ITGA Conference and Growth
Two weeks to go to conference, and lots of important information to share, below, with more on the way in the coming days. Thanks for so many of you stepping up, signing up, and leading on so many fronts, all underlined with collegiality and a love for all things ITGA.

A friend of mine told me once, "Who you are in a crisis is who you are," and I have seen that in action this spring with our diverse and focused membership. Thanks and please don't forget: You can register for the conference up until 11:00am EDT June 1st, an hour before kickoff!
ITGA Conference
The renowned University of Washington Professor Dr. Jason Kilmer will serve as one of the keynoters. Jason, a friend of the ITGA, has served as the lead investigator on several prominent studies evaluating prevention and intervention efforts for alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use by college students, garnering several top awards in the process.

He will speak Tuesday on, "But we're still dealing with alcohol! The Importance of Town-Gown Partnerships in Best Practices in Preventing High-Risk Alcohol Use and Responding to Cannabis in a Changing Legal Climate."

We currently have over 30 sessions with content covering a broad range of topics related to COVID-19 and the future of colleges, universities and their home communities. Presentations will include an overview of front-line impacts garnered from recent focus groups with ITGA members, and inputs from government and campus leaders on strategies for 2020 and beyond. The full conference program will be available May 25 in Campus-Community Connections and on the ITGA website.
ITGA Growth
The ITGA is pleased to announce the following slate for its Board of Directors to be voted on by the general membership:

  • Sara Bloom, Executive Director, Downtown Hays Development Corporation, Hays, KS
  • Monica Chavez-Silva, Assistant VP for Community Enhancement, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA
  • Julie Emms, Director of Community Relations, DePaul University, Chicago, Ill
  • Kathryn Hofer, Interim Director, Student Experience, University of Guelph, Ontario, CA
  • Julie Katsel, Senior Director, Local Government & Community Relations, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
  • Nicole Prewitt, Director of Programs and Partnership for Community Engagement, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Melissa Selesky, Senior Director, Community Affairs, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ

In addition, the following have accepted appointments to standing committees to assist the Board. Please welcome:

  • Drew Alexander, Capital Asset and Development Manager, Boise State University, Boise, ID
  • Chant'e Marie Catt, Off-Campus Housing Coordinator, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
  • Barbara Moore, Assistant to the City Manager-Special Projects Coordinator, College Station, TX

By necessity, voting will take place by email, rather than part of the traditional conference business meeting. Your lead contact for ITGA will receive an electronic ballot via email, with more information coming soon.

Finally, thanks to our well-connected membership, ITGA has become a go-to source for media inquiries, more in recent months than in recent years combined. We will continue to share coverage on our home page, and ask for your assistance if needed, as our profile continues to soar with regional and national media.

Beth Bagwell, MPA
ITGA Executive Director
International Town & Gown Association www.itga.org