Many mid-year graduates are celebrating this weekend after donning caps and gowns and walking across a stage to culminate their undergraduate experience.
The fraternity and sorority members among the graduates, who, when they first became members of their respective organizations, could not fathom the journey being over, now realize they are no longer collegiate members. The collegiate part of the journey has come to an end.
Given the misdeeds of some of our number and the tragic events which have occurred in the past year, it might be easier to not mention Greek-letter affiliation. I implore those of you who truly believe in our organizations to be proud alums work for their betterment. This is not the end of your membership journey. It is the beginning of your life as an alumna or alumnus.
Please seize the opportunity to be a part of the alum life of your organization. If there is an alum club/chapter where you’ll be heading, join it. Give to your organization’s foundation. I know you’re probably strapped for cash and don’t have much. Give up ordering few coffees or other beverages and send what you would have spent to your organization’s foundation. Give at least $15 this year, $20 next year. Get in the habit of giving back to the organizations that helped shape you.
Work for your organization. It can be as simple as being on the lookout for potential new members. Speak of the good things your organization does. Keep current – read the magazine, visit the web-site, sign up for its social media accounts. Volunteer to work with a chapter, or put your name in the hat for committee work. Every national/international officer once was in the same place you find yourself today.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy life ahead. And remember when you speak of your membership in a fraternity or sorority, say “I am an XYZ” not “I was an XYZ.”
