McKay School of Education > News > Reconnected for Good
A room filled with blue and silver balloons, along with BYU banners and pendants, greeted alumni of the McKay School of Education from the Mesa/Phoenix, Arizona area last April. The occasion was a celebration kickoff and dinner for the first chapter of the David O. McKay School of Education Society for Alumni and Friends. These alumni and friends had gathered to reconnect with BYU, the McKay School of Education, and each other.
Dean Richard Young, who lead the group from BYU, spoke to the alumni about the uniqueness of Brigham Young University. He expressed his excitement about being in the Mesa/Phoenix area, where approximately 1,000 McKay alumni reside.
Dean Young told the audience of over 60 that he had come to learn from them. “Nothing is more important than education, “ he said. “ It is a noble profession. Together we can improve teaching and learning in the schools.” He talked about the teacher’s responsibility to take care of all children and repeated the mission of the McKay School: to strengthen children and youth, prepare noble educators, and extend the benefits of our research and creative work to a changing world. He added the three C’s that President David O. McKay encouraged all teachers to include in their instruction: character, conduct, and citizenship.
Another special guest, Marie Tuttle, a professor in the Department of Teacher Education, talked about the joy of being a teacher and gave humorous and touching accounts of the lasting effects that teachers have on their students’ lives.
The master of ceremonies for the evening was Rich Crandall, a member of the House of Representatives for the State of Arizona. Although a graduate of the Marriott School of Management, Crandall is passionate about education and was instrumental in forming the McKay Alumni Education Society. Rachel Jones, clarinetist and BYU alumna, provided musical selections.
Cort Monroe, McKay School alumnus and current principal of Pedro Guerrero Elementary School in Mesa, and Shauna Valentine, McKay School of Education college alumni director, coordinated the event. Mark and Margaret Wright, BYU Alumni Chapter Chairs for Arizona, assisted Monroe, along with Rich Crandall; Mike Cowan, superintendent of Mesa Schools; Stacy Dixon, reading interventionist; Becky Rapier, secondary reading specialist; and Melanie Buchanan, first grade teacher.
The members of the new chapter had an opportunity to see the prospective McKay School alumni Website and give their comments and suggestions. Smaller affinity groups will be formed in the near future, and an event for the entire group is being planned for the coming fall.
Principal Monroe was enthusiastic about forming this McKay School alumni chapter. He later said, "It was a great event and very gratifying to reconnect with other BYU alumni. It is a formal beginning for our local chapter as an organization. It’s always great to be reminded of the spirit of BYU and our connection with our spiritual and educational roots there."
18 May 2009