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I have ben both sides of that lifetime commitment, both Active Collegiate and Active Alumnae, and I never felt a difference while I was either one. Being an Active Collegiate again has given me a unique chance to see exactly how important "lifetime membership" actually is, not only in words, but in practice. I find myself encouraging our alums to come and visit, drop by, write us, anything to keep that bond alive much more than I used to, and probably much more than most of the women in my chapter.
I have found that a lot of alums don't actively participate after their collegiate years because they don't feel as welcome as they used to. They are afraid of stepping on the Active's toes or being "that alum" who tries to relive her college years in a weekend. But you know what I say? Who cares! Do it. You are Sisters/Brothers for life, no matter how old you are. Sometimes they just need that extra push. I know that my chapter has tried to do dozens of activities incuding our alum, but they never seem to be able to come. It's usually because our alum are very busy Ladies, but as long as we keep trying, we get them every now an then, and that makes them so happy.
I think that part of that lifetime commitment is the responsibility of the Collegians. Make your Alum feel welcome, invite them to events, not just Founders Day and Alumnae weekend. If they don't feel that bond from you, their sisters and brothers, why would they want to come back? I think that it helps both sides: The collegians see that involvement continues after college, and the Alum get to see their Chapter grow and develop even after they leave.
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