What YOU Think –
Your Responses to the
Question of the Week
Questions of the Week
are an important part of
THE ALPHA PROJECT
Question
of the Week 11/21/99:
What Should Be the Role of Alumni at Regional Meetings?
Cristina Pianezzola, Delta of Texas Chapter, Texas Tech University, UT
I believe there are several roles alumni can fill successfully without taking the thunder and the experience away from those who really ought to have it.
One of the largest problems a junior college organization can experience is continuity, and the lack of training by the previous leaders for the new ones. Time constraints and the general 2-year attendance at a junior college do not allow for real long trainings and smooth handing over. Often the new leaders have to re-invent the wheel and cannot profit from the mistakes of previous leaders. Some experience does not come around to every group, like running an international officer, which makes each campaign the first campaign the chapter has run. Applying for Hallmarks, etc. is a fine art that is polished by exposure and experience and cannot be mastered in one single attempt. All those areas could profit from having alumni support the chapter in an advisory position in which they can be used as a resource when the need arises.
It is not alumni's job to run the chapter. No more than it is a grandparent's job to raise the grandchildren. Yet, involved and caring grandparents can add much to a child's life in the form of support and encouragement, exposure to new things and in seizing teaching opportunities when they arrive. Alumni have the same privilege, they may support, encourage, make suggestions, explain how things have been handled before, successful or not, and bring up angles the current leaders have not yet considered and in a very real way may continue to nurture the organization they have enjoyed.
Alumni may also serve the organization as a whole. This may be done by using their own influence to further interest, monetary support or even just recognition of the organization in general or/and their old chapter in particular. As they achieve success in other arenas, they can point a finger at Phi Theta Kappa, and publicly recognize the support and encouragement they have received from the organization.
There are also more subtle ways to help the organization and to maintain the spirit of Phi Theta Kappa. Offering to help new graduate’s to prepare for job interviews is a good example. Helping scholarship applicants to produce a powerful application is also a service that is needed and often lacking. Getting anyone exited and committed to continue their education, in whatever form that may be is certainly in the spirit of Phi Theta Kappa.
The problem I see with most alumni is that once they enjoyed the fellowship, the positive feedback, and encouragement in Phi Theta Kappa, they latch on to Phi Theta Kappa. But Phi Theta Kappa is just an organization, and often a very localized one. But the experience of what Phi Theta Kappa is all about is not limited to the organization or a location. Would it not make more sense to take those values out of the organization and try to promote them throughout whatever arena we find ourselves in. Sort of a "Let Phi Theta Kappa values bloom where you are planted" attitude? In other words, rather than limiting ones involvement to Phi Theta Kappa because one enjoyed it, how about teaching others to enjoy whatever else there is to get involved in.
The flip side of the coin is of course, if you want to be able to spread the Phi Theta Kappa spirit, others have to have a chance to learn and grow from it. So by hanging on to the experience, denying others the opportunity to step in, Phi Theta Kappa would eventually collapses on itself, and so would loose the very thing that made it attractive, the very excitement of those to whom this all is a brand new experience. International convention would become as exiting as the high school reunion of the class of 1920, and breakout sessions would equal small town library board meetings.
Phi Theta Kappa is a step on the road to becoming a successful, caring human being. Connection to the organization is not the same as being a successful, caring human being. And so all good things must come to an end. High school was fun for some people, membership in the football team was fun, being a cheerleader or on the debate team was fun, but would you really want to see that as the crowning event of your life 10 years later? I for one have a goal of being a graceful grandparent, both to possible grandchildren and to Phi Theta Kappa.
Posted Date 12/3/1999
****************************************
Debra S. Jones, Vice President of the Michigan Region Alumni Association, Alpha Tau Alpha Chapter, Montcalm Community College, MI
I have found a great way to remain involved with Phi Theta Kappa without expecting the spotlight (which I was never fond of anyway). Our organization exists to serve the Michigan region. Our goals include serving in any capacity needed by our region's chapters, and working to raise scholarship funds for Michigan Region members. The MRAA is present at all regional events and our region doesn't seem to mind. Rather they welcome our assistance. I must emphasize "assistance" because that is our goal. We have gained so very much from our involvement in Phi Theta Kappa and we wish to share our experiences in such a way that all members may reap the benefits. Phi Theta Kappa has made a difference in our lives and I guess we are just giving back. Additionally, Montcalm Community College in Sidney, Michigan has accepted two alumni members (including myself) as "Associate Advisors”. I am a Volunteer engaged in assisting my chapter as the current members strive for the same goals I formerly achieved. In this way, as alumni, I can once again give back.
Posted Date 12/1/1999
****************************************
Tammy L. Alvaro, Alpha Tau Alpha Chapter, Montcalm Community College, MI
I think that Alumni should act as mentors and as a support system for the region and the current membership. I feel that the alumni can offer a lot, but that any assistance should be communicated with the Regional Coordinator and the Regional Board. We should have a sort of "customer service" philosophy, meaning we ask what the members would like from us and provide that when possible. For Alumni to be demanding with the membership will only result in alienation.
Posted Date 11/29/1999
****************************************
Michael McDermott, Alpha Epsilon Rho Chapter, Bellevue Community College, WA
I believe the alumni should participate in all regional events. They remain an invaluable resource for the newer members and officers and can point out the potholes. At our regional meetings, I have had great conversations with alums that broadened my outlook on the Society and its programs. I would encourage any alum to come to the regionals even if just for the fellowship of intelligent people who mean well. Goodness knows in this world you seldom enough have a chance to be with people the caliber of Phi Theta Kappa members. Also, it doesn't hurt to have a touch of the 'den mother' aspect. Some of my younger peers are traveling without their parents for the first time and it's pretty heady stuff. Sometimes it helps to have some of us gray hairs around to keep things on an even keel. And I guarantee it can't hurt us gray hairs to be around the younger minds a few times per year. It's invigorating (not that I'm all that old, don't you know...).
Best holiday wishes to all my sisters and brothers. You make me proud of my association with you.
Posted Date 11/29/1999
****************************************
Angela Rogers, Alpha Epsilon Delta Chapter, Sullivan County Community College, NY
I feel that without Alumni, quite a few of the chapters would crumble. When I first took over as president of our Chapter, we had no structure, leadership, or standing. At induction, when I was sworn in as president, the past president said see ya, I'm gone. I did not receive any materials to even tell me what was to happen next. Thanks to our wonderful alumni assoc., we actually are making a difference. Not only did Chris (president of alumni) come to our first meeting to help us, he also sent out my distress call to all the people who knew how to help. I believe that Alumni Chapters should serve as mentors and advisors for those chapters would otherwise fall to the wayside.
Posted Date 11/29/1999
****************************************
Frederic W. Strohl, Alpha Omicron Alpha Chapter, Lehigh Carbon Community College, PA
This is a wonderful problem to have. I believe you can never have too much support or commitment. If members stay active as alumni, we are very fortunate. Do we not thrust them into the spotlight by focusing in on their successes to promote our society? Now, I see us wanting to gently nudge them back into the crowd after we have used them for this amiable purpose. As the great leaders we are, would we be willing to step back and resume a completely supporting role? Honestly, it is not that easy to do.
Now may be the time to seriously examine the meanings of our society's Hallmark's. Scholarship pertains to learning with highest degree of respect for knowledge. Leadership involves guiding people in the right direction, knowing when to support others in the guiding process, and living as an example. Fellowship provides an opportunity for the scholarly exchange of ideas and ideals, as well as being lots of fun. Last but not least is Service, our privilege to help others or ourselves in times of need.
Feel free to direct all the alumni to my Region. We would readily use their assistance to help increase chapter participation in the Five Star Program, provide man power in setting up our convention and honors institute, help with the voting process at regional election time, do workshops on team building, provide financial support and scholarships, mentor the newly elected officers, assist with the regional website and newsletter, and for whatever skill or service they are willing to provide.
I've had the opportunity to meet some of the alumni from our region and assist them in fundraising that will provide a scholarship at the regional convention. I applaud their hard work and dedication. When I start to get frustrated with people I need to remember a quote I heard several years ago:"No man is so rich as to throw away a friend."
Posted Date 11/29/1999
****************************************
Victor A. Seroussi,
Alpha Alpha Upsilon Chapter, Fulton Montgomery Community College, NY
I think it is extremely important for alumni to be involved with the operations of PTK chapters around the country. However, their role should move from active participation to more of a mentor, advisor role. What I mean is that the new members should be the force between action and coordination of events but that alumni should be there to sheppard and guide their efforts. Alumni should offer suggestions and solutions having already gone thru similar processes but not assume control. It is vital to maintaining the freshness and dynamic nature that PTK creates.
Posted Date 11/29/1999
****************************************
Matthew C. Koeppen, Alpha Eta Psi Chapter, Suffolk County Community College, NY
As I sit here cleaning off the last bits of meat off my turkey leg, and my computer for that matter, this question has struck me as a bit odd. The role of our alumni is imperative to me and would never be a question. As a "wet behind the ears" president in the beginnings of a term, I had virtually no idea of what to do.
Sure, I knew what Phi Theta Kappa was all about, the expected duties and who to call, but that was it. Regional Officers Training for the New York Region is partially run by the outgoing officers. Experience is the best tool. Leanne Jardine (God bless her), is our regional coordinator. She has shown us the way to be leaders among each other and ourselves, but she can only take us to a point. That is where alumni support kicks in.
Zeta of New York carries on the tradition of Phi Theta Kappa with all the passion that its members had throughout their memberships as Kappans. The late night phone calls about what to do in "such and such" a situation, or even just to keep communications alive, have been fruitful. They know that they aren't in the spotlight anymore and furthermore, know that they could easily take it away if they wanted to.
Their voice of experience is one of our greatest assets. We in New York, love our alumni. I personally don't know what I would do without them.
Hugs and pumpkin pie.
Posted Date 11/29/1999
****************************************
Chris Strang, Zeta of New York Regional Alumni Association, Alpha Rho Delta Chapter, Ulster County Community College, NY
The role of alumni at regional meetings should be similar to that of a coach at a sporting event. Our place is on the sidelines, offering advice when needed, rooting for our team, but not on the field making the plays.
There are many ways that alumni can add value to these events. We can use our unique experiences to conduct workshops on transferring or career-related issues. We can offer encouragement and support to chapter members and advisors. If we are financially capable, we can provide monetary awards for outstanding members and assistance for disadvantaged chapters.
Alumni have the advantage of having "been there and done that", but should never get in the way of current members' opportunities to "do" things as well.
Posted Date 11/23/1999
****************************************
Pamela Sorensen, Alumna, Alpha Xi Nu Chapter, Whatcom Community College, WA
I have made it quite clear in the past that I really want to be available to my chapter. I am attending the local university and have found ways to be helpful. And my chapter invites me on a regular basis to visit. I have spoken at orientations and inductions, given workshops at regional meetings, and facilitated discussion groups. I was also a resource when our chapter hosted a regional event. I had been there and done that! I was able to point out where the potholes might be, and also encourage them to go for it! My goal is to become an advisor some day. My continued involvement with Phi Theta Kappa keeps me abreast of the issues and ideas that I will encounter as an advisor. If properly trained, alumni can be a priceless gift to their chapter. I am very cautious not to overstep the boundaries, and hope to help my chapter members to have the same wonderful experience I had. Sometimes it only takes one person to say, "I see something in you that someone else saw in me. Now run with it!" Those who have been there can, and will, do that.
Posted Date 11/23/1999
****************************************
Joe Taylor, Alpha Beta Iota Chapter, Walters State Community College, TN
I think that the
alumni serve very important roles in Phi Theta Kappa. Many of our alumni come
with us on trips and help us out on many occasions. As the intro to this
question said, they are a valuable resource to members, chapters, and regions.
For this reason, I think that to totally exclude them from Regional conventions
and such would be unwise. Their enthusiasm for Phi Theta Kappa encourages
others and adds to the overall fellowship atmosphere at such events. But
there must be a balance...they are not the ones currently assuming active
leadership roles in the chapters and not the ones running or participating in
the chapter's events. Ways to achieve such a balance may be to have
alumni-only meetings during some of the time (like the way they have for
advisors), while members participate in activities, or maybe have alumni present
information (like skits or such), which would save the regional or international
officers time and energy. In addition, they also could serve as greeters
at such events, or perhaps, if the alumni's chapter is hosting, help set up the
event. Also, depending on the amount of time some of these alumni have,
some could participate in giving informative speeches on the Honors Topic.
For example, an alumni that knows about computers could be on a panel discussing
the effects of computers on society during the next century.
Posted Date 11/23/1999
****************************************
Renee Scanlon, Alpha Zeta Phi Chapter, Santa Fe Community College, FL
Being the only organization involved in 2-year schools, you have a responsibility to those students in that school. I have been a member of Phi Theta Kappa since I became eligible because I was not taking remedial courses. I had a 3.86 at that time and have maintained it throughout my course load in Computer Information Science. I have two daughters in the same school since I started and they make me look weak. The alumni should be supporting the efforts of the students in 2-year schools; they have nowhere else to turn. The cost of computer related course has increased by 40 % every semester I have been in school. The government does not discriminate, if you are an AA student taking fluff courses, you get the same financial aid as a student paying $100.00 a course for computer time ($20.00 for fluff). I am graduating on Dec. 17 as Outstanding Student Under Adversity and am looking for a job that will afford me the opportunity to care for a husband that is dying of cancer. What can the alumni offer? I am proficient in HTML and am a Certified Network Administrator. Alumni have a responsibility to help, like Ross Perot does, the current students. Those of us who have family responsibility cannot devote charitable time to the community because charity begins at home.
Posted Date 11/23/1999
****************************************
Toni L. Bradley, Alpha Omicron Chapter, Tyler Junior College, TX
I believe that this issue goes back to a previous issue of what PTK could do to expand its benefits to meet the needs of those students that are not going on to senior institutions. The Alumni could certainly serve as a bridge to the working community in many areas. As an example, they could provide information about what's going on in a particular industry through a speech at a chapter business meeting or may could even help organize an internship program.
The value of alumni is almost immeasurable. Since I will be an alumni in a few months, I hope I have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me so much.
Posted Date 11/23/1999
****************************************
Return to the Former Questions of the Week.