The newly appointed chair of the Drexel University Alumni Association Board of Governors is an entrepreneur with a 30-year history of involvement with the University. Ira Taffer received a BS in chemistry in 1979 and a PhD in organic chemistry in 1983 from Drexel. After graduation, he became the co-founder and COO of BIOMOL Research Laboratories. Over 25 years, he grew the organization into a multinational company specializing in the supply of biological tools for the life sciences research community. The company was sold in 2008 to Enzo Biochem Inc. Since that time, Taffer has been actively consulting in the business community on operational and scientific issues. In addition to his service in the Alumni Association, he is a member of the advisory board to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. His two-year appointment began on July 1.
Why did you decide to take on the role of chair of the Board of Governors?
I have been active at Drexel since I graduated in 1983. For the past nine years I have been a member of the Board of Governors and during that time have seen the importance of a strong alumni association. Being chair allows me to work on some of the ideas I have to continue to grow the organization for the benefit of our alumni, as well as for the benefit of Drexel.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term?
It is my goal to make the Alumni Association an important resource for all Drexel alumni. The association needs to provide services that help our alumni grow both professionally and personally. We want to provide a continuation of their student experience. Currently, the association offers a wide variety of programs for our alumni including career development, networking and cultural and educational activities. As Drexel grows, so must the association. Today, Drexel has a large international footprint with alumni living around the globe. We must expand the association’s reach as well, and provide programs globally. As the world changes so must the services that we offer and the ways that we deliver them to alumni.
What is the value of the Alumni Association to alumni today?
A strong Alumni Association is an asset to the University. Drexel has about 144,000 alumni living and working around the world, and as I said earlier we must be a valuable resource for all of our graduates. Our motto is “Connecting Dragons Everywhere” because that is what we aim to do: connect alumni to alumni, to students and to the University. We’re here to help them make these valuable connections.
Today we change jobs, relocate and seek professional development much more frequently than we did 30 years ago. The Alumni Association provides resources to help alumni manage this process and build their personal career networks through Alumni Career Services. Through our online networks, including the alumni LinkedIn group, and our in-person events, we connect alumni with each other in the geographic areas where they live or by some shared interest — be it career industry or cultural activity, or even a shared Drexel academic experience with a college, school or faculty member. The association provides opportunities for alumni to meet Drexel students to help them learn how to hone their leadership skills and get the most out of their co-op experience.
These are just a few of the countless ways that the Alumni Association is a valuable resource for our graduates. I believe that the accomplishments of alumni are the accomplishments of the University. It is our goal to keep everyone informed of the changes at Drexel and the achievements of our alumni. By staying in touch with Drexel through the association, we help alumni maximize the value of their education.
Do you have a message for your fellow alumni?
I encourage all alumni to keep in touch with the Alumni Association — update your contact and professional information, attend an event in your area, join our online networks, or volunteer to get involved. We want to hear from you and to share in your accomplishments! [D]