Alums need love too

SoCalGirl · #1 01-06-2001, 03:05 AM

Allright I have a topic!!!

Since in my chapter the alumnae feel unappreciated; and I think rightfully so; what are some ways that ya'll would like to be shown some appreciation? Besides a simple thank you! Cause we all know the entire country needs to work on that.

DeltAlum · #2 01-06-2001, 11:20 AM

My experience has been that undergraduates aren't real good communicators. Probably because of very busy lives.

However, I think the most effective way to make your alums feel good about you is by keeping in touch and being sure they are invited to events, chapter meetings, etc.

Be inclusive.

One of the things which has worked well for the two chapters I help advise is inviting older alums back for initiation. We had one man back who said he hadn't seen our ritual for over forty years and was very moved.

DeltAlum

To correct a typo, not the original thought:

[This message has been edited by DeltAlum (edited January 06, 2001).]

kmullini · #3 01-06-2001, 09:03 PM

I agree with DeltAlum

Kevin Mullinix
Beta Theta Pi Alum
Epsilon Mu

#4 01-06-2001, 09:07 PM

Because our alumnae support is incredible, we usually have an alumnae appreciation brunch for them somewhere on campus. True, the brunch eats up part of our budget, but we try and donate as much as we can--whether it be time, cooking, utensils, food, etc.

If money's a big problem, we've done afternoon tea and coffee and pastries also. I don't know--my chapter just loves to eat.

I agree with DeltAlum when he said to be inclusive. There are going to be alums that haven't seen a ritual for years. Also, write a letter to them asking if there are any topics that they could possibly lead for a program. My alums are so helpful that they usually jump at the chance to help out the collegians.

------------------
*I'm an Alpha Gam...Yes I am, Yes I am!*

ztafairy · #5 01-07-2001, 03:29 PM

I hate to say this but our chapter doesn't have great alum support, if any. I just became an alumna and I am determined to do something about this. We are opening up a new Alumnae Chapter in our area that I'm really excited about. We are holding elections at the first meeting this month. I'm hoping to get President so wish me luck! I am also really hoping that this will bridge the gap between the collegiate members and the alumni. The chapter really needs our support. Thank you for the ideas about bridging that gap!

33girl · #6 01-07-2001, 08:37 PM

I'm an alum, and these are the things that make me feel great:

*Be happy to see me, don't just think to yourself "oh @#%*, we gotta clean the house."

*Ask me to formals, initiations, and let me know when Greek Week and other campus events are. If I live nearby, I just might stop in.

*Don't get discouraged with the lack of involvement. Keep trying. You never know when someone will be going through a trying time and need to reach back to that sisterhood she thought she lost.

*Don't give me a lecture about "everything you did back in the olden times was hazing and unhealthy and we are so much more enlightened now." The whole society has changed. I know things are different, and if I hadn't accepted that to some degree I wouldn't stay involved with the chapter. So if I accidentally call you a "pledge" instead of a "new member" don't bite my head off.

*Most importantly...knock down that "wall" between collegians and alums and just treat me as your friend. Don't be on 100% best behavior at all times...I've been there, and I know you're faking. Open up to me, tell me what's good and what's bad (with YOU, not just the chapter) and we will be able to share the kind of relationship sisters are supposed to share.

dzrose93 · #7 02-13-2001, 11:10 AM

Amen 33girl!!! I second ALL of that!

Tom Earp · #8 02-13-2001, 07:22 PM

The main reason Alums don't feel good about the Chapter is they don't keep in touch with the Alums! Mine has the same problem. Do Not say you or they are busy because we all are!!! We just had the 35 th reunion of when I founded the local that became the LX Chapter of LXA. We had more Alums there than in any time of our history. Send out a quartly news letter to let alums know what is going on. I have been working for 2 years to find Alums and mostly what I get is I forgot about the house. I have not heard from them. We are looking at build a new house for the chapter but it takes all of our Brotherhood to do it. There are NO excuses that I have gotten that I have not been through! It is a 2 way street from the active chapter to the Alums and there will be some like me and many other of My Brothers who have stepped backed up to the plate to help! The main thing KEEP THE ALUMS updated and they will back you. While I graduated in 1967, and fell back I have never forgot My Family! I am back in with both feet and am getting more of My Brothers to feel the same way I wish you all the best but remember my words. Yous as active chapters MUST keep the Alums involved by contact and they will stand behind You.

------------------
Tom Earp LX Z#1
Pittsburg State U. (Kansas)

LexiKD · #9 02-13-2001, 08:37 PM

I am a proud Kappa Delta Alumna and feel very close to my chapter, but I just graduated.
I think it is important that alumna take the first step beacuse we all know how busy those girls become. I know it was hard keeping alumnae up to date beacuse I was doing other things while an active member, but our alumnae chair is doing a great job so far. Also alum can motivate other alum!
BY the way ZTAFAIRY, Good Luck....call me some time old roomy!