vacation etc. Book Donations etc.

Financial Strength To achieve the aforementioned goals, a Financially strong APSU is needed. –Lack of integrity (real or perceived) prevented donations from well meaning APSUnians. –Those days are over!! –APSU to be organized into regional unions

Proposed Model –APSU to be organized into regional unions SouthEast – Headquartered in Atlanta Northeast – New York Capital – Washington, D.C. Midwest – Chicago SouthWest – Houston/Dallas West – Los Angeles Great Britain – London MainLand Europe – Frankfurt/Amsterdam? Ghana - Accra

Proposed Model APSU to be registered in each Region Monthly Contributions into an APSU Account in each region –Atlanta Branch proposes $25 per month per member. So far $2,000 collected. –Assume 50 APSUnians per foreign region $1,250 per month per region x 8 international regions = $10,000 per month. $680,060 after 5 years assuming 5% annual return. $1,550,000 after 10 years. –DOABLE?ABSOLUTELY YES!!!

SO WHAT IS NEXT? After Atlanta Reunion, the resulting proposal to be sent to all members for immediate implementation Strong Regional APSU’s a must Leadership is critical but I believe we have them in our midst – right here in this room Meaningful regional meetings Maintain Annual Reunions with periodic updates and broadcast of happenings in regions

SO WHAT IS NEXT? Need significant immediate impact – within a year? Keep flame burning. First mover advantage. Something unique in Ghana – A strong Alumni Group at the Secondary School Level with cash of several million dollars on balance sheet!!! AUGUSCO – BEST IN WEST AFRICA!!!