Hello From Your New SAA President

Hello, fellow Stanford alumni!

I’m Michelle Landrey Cline, and I am honored to introduce myself as the new president of the Stanford Alumni Association (SAA) and the university’s vice president for alumni affairs.

“Die Luft der Freiheit weht”—the wind of freedom blows. Stanford University’s motto may be the only German I can quote, but it captures something I feel every time I set foot on campus or find myself in a room full of Stanford people: a palpable energy of hope, striving, and care. Sustaining and cultivating that energy is why SAA exists: to reach, serve, and engage alumni and students wherever we are, and to keep us connected to Stanford and to each other.

My passion for alumni relations dates back to my senior year, when I served as president of the Stanford Student Alumni Network and realized there was a group of people called alumni (they seemed so old) who wanted to help students just because they cared. I’ve stayed close to this special place in the years since as a participant, volunteer, and staff member. Those experiences, along with the incredible people I met through them, have shown me that my relationship with Stanford is lifelong. Stepping into this role feels like a natural homecoming. With an insider-outsider lens, I will hold tight to Stanford’s essence while bringing enough distance to see new paths forward.

I am extremely grateful to my predecessor, Howard Wolf, ’80, who has led us with steadfast dedication and unparalleled care for our community. Howard, a million (or in this case, 251K+) thanks.

As I launch, I want to meet all of you (OK, a bit ambitious, but just like Stanford, dreaming big!). I love hearing people’s stories and talking about Stanford in all its glory and growth edges (aka challenges) alike. Over the next few months, you can find me at the following events:

• Stanford Open Minds in Atlanta (Sept. 9), Boston (Nov. 7), and Miami (Dec. 9)

• President Jon Levin’s virtual Alumni Town Hall (Sept. 30)

• Reunion Homecoming (Oct. 15–18)

Until we meet, if you have a thought, an idea, or simply want to say hello, please share your note here. I’ve set up this dedicated space so you can help me color in the start of this adventure with your reflections. And, as always, we are here for you wherever you are on your journey. Curious but not sure where to start? The Stanford Alumni Association website is always a good first stop.

I am incredibly excited to serve Stanford and our community—spiking-heart-rate excited. Thank you for caring about Stanford and each other.

Warmly,

Michelle Landrey Cline, ’93, MBA ’98
Vice President for Alumni Affairs, Stanford University
President, Stanford Alumni Association