The Light - An Alumni Publication Fall 2015 | Page 2

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
YFU for Life – Continuing the Legacy
Re-engaging with you, our alumni, has been one of my foremost goals since becoming
YFU USA’s President. As a part of that effort, one year ago, we published the first edition of
The Light to highlight your stories with the hope of providing a means for you to reconnect
with one another, and, in the process, strengthening your global ties. It has been
incredibly uplifting to read about your experiences and the impact of your YFU exchange
both in your personal lives and professional career paths. Based on the submissions
and feedback we receive, it appears that sharing your stories is important to you, too.
While we are happy to provide you with this electronic tie to your YFU family, there’s
nothing quite like getting to interact in person. It was energizing to host our first Alumni
Reunion weekend here in DC at our national headquarters earlier this month following
our scholarship gala honoring our relationship and partnership with Japan. Thank you
so much to each of you who were able to take the time to join us. I’d also like to extend
my deepest gratitude to all those who sponsored a young alumni attendee, as well as
those who contributed of their energy and expertise in helping with our various weekend
activities. If you weren’t able to attend, not to worry, future alumni events – both in DC
and across the US – are in the works.
While your high school student exchange may be behind you, your experience lives
on. YFU is about forging lifelong connections and embracing opportunities that help to
change the way you see the world — this alumni community is a continuation of that
experience. YFU’s success is your success, and we wouldn’t be where we are without each
and every one of you.
With deepest gratitude,

Michael E. Hill
President & Chief Executive Officer

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