“We have so many alumni who are nearby, as well as many who are around the world,” said Fitch, whose husband Edward Flanders ’89 and stepson Dylan Flanders ’21 are also part of the Law School community. “We want to bring those people back in and remind them how important the Law School has been to them.”
Fitch had also previously served as president from 2015 to 2017. In her second term, which started last year, she wanted to build on the work of her successor, Michael Grohman ’83, and continue to revamp the organization. She added three new committees: Professional Development and Mentoring, Alumni Activities, and Philanthropy, giving alumni more ways to become engaged at a higher level.
As a result, the Alumni Association’s events have become more dynamic than ever and serve an expanded body of engaged members. In 2019, the Association hosted the best-attended alumni luncheon in recent years, with over 450 guests gathered at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City.
In addition, the association has been a strong partner in the Law School’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as alumni quickly volunteered to be a part of the Remote Alumni Advisors program for students and organize fundraising at virtual class reunions. Looking forward, Fitch is working with the board to plan upcoming programs, including the spring’s annual alumni luncheon. “While I am heartbroken that COVID-19 happened when it did,” said Fitch, “we need to do what we can to maintain our momentum in the coming months and years.”