I realize that for some of our members, it is not really even spring yet. As I write this, snow is still in the forecast this week for parts of the US. But, my attention is already focused on July – and specifically the Summer Symposium.

The line-up of speakers and content that the committee has put together looks to be exceptional. We’ve got a wide range of interesting topics and real experts on board to lead those discussions. It looks to be a great educational experience.

The venue – downtown Boston – will be a first for us. While we’ve generally conducted the SS in resort locations, I think our experience last year in downtown Vancouver proved that a downtown experience has a lot to offer too. And Boston certainly has an array of history and cultural attractions for us to experience and explore.

Then, of course, there is the fun. This year, the committee has arranged a harbor cruise dinner on the 97 foot ship, The Valiant – which I’m told will be a traditional New England Clam Bake dinner. The opportunity to cruise Boston harbor at night and socialize with many of my favorite colleagues is, all by itself, worth coming to the Symposium to experience.

Lastly, the Summer Symposium will mark my last meeting as your Chair. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve all of you these past months – which I know went longer than you or I anticipated (and much longer than George Ruotolo wanted). As I’ve said often, I never wanted to be the Chair of the Giving Institute, but I always wanted to be the Past Chair. Alas, this July my dream comes true.

I hope all of you will be there to share it with me.