by Joshua B. Binswanger '80

Water. When defined as a noun, it is "A clear compound that is essential for most plant and animal life." But when defined as a verb, "To make wet by supplying with water; To get or take on water." Unfortunately, for much of our nation, the latter definition has applied this Fall.

All of us are now familiar with the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama. But an inordinate amount of rainfall also brought havoc to New England. Rivers in Connecticut reached record levels. A good portion of a town in New Hampshire was washed away in the blink of an eye. And western Massachusetts was beset with torrential rains, closing 1-91, destroying homes in Greenfield, and flooding Deerfield's Lower Level with an astonishing depth and power.

And in response to this seemingly endless onslaught from nature's wrath, the Deerfield community immediately asked, "What can we do to help?" The academy, and its extended family of alumni, are to be commended for actively participating in or considering a number of projects to help those in need.

As their work continues, and life slowly returns to normal, the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association continues to look for ways to connect current students with the alumni body. The Pathways program brings Deerfield seniors in contact with alumni and gives students a chance to learn how others have forged their careers. This year, we're expanding that concept by launching a Young Alumni Career Forum, in which recent alumni (still in college) can meet with a diverse contingent of working alums in a variety of fields. This event will take place at The Yale Club in New York City on the evening of January 5, 2006, providing an opportunity for those seeking employment and for potential employers. And we hope it is the first of many such opportunities.

In the October 12 issue of The Deerfield Scroll, Meera Viswanathan said, "Students often have the most innovative and refreshing ideas. They shouldn't feel that the ideas have to come from the top down." And the same applies to our alumni body. Don't hesitate to reach out with ideas, suggestions or concerns. With your collective input, we will continue to strive to be worthy of our heritage.