When a man joins ADG, he knows what things are expected of him during the course of his active career. However, when that man graduates from college, most of the time he is not sure of the commitments that will follow, as he becomes an alumni. The longer my own progression as an alumni goes on, the more I understand that being an alumni of ADG is a life-long commitment. Getting and staying involved has been part of many ADG alumni's lives, as they continue to cultivate and advise their active chapters, but also stay involved in their respective alumni chapters. These men don't have extra hours in the day; instead they manage their time to give freely to help out ADG. Alumni that continually give their time, effort, knowledge, etc. are truly being brothers for life.

When most actives graduate, they still come around the chapter, mainly for social reasons. It's when alumni have been out for four, eight or 10 years that the questions start to come up about involvement. Many of their friends are now alumni, and staying in touch with the active chapter is not the same, for whatever reason. This being said, alumni should stay involved as much as possible with the chapter in various forms, depending on the chapter's needs. Alumni typically advise the chapter on finances, school relations, academics, or rush matters. By doing this, alumni help the actives continue on the traditions and keep the chapter on the right path year after year.

Alumni participation in a chapter also keeps a strong link of communication open. Many chapters' actives are in their late teens and early twenties, while the alumni base can range up into their 60s and 70s. Due to this broad range of age groups, having active participation by many alumni can help relay information quickly and efficiently to others in their respective classes. Having effective and efficient communication also allows everyone to share ideas, voice concerns, and help put plans into action to make the chapter successful.

Finally, being involved makes every alumni much more successful, both personally and professionally. Giving back to your community makes people feel good. By donating yourself to your chapter, you will feel better about yourself and more confident in your chapter to continue on the path set by ADG's founding fathers. Their success as young men is a reflection on your success as a more mature man, and the plan that you have helped to provide. Professionally, alumni gain valuable management experience. The time spent helping the chapter gives alumni new ideas on creating budgets, communication with school officials, public speaking, sales ideas, etc. Also, the actives of today will be the work force of tomorrow. By helping to mold them, you are creating success for the business community as well.

All in all, you cannot lose by being highly involved in your chapter. It does not take hours of time per week, but it does mean you have to make time for your active brothers who need your help, advice, and guidance. So please make a point to contact your chapter's president today to see how you can become more actively involved.

Fraternally,
Pete Manning
Xi Chapter/Bluegrass Alumni

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As each semester draws to a close, many brothers from around the country face the challenge of leading a new life in the "real world." As alumni, we have all faced the challenge and know exactly what new graduates will face in the coming months and years. Graduating from your college is an ending, but it is also a new beginning as an alumni and brother of Alpha Delta Gamma.

As young alumni, I believe we have a responsibility to our friends and brothers with whom we have spent the last several years of our lives. As an alumnus you will be looked up to as an advisor, a friend and most importantly, a brother. So what should your role be as a new graduate to our beloved fraternity? Obviously that varies with everyone, much like our roles within the active chapter. Here are a few thoughts to ponder as you begin your new adventures in life:

U-Night: As an active, there is nothing more important than seeing alumni at chapter events. By now we all know this special evening takes place on the first Friday of every December. Show your support of the active chapter by taking part in this important evening. There's nothing quite like reminiscing about your days as an active with your new brothers and other alumni as well. Other options include Laetare Sunday, candidate inductions, rush events, formals, etc.

Convention: Some of the best memories of our active days occurred during national conventions and the building of relationships with brothers from around the country. This is not something that has to stop just because you graduate. We all realize that demands on our time and work schedules make attendance more of a challenge, but make a conscious effort to attend every couple of years for just the weekend. Think about how much pride you felt as an active when you saw alumni from your chapter at convention, taking part and supporting you. Also, don't be afraid that this is limited only to brothers. Feel free to bring your wife to enjoy the experience of ADG.

ADGEF: Getting involved with ADGEF is not limited to giving money. As young alumni it's understandable that you might have too many other financial obligations. We are always looking for alumni who want to help us move to the next level. It could involve organizing an alumni event, making a few phone calls, or even writing an article for Alphadelity. For more information on how to get involved, contact the new ADGEF President, Charlie Johnson at SSDCHARLIE@aol.com.

All in all it might seem small, but simply seeing an alumnus means the world to our active brothers. I encourage you to get involved locally and nationally in beginning your new life as a brother of ADG. Remember, ADG is the fraternity of a lifetime.

Fraternally,
Mike Blackstock
National Vice President, Finance