MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Wow! Two years can sure pass quickly, and now, at the gentle reminding nudge from a very patient Wingspan editor, I find myself writing my final Message from the President. Given this is my 'exit' letter, I think it warrants some reflection on our Foundation. In August 1965, a group of over 60 individuals met in Wisconsin to discuss the state of knowledge regarding the dramatic declines of Peregrine Falcons. In September 1965, 13 individuals, consisting of researchers and management personnel from the United States, Canada, and Switzerland, met to discuss strategies to address the issue. Subsequently, in February 1966, articles of incorporation were signed formally forming the Raptor Research Foundation. Although the 'origins' of RRF is open to a bit of debate, the meetings in 1965 are generally considered as its 'founding' and we, as a Foundation, are celebrating our 50 th Anniversary at our 2015 meeting. I look at the origins of the Foundation and its status today, and contemplate whether it has met the promise of what it was set to be, as stated in Article 1, sec. 2 of our Bylaws: The purposes shall be to stimulate the dissemination of information concerning raptorial birds among interested persons worldwide and to promote a better public understanding and appreciation of the value of birds of prey. In honesty, I believe so. Our membership rolls as of September 2015 is illustrative of this. We currently have 939 members identifying themselves as from 48 different countries. While the majority are from the United State (72.4%), Canada (6.2%), Spain (2.3%), UK (2.8%) and Germany (1.7%), a look at our membership list reveals our capacity to stimulate research and disseminate information on birds of prey reaches far and wide. Enhancing this is our recent agreement with the printer of the 2007 publication of Raptor Research and Management Techniques , allowing us to not only post a free electronic version on our website, but to also to translate this important publication into other languages for free distribution. Our Conservation Committee is crucial as the face of RRF in responding to requests for input and evaluation regarding contemporary raptor conservation issues. Our Journal of Raptor Research has grown and become in very well respected journal that, if limited, is only due to being a taxonomic specialty. Including our - 1 - Winabmn 24(2) Beotember 2015 journal in BioOne has greatly expanded our reach and ability to disseminate contemporary information on raptor ecology. I could go on, and there is certainly room for improvement, but yes, I think our Foundation is strong and our founders would be pleased at what has become of their fledgling venture. In parting, I want to pay due acknowledgement to the many people that keep RRF running. First, I especially want to thank Ted Swem and Libby Mojica, the vice presidents that have served with me. A president of an organization really needs a sounding board to discuss ideas and issues; for that I sincerely thank Ted and Libby. Jessi Brown has done a great job as our new treasurer, and Greg George has kept our records straight: together they hold really important jobs in the foundation. Joan Morrison and Rick Watson have always been on the spot in responding to conservation issues, and the journal just keeps getting better under Cheryl Dykstra's watch. Brian Washburn has been doing a great job with Wingspan, and I hope the membership will increase the contributions to it. I thank Jim Bednarz for stepping up and taking the over the Nominations Committee. Gary Santolo has supervised a revamping of the awards program, and Mike Kochert has been as steadfast as ever as our financial committee chair (and much appreciated institutional memory and voice of level-headed advice for me!). Our 2015 meeting will be the last for Kate Davis and James Dwyer in their roles of Conference Committee and Scientific Program Committee Chairs, respectfully. I really cannot express how much RRF owes these 2 for the work they have done for RRF over the last several conferences, but if you get the chance, buy them a drink in Sacramento; they most assuredly deserve it. I also want to acknowledge the hard work of 2 other people. First, Travis Booms has taken the Early Career Raptor Research committee from an idea to what may be one of the most important committees for the future of the foundation and increased membership. Second, Libby Mojica has overseen our website, supervised the update of our logo, taken the office of vice-president, picked up the slack whenever I dropped it, and always been a sounding board when I needed one. I thank all of the board members that have served during my tenure. It has been a pleasure and learning experience to work with all of them. A Board of Directors is a group of individuals elected to serve the interest of the foundation. As such, their perspectives and viewpoints do not always coincide, especially when dealing with challenging issues. But the board and officers always worked together to serve the best interests of RRF. And finally, as I leave this position, I want to thank the membership for giving me the opportunity to serve as your president. It is something I never would have envisioned for myself those many years ago when I first joined RRF as a student member. It was an honor, and I hope I did the position justice. I hope to see you in Sacramento; it's gonna be a good one! CGnt