The Next Step: - Westminster College

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www.westminster.edu ALUMNI 101 Numerous opportunities exist for Westminster graduates to support their alma mater By Mary Cooley James ’84 Alumni are a reflection of any institution, and Westminster alumni are no exception. An integral part of the Westminster family, alumni provide a wonderful image of our alma mater. Our liberal arts background is evidenced by their varied accomplishments. Some examples: • Dianne Dilmaghani Aronian ’62, an ophthalmologist who has pioneered an eye care program in Belize, which included training of local residents • Elmer Meider Jr. ’68, president of Highlights for Children • Christian Heilmann ’72, president of the Merrill Lynch Trust Company • Tim Kaiser ’85, a co-executive producer on the hit show “Will & Grace,” and former producer of “Seinfeld” • Sean Swarner ’97, the first cancer survivor to scale Mt. Everest and the founder of the CancerClimber Association. But, it is the efforts and successes of each alumnus that truly demonstrate the Westminster spirit. Alumni can provide tangible support for their alma mater in a wide variety of ways. Financial support is often the first area that comes to mind. Yes, this is a critical area, and Westminster, like all colleges, turns to its alumni for support. In recent years, alumni gifts for capital projects have made possible expansions in athletic facilities, and construction of new buildings, such as the Remick Admissions House and the McKelvey Campus Center. Class reunion giving by the 25 th and 50 th classes has provided funds for faculty development, scholarships and campus projects, such as wireless network connections in the library, conference rooms, and helped fund major renovations on campus. Plus, the strong annual support for the Westminster Fund continues to assist in the dayto-day operations of the College. But if financial support were the only support asked of alumni, Westminster would be missing out on countless other areas of support. Who better to share the Westminster experience with prospective students than alumni Admissions efforts are greatly aided by alumni who encourage students to consider Westminster. For prospective students who have been accepted, encouragement from alumni can be a strong influence in their final decision to attend Westminster. There is even a new admissions program, the Jerb Miller Scholarship, through which alumni in the education field are able to recommend qualified students for a significant scholarship opportunity. Our extended alumni network is a wonderful career resource. Through its 18,641 alumni, the Westminster College Alumni As- All Westminster graduates are members of the Alumni Association, chartered in 1931. The events and activities of the association are guided by the leadership of the Alumni Council (pictured above). 18 Spring 2004 • Westminster College Magazine
www.westminster.edu sociation reaches across the country and around the world. These networking connections are a great benefit for both alumni new to the workforce and those with more experience. Also, alumni often return to campus to share their professional experiences, tips for entering their career field, or to recruit students for internships and employment opportunities. The Alumni Council draws on the professional and life experiences of alumni panel speakers who share “real life” advice with the graduating class during the For Seniors Only Dinner each spring. Just as alumni leave campus to follow many different life and career paths, they offer diverse skills, experiences and perspectives when they serve as Westminster volunteers. Admissions and career efforts are just two volunteer avenues. Alumni are involved in the Towering Titans board, the Friends of the Library, Alumni Council, the Board of Trustees, regional committees, reunion planning and hosting committees, assist with class notes, make Westminster Fund solicitation calls, prepare for and host Homecoming festivities, and much more. Volunteer service is rewarding for both Westminster and alumni. For volunteers, it’s a chance to stay connected and current with the growth and daily life of the College. For young alumni, volunteering is a way to learn new skills and meet fellow alumni, building their alumni network connections. For more experienced alumni, serving as a volunteer is a chance to reconnect with their alma mater and Westminster friends, as well as offering their valuable talents. As you read this you are also acting as supportive alum. By reading Westminster Magazine, Westminster Weekly and other College news, you are staying informed about current campus life. Be sure to share the Westminster story with fellow alumni, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Increasing the awareness of the value of a Westminster education increases the value of your diploma! To keep your contacts with campus and fellow alumni current, be sure to submit new address information to the alumni office, submit class notes news for publication in Westminster Magazine, submit your e-mail address so Westminster friends can find you, and if you wish, receive the Westminster Weekly via e-mail. Through organizations like the Friends of the Library and the Towering Titan Organization, reunion committees, and more, many alumni give of their time and experiences as Westminster volunteers. For prospective students who have been accepted, encouragement from alumni can be a strong influence in their final decision to attend Westminster. There is even a new admissions program, the Jerb Miller Scholarship, through which alumni in the education field are able to recommend qualified students for a significant scholarship opportunity. Some easy visual ways to show your support for your alma mater are to download the Westminster screensaver, send a personalized Westminster e- postcard to friends, and for alumni in Pennsylvania, a stateissued Westminster license plate featuring the Old Main tower is now available. All of these are available through the Westminster College Web site, www.westminster.edu. The Class of 2004 brings over 300 new members to the Westminster College Alumni Association. Welcome! Soon you will be contributing your gifts and talents to your communities, workplaces and, hopefully, to your alma mater. To those alumni who are already on their way in “life after Westminster,” this is the perfect time to renew your ties with your alma mater and Westminster friends. (James is the director of alumni relations at Westminster College.) For more information on volunteering or connecting with other Westminster alumni, contact the Westminster College Office of Alumni Relations, 319 S. Market St., New Wilmington, PA 16172- 0001; (724) 946-7362; alumni@westminster.edu. Spring 2004 • Westminster College Magazine 19
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