Good-bye, but if things don’t work out — welcome back

An e-mail from Steven Kaminshine, dean and professor of law at Georgia State University, is making the rounds this morning. The letter, sent to GSU law school alumni, tells of a decision by Ely Abbott, director of the law school’s money-raising effort, to go to work for the Democratic gubernatorial campaign of Thurbert Baker.

It’s an effusive, well-intentioned send-off. But see if you can spot the phrase that has prompted more than one smirk. I’ve marked it in bold:

From: Steven Kaminshine
Date: Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Subject: [Alumni] Ely Abbott, Director of Alumni Giving for COL

Dear College of Law Alums,

Ely Abbott has advised me that he has decided to accept a special opportunity to become Finance Director of Attorney General Thurbert Baker’s gubernatorial campaign. Ely is an old political fund-raising junkie, having served in this arena previously on two congressional campaigns. He found the opportunity to run a potentially historic state-wide gubernatorial campaign too irresistible to pass up. Ely will need to join the Baker campaign and depart the COL by May 1. Until then, Ely will help launch our alumni giving effort through the final three months of the annual fund year, working closely with me and our Senior Director of Development, John Harrison.

Those of you who have worked with Ely over the past two years know what a gem the Baker campaign is getting. Ely is a class act, an incredibly hard worker, and the ultimate team player. He recognizes each day that a successful alumni program is all about relationships, and he has applied his talents to great success to advance the College of Law’s’ alumni program forward in so many important directions.

In the recent discussions Ely and I have had about his interest in joining the Baker campaign, I informed Ely that I would not move to fill his position until after July 1 of this year so that he might be able to return should circumstances change for him. Indeed good organizations always try to find a place for an Ely Abbott.

Please join in me in congratulating Ely on this new opportunity and in thanking him for all he has done for the College of Law.

Best,
Steven Kaminshine
Dean

Darned unpredictable, these political campaigns.

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