As I begin this final message of my year long tenure, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have served as your President.  We’ve completed our legacy programs and enjoyed excellent media coverage on both the Young Women of Promise and the recent Career Assistance Grants Programs.  I’m sure that those of you who saw the May 10^th picture and article in The Tampa Bay Times were as pleased as others with whom I have spoken.  The smiles on the faces of our awardees was truly worth a thousand words!

Although I’ll be transitioning as President, the activities of Athena continue. Members are planning for the important Annual Meeting on June 6^th at the University of Tampa.  Please remember the change of venue and check the budget information which has been mailed separately.  Our new President Lorna Taylor, Treasurer Zoe Gustafson, and administrator Johanne Castagan have spent many hours ensuring that our income will match the proposed expenses.

Later in the month we will celebrate our new members at the annual new member reception at Marian McCulloch’s home.  This wonderful group of new Athena members will enhance our organization and bring a wealth of information and insight to the Athena Society.  Mark your calendars for the official welcome on June 23^rd.

The Retreat Committee, too, is already hard at work looking for commitments for the July premier event.  You truly won’t want to miss this one.   St. Petersburg is an excellent setting for an awesome get away. The beautiful Vinoy Hotel, the museums and the lineup of activities will be better than ever.  Many thanks to Nancy Vaughn, Lorna Taylor and the entire committee.

As always, I want to express my thanks to everyone for the participation in Athena activities and the many, many contributions to our sisterhood.   See you soon.

Sincerely,

Betty