I’ve been asked at least a dozen times, but I still hesitate when someone asks about the highlight of my year as editor in chief.

If I wait too long, they’ll start to prompt me — was it a major story The D.O. published? Was it when the second general manager of the year was hired? Was it the completion of our ambitious fundraising goal?

I’ve given at least a few different answers, simply because there were a lot of highlights. That’s a good problem to have.

But when I collect all the moments I’ve named — moments that range from producing a double Final Four guide to kicking off D.O. Palooza — I’m struck by what these moments have in common. None come from the work of a single person.

Our best stories from this year wouldn’t have been possible without collaboration between writers, editors, designers and photographers. Hiring a second general manager wouldn’t have been possible without the patience and advice of The D.O. Board of Directors. Raising $20,150 wouldn’t have been possible without the kindness of 147 donors — many of whom donated more than once.

Often, these highlights are thanks in part to the guidance and generosity of D.O. alumni. From providing feedback on stories to supporting our wish list, your support is influential and makes The D.O. a better institution.

You’ve helped better The D.O., and now we ask that you do the same with your own institution — The Daily Orange Alumni Association.

The current work of The D.O.A.A. ᅳ which includes newsletters, email and social media blasts, the archive project and the mentor program ᅳ is done by a handful of alumni who take it upon themselves and work together with the management team. Without formal leadership, there is limited authority and growth.

A stronger alumni association has the potential to enhance the relationship between the thousands of D.O. graduates and the organization itself. Beyond that, it has the potential to become a global network, offer professional development, host events and help ensure the longevity of The D.O.

To kick off this initiative, our board has approved a set of pilot bylaws for the alumni association, which is a topic you recently received information about by email. The bylaws detail everything from the mission of The D.O.A.A., to various levels of membership, to the responsibilities of the board of directors that will oversee the organization. Of course, the content can be amended by the alumni who take on active roles in The D.O.A.A., but the guidelines should provide a good starting point.

The first step is formalizing leadership for the association by creating a D.O.A.A. Board of Directors. The alumni who are voted onto the board will play a crucial role in the future of The D.O.A.A. The positions vary in responsibility and skillset, but I encourage you to check out the options and nominate a friend or apply yourself before the May 31 deadline.

While the first alumni board members will be chosen by The D.O. Board of Directors, its members will eventually be elected internally, once the new structure for The D.O.A.A. is in place.

Other facets of the organization are bound to change as people provide feedback over time, as the restructuring of The D.O.A.A. is a work in progress.

Like the other moments I’m fortunate enough to leave with after a year as editor in chief, it won’t happen without collaboration. This is an initiative that needs alumni like yourself to join in and push forward. Let’s make this project another highlight.

Mara Corbett (’17) was editor in chief and former presentation director of The Daily Orange. She also served as president of The D.O. Board of Directors. Please feel free to contact her with questions. You can email her at mgcorbet@syr.edu or reach her on Twitter at @maracorbett.

Published on May 15, 2016 at 10:24 pm