Presidents' Letter: Fall 2026

Dear Summit College Club Members,

Welcome back from our summer break!

Whether your summer was restful or exciting, local or distant, familiar or new, we hope you are returning to SCC refreshed, energized and committed. We’re excited to begin 2026 -2027 together with much in store and lots of opportunities to learn, connect, contribute, and grow as a community.

We start the year with one of our favorite events: the annual Fall Luncheon on Sunday, September 27, at Baltusrol Golf Club. The luncheon is an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, hear a stimulating presentation, and enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful setting. Consider treating a guest to join us for what will certainly be a wonderful afternoon. It’s a great way to introduce a friend to some of our members and give them a sense of who we are and what we do.

Our main focus this year will be on the first operational elements of our Strategic Plan. A link to the plan was sent to all members by email with the expectation that members will read the document before the Luncheon. The Strategic Plan is an excellent roadmap to a robust future for Summit College Club. But like any map, it’s only useful when we actually “get on the road” and take action, and every member has an opportunity to contribute.

You might remember that the Strategic Plan identified three strategic priorities:

• Strengthening and improving administration and governance

• Retaining and increasing membership

• Improving programs and services to all the various communities we serve

Over the next 10 months, we’ll be implementing the specific action steps identified in the Operational part of the Strategic Plan to realize these goals. We need your involvement! Your time, ideas, donations, and continuing membership are what keep Summit College Club vital.

We’re also excited about upcoming programs this fall. Our Program co-chairs, Brooke Luger and Andrea Stein, are working to make our programs timely, relevant to our broader communities, as well as members, and aligned with our mission. For example, the planned October/November program will examine issues relevant to women and equity in light of the upcoming mid-term elections. More information on the topic of conversation and how to register is coming soon. Keep an eye on your email and social media.

Finally, last year we emphasized strengthening connections: within our membership, between SCC and the State and National AAUW organizations, and connections between SCC and other organizations in our communities. These efforts will continue as we implement the Strategic Plan, bring new programs to members and our communities, continue to build our presence through communication, and celebrate important milestones together.

Thank you for your contributions to Summit College Club, past and future. Let’s make it a great year together.

Karen Kaplan and Hedy Tukey

Co-Presidents