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What have Alumni done for A&M-C lately?

What have the Alumni done for us lately?
Ooooh, whoahhh, whoahhhh. Yes, it is reminiscent of a Janet Jackson song, but it is also a very viable question.
In my last column, I mentioned several recent ways the Alumni Association has supported the University. Now let us look at a few ways that all 60,000-plus Alumni have individually supported East Texas State/A&M-Commerce:

Dr.Kayla Price Director, Alumni Relations;Executive Director, Alumni Association

Leadership. The new Securing the Promise Campaign is a prime example of Alumni providing their leadership skills to help the University succeed. Many members of the campaign steering committee are Alumni.
Labor. Hundreds of staff members choose to work at their Alma Mater, even though it sometimes may mean personal sacrifice.
Volunteers. Unfortunately, the University cannot afford to hire a staff large enough to fill all the needs of our institution. For that reason, Alumni volunteer to stuff envelopes, teach classes, attend college nights, etc.
Advisors. Organizations such as the Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Foundation Board, the Marketing Advisory Council, the advisory group for the radio station, the Athletic Association, etc. benefit from Alumni involvement on advisory boards. Greek Alumni also serve our campus by providing leadership to the chapter members.
Investment. Last year more than $10,000 was netted from the dues campaign; additional money was raised through the credit card program, the phone campaign, the annual fund and various other ways with which we reach out to our Alumni for financial support.
Scholarships. Our Alumni have been very generous in providing a number of scholarships for worthy students.
Gifts-in-kind. Alumni have provided gifts-in-kind for everything from prize-drawing donations and office decorations to flags that were flown into outer space.
Pro bono or reduced-fee work. In 1996 a world-renowned graphic designer, also an Alumnus, provided a new logo to the University at a substantially reduced fee. Another well-known personality from the national speaker circuit has come to campus on several occasions to talk with faculty, staff, students, etc. at no charge.
Partnerships. Influential Alumni have helped create some of the most successful University partnerships , including some with community colleges, school districts and foundations.
Legacies. The most important resource that Alumni send us is their children. Like many others, my family chose to attend A&M-Commerce because it was a family tradition.

Hopefully you see your own contribution in one of these areas. If you wish to serve your Alma Mater and the Alumni Association, please accept this as a list of opportunities. Look for a match between University needs and your talents.
I’m proud to say that the answer to the question in this column’s headline, then, is this: Our Alumni have done everything for the University.

Meeting of the
Executive Board — Sept. 10
Members of the executive board planned for the upcoming board meeting and discussed other relevant issues.

Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting — Sept. 28
Directors met on campus for a regular meeting of the group. In addition to other business, new officers for 2003-2004 were elected. They are: President Rene Castilla, Vice President Rheba Icenhower and Secretary/Treasurer Jandy Thompson.

Commerce Area Alumni Chapter Board meeting — Oct. 17
Members of the board met to cover regular business and to discuss revision of their bylaws.

Homecoming — Oct. 21-26
Go to pages 8 and 9 to get a glimpse of this weeklong celebration honoring our University and its graduates. Mark your calendar for Nov. 1, 2003, for the next Homecoming.

The Presidents
Let me begin by saying how much I enjoy each edition of The Pride. I always enjoy reading about what I still call ET.
I continue to be very pleased and proud of the education which I received there. I have many wonderful memories of the institution. Also, I have great respect and admiration in the world for Bub McDowell. I know from so many ways what a wonderful person he is.
When I received the alumni newsletter yesterday, I loved the picture of him and presidents Morris and McFarland.
Again, congratulations on a wonderful newspaper. Please give my best to all.

Sincerely,
Cliff L. Wood
BS ’66, MS ’67, PhD ’73

The Pride
Congratulations on winning the Katie Award. I’ve seen a real improvement in the quality of the articles in The Pride in the last few years, and the new format and paper stock have really improved the look of the publication.
This reward is a direct result of your hard work and dedication. Thanks for making TAMU-C a winner.

Dwight D. York
BS’ 76, MBA ‘95

Editor’s note: see page 9 for the whole scoop on the Katie.