Many of us learned a lot at WASSA as this conference was like all others where our members are very willing to share and exchange ideas and information with each other.  PSU and OSU both arranged for some dynamic plenary speakers that provided insight and valuable information on both Social Media and Marketing Strategies.  We also had a very entertaining speaker from the Oregon Historical Society, his perspective on Oregon history as well as his insight into former US Presidents and national political figures captured the attention of all our participants. 

Kristen Pedersen (PSU) and Maurine “Reni” Powell (OSU) deserve a great deal of thanks and sincere appreciation from the WASSA Executive Committee, the conference participants and myself.  Kristen and Reni, along with numerous people from OSU, helped to take care of all our needs. Their flexibility and quick thinking helped the conference to run smoothly, despite several unplanned events… like the Occupy Portland protest on the last day of the conference that involved a reported 5000-6000 people! 

Another note of appreciation goes to Kerri Garcia, WASSA’s current Past President whose leadership, organization and positive energy has helped WASSA move forward this past year and she brought that energy to welcome all participants to the conference.  All members of the Executive Committee as well and the WASSA committee chairs really helped to put on a great conference this year in Portland and the new Executive Committee will begin planning the 2012 conference in San Diego very shortly.  The 2012 WASSA conference will take place October 1 - 4, 2012 at Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites. 

Our officers for 2011 – 2012 are as follows:

• President-Elect – Kim Parks, University of San Diego

• Past – President – Kerri Garcia, University of Nevada Reno

• Secretary – Kathy Buitenhuis, University of Regina

• Treasurer – Vanessa Spencer, University of Alaska Fairbanks

• Director – Tom Radmilovich, University of California Irvine

• Director – Reni Powell, Oregon State University

• Director – Alan Hunley, University of Hawaii Manoa

Keep in touch throughout the year, let me know if you have any questions about WASSA and have a great planning season for next summer! 

Harriet Abe
WASSA President
University of Hawaii Manoa