I recently experienced the joy of attending a chartering banquet for one of our fraternities on campus. After three years, their hard work paid off as the Ohio Nu Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was chartered. Close to 200 students, parents, alumni and faculty/staff participated in the festive occasion, with 44 brothers receiving their “founding father” pins and signed charter from their national organization.
The undergraduate men in the chapter worked hard to build their membership and fine-tune their operations over the past three years to reach this milestone. Guiding them every step of the way were a handful of dedicated alumni volunteers. Their advice, support, ongoing mentoring, and advocacy made the thought of returning to CSU a reality. While working through the process of chartering at CSU, the alumni volunteers also developed personal relationships with students that inspired them, and profoundly impacted the students as well.
This is just one example of many that occur on a daily basis at CSU. Viking alumni serve CSU in many different capacities throughout the year. Alumni serve on our college visiting committees, advisory boards and governing boards. Alumni volunteer their time and expertise to present in classes. Alumni serve as panelists and workshop presenters at our programs. Alumni serve as formal mentors in student/alumni mentor programs. Alumni regularly recruit students to their firms as interns and new professionals. Alumni help us recruit high school students interested in attending CSU through our admissions volunteer program. Alumni volunteer as student group advisors and serve as powerful role models to our students. Through a whole host of opportunities, alumni volunteers play an integral role to CSU’s continued growth and success and in changing the lives of students.
Through our Viking Volunteer program we’re expanding the opportunities alumni may have to serve CSU and/or the Cleveland community. Hundreds of alumni have already participated in these initiatives. Whatever your interests, we aspire to connect you with CSU and the broader community through service. Learn more about these experiences on our website, www.csualumni.com
This month happens to be national volunteer appreciation month. Although saying “thank you” once a year seems “unappreciative,” please know that we do value all you as volunteers on behalf of CSU and in your communities as proud CSU graduates. Your involvement helps move CSU forward and helps students grow and learn. And, I suspect, you find great fulfillment as well.
THANK YOU, CSU VOLUNTEERS!