As we step into 2025, I’m inspired by the possibilities this new year brings and immensely grateful for the passion and dedication of the ASUG community. It is inspiring—and contagious!
This sentiment was at the heart of our recent Volunteer Meeting in Austin, Texas, where we gathered to celebrate our 2024 accomplishments and set future plans. The energy and demonstrated commitment on display there were a reminder of what makes ASUG so unique: our incredible community. It was wonderful to welcome new volunteers—individuals who have chosen to join other leaders in shaping the programming and conversations held in their areas. I hope they felt a warm and sincere reception from the volunteer team.
I was also struck by the large number of volunteers who have contributed for more than 10 years. One volunteer shared that the Volunteer Meeting is where they get refueled and inspired for the year ahead. Another member remarked on how he has grown professional friendships with this cohort and that the meeting feels like a family reunion (in the best possible way!).
In the large group session, we polled the audience and assessed their sentiment that the world was moving faster, felt less stable, and was becoming more complex. How can ASUG and this community provide more clarity and less chaos—to be an eye in the storm?
What’s ASUG’s Vision for 2025?
We are excited for what lies ahead. Our members tell us that they particularly love networking with peers, learning from each other’s experiences, and debating different approaches to business challenges. We are deepening our commitment to collaboration by enhancing our resources to ensure ASUG remains a cornerstone for connection and growth across our member base. Some things we’re particularly excited about include creating dedicated resource centers for all of our community groups, introducing an ASUG Speaker Library and year-round call-for-proposals process to highlight members' success stories, and incorporating more interactive sessions at all ASUG Chapter Meetings.
Beyond the immediate horizon, our vision for the next five years is bold and centered on people—they are the heart of ASUG. We are examining how we offer resources and connections to our members to ensure we are delivering timely, helpful, easy-to-access resources and setting up the kinds of conversations that allow members to explore these resources more deeply. Whether through refreshed initiatives like ASUG Chapter Meetings, Women Connect, Campus Connect, or our Executive Exchange program, our goal remains consistent: to make ASUG the platform where every individual in our community can succeed.
Thank You to ASUG Members
ASUG Volunteers, thank you again for bringing your insights, ideas, and unwavering dedication to our mission. Your efforts over the weekend laid the groundwork for an exciting year ahead, and I’m inspired by the thoughtful ways you’re shaping the future of ASUG.
And, to our members, thank you for making ASUG part of your SAP journey. Your participation, insights, and enthusiasm fuel this community. As we move forward, I encourage you to engage with our events, communities, and resources to get the most out of your membership.
Thank you for everything you’ve done to make 2024 an outstanding year. And we look forward to the work we’ll do together in 2025. With your continued passion and commitment, I’m confident this will be our most impactful year yet.
Here’s to a bright future—together.
Carolyn Dolezal is ASUG's Chief Operating Officer.