The roles of the Alumni By Dr. Rodney H. Brady, President, Weber State College There is a common Spirit at WSC misconception that the only two rules alumni of a college should play in the affairs of the alma mater are (1) attending athletic events as spectators and (2) contributing to the institution financially. Unquestionably, both these roles are important, but they represent only a small sample of a potential which can be made by genuinely concerned alumni. As a basis for identifying the range of potential contributions which alumni can make, may we review the ultimate purpose of higher education -- “to prepare individuals who will contribute to society while experiencing a high quality of life.”” Thus, as products of a particular institution of higher education, alumni are in an excellent position to (1) evaluate the educational experience the school offers, and (2) contribute to perpetuating and extending the kind of education they experienced. Both dimensions can be significant factors in the current operation of the institution. Examples of alumni contribution in those two areas include the following: A- Evaluation of the Educational Experience 1-Responding to direct inquiries such as opinion surveys and questionnaries. “T immediately sensed a spirit among the faculty and administration that was unique - they are interested in dealing with problems rather than each other,’’ said Dr. Robert Smith, new Vice President for Academic, Affairs, in his first complete week at Weber State College. “‘After I interviewed I was sure I wanted to come here,”’ said Dr. Smith, who was impressed with President Brady and his serious search for the new vice president. ‘‘I ; could tell that although we were Dr. from completely different 2-Voluntarily indicating specific strengths and inadequacies of educational preparation. 3-Serving on advisory boards and committees for specific evaluation purposes. 4-Attending alumni meetings to respond to specific program | Robert Smith Academic Vice President incluc would be well for me to work with him’’. Inc in the dark but the next morning _—‘the faculty and who can general@)" game enthusiasm. Faculty developmelii an sEDORERS factor, said Dr 4 Smith. “‘We need to provide st and opportunities for faculty to ty) = effort Big S 1980-: Roy Wnts people who are appreciated’ d pl to See 294 get rejuvenated. live.” eG ‘ @ttitude toward education in Utah 24 feels that everything at Weber~ is an advantage. ote — ever lait u menti ee “It will be a bit of a relief to get a the college. 7-Referring names of organizations, foundations, or corporations which are potential donors to the college. 8-Identifying outstanding individuals as prospective faculty and staff members. 9-Attending performances and public events sponsored by economics wars of starting graduate programs,” he said : At Weber State Dr. Smith plans to size things up and learn what’s ter tacets o broadcasting while) Wrest found enjoyable. She was alsoa domir volunteer in the medical field thet) the fin for W They are the parents of two organizations of the college, AND manageable, “learn traditions and get acquainted.” eee are one old ane have A oug t a charming older homewit their for th » “Change comes slowly and I have “solid walls, french doors” and th® “first set of snow tires.”’ Dr. Smil) tourn: pound learned to appreciate that.”’ was raised in southern California. 6-Encouraging prospective employers to consider hiring graduates of of course. 10-Contributing financially to the college through (a) general fund raising drives (b) specific fund-raising projects; (c) deferred giving; (d) material contributions of land, teaching materials or items to be preserved, as well as 11-Attending athletic events as spectators. The foregoing listing is far more illustrative than exhaustive. Some of the activities overlap and may be incorrectly classified. Nevertheless, a common IS MANY theme occurs throughout the list: ALUMNI FACETED AND X , \ 5 Vv > for “~ Oe . If you know the whereabouts and the married names of the classes of 1937, 1938, the Alumni Relations Office at Weber State College, Ogden, UT 1939, please contact (801) 626-6564. 84408, or call Lost Alums... Your help in finding your classmates is greatly appreciated. Mi hddddhddilddddddddddddddddddddidddddiddddidddddddddddddddddadddddddadaaaaacddddddaeddddaaccccdcccuuuuaccctcnaccunccc1cccn11c1Lccc VAL ihihillldllliiidiiiiditiddiiiiidhdiitidtiddiididididdddddddddddddda CLLLLLL LOOKING O pecan aoe rn aon the bs team Wilde On © Thr pound pound tourn: Can seasor that’s the name of our game! Md ddddddddddddddddddddddddaddddddddadddddddddidddddidlddddddllddlddddddddddddddddddldddddlddddll ‘ change from all the political and Playing it safe, INVOLVEMENT IS IMPORTANT. y NY on niveratty-of secon His wife started a public radio | station in Las Vegas, becoming | assistant manager, and Dr. Smitty 4-Arranging for college personnal as speakers at local events. 5-Employing graduates of the college where appropriate. ee m Dr. Smith is impressed with the Professionally Dr. Smith felt ready for a change. He had been Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at th iversi Norcia 14 rey new things, have new experience) values of the area. We feel it will be 1-Encouraging outstanding students to attend the institution. 2-Contacting legislators and other public officials on behalf of the school. 3-Attending alumni events sponsored by the institution and becoming active in alumni affairs throughout the country. State Dr. Smith believes it is crucially "Jed th ™portant who is chosen to fill 18.0 PS!tions as occasions arise. He Confe “IT think I understand the historic 11-Serving as a guardian of integrity and quality in all that the institution undertakes. B- Perpetuation and Extension of the Educational Experience a OVE! Dr. Smith had another offer but after his interview at Weber State he called and turned it down. His wife, when she opened the drapes and saw the mountains she wanted to come here too: 10-Critiquing materials produced by the institution, and | aoe a Adele, came with him. They arrived employees who are graduates. 8-Passing on to the administration opinions of acquaintances. 9-Reacting directly to administrative decisions. Th seaso their same direction and I thought it 6-Informing the school of changing professional needs and trends in relation to the educational experience being offered. 7-Giving feed-back to the school about successful performance of overa , backgrounds we were moving in the proposals. 5-Providing internships and summer jobs for students and assisting with their evaluation. UiddidiiddidididdiddddddldddlddddddllalllllliLlllLlLididdiiLLididdddidisiiiiLiiiiliciiiiiia . Unique poT 8 it's the most important rule in any game. yet one of the Safety toughest to uphold That's why the Weber State Association is now endorsing important insurance protection for its members ® Hospital Coverage — essential coverage that can help protect you against rising health care costs! © Mutual Care — helps provide financial security to those compé o V6 > tee De ¥ age 65 and over ® Life Insurance is also available through our Life Insurance Affiliate. United of Omaha F or Moca more information, return attached coupon. Mutual 7Omaha Praple qos can cooat 0... rate of ted Orme apprec eet ieee meteors e COUPON (J Yes, I am interested in Weber State Group Insurance. Have representative contact me. " Send me more information. Name Address Phone ‘ Dates attended WSC Return coupon to: Alumni Office, Weber State College, Ogden, ‘reg Utah 84408 la