POSTMASTER : RETURN POSTAGE. 0 UARANTE...RD
OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER AT POST OFFICE IN ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
SUMMER, 1962
VOLUME 47 , NUMBER 4
ALUMNAE BULLETIN
WHAT VALUE AN ALUMNA? To her sorority an alumna is a very real asset. In many instances, however, the asset is more potential than actual, but nonetheless the value is there. Most alumnae feel a sense of obligation and responsibility to the organization with which they affi liated during undergraduate days, and to the memory of the rich associations they experienced in those formative years. The big problem is how to do something tangible in the present about fulfilling this obligation. Press of professional, business and family life that almost immediately surrounds them after graduation carries many alumnae along for several years before they realize that they ha.ve grown away from the close ties of sorority life that they formerly had. In addition, quite possibly they were swept up in the mobility of life's current and moved to new areas of the country. Because of this they have lost contacts which would be helpful in keeping them in touch with other alumnae with similar interests. Then, too, the question of time-there never seems to be enough of it. Even so, the National sorority basically is set up to handle problems such as these, as it operates a central office headquarters to provide continuity to the work of the organization. At the same time the formation of various alumnae groups throughout the country can, in a large measure, supp ly the link that binds the active chapter members to those who have "gone out." It is necessary and it will be very helpful to her if the alumna will take a few moments to review the spirit of the pledge she took at initiation. It will help her recapture the mental image of that experience, during which she promised to give of herself for the improvement of others and to sha.re with them the fruits of her time and training. To help focus the potential value of all alumnae towards present realization, each shou ld ask herself this question, "What have I done recently to
strengthen the organization which meant so much to me a .few years ago?" Asking the question is step One; its answer is step Two. This answer will cause many alumnae to get in touch with their local a_;lumnae chapter or the National office and put the date for the next meeting high on their agendas of "coming events." Step Three is being present at the meeting where getting to know other members will be a lot of fun. Step Four covers learning of the immediate and long-range projects of this chapter and how it fits in with the national program. Meanwhile, fun and fellowship continue. Step Five comes in lending a willing hand and an interested attitude, both of which have a direct bearing on effective sorority growth. The next few steps are easily taken and bring the alumnae to a plateau of refreshing accomplishment as the lives of others are affected. She will realize immediately that her contribution though it may appea.r small in her own eyes, carries tremendous effect. Her interest will mean an awareness of what is required to strengthen active chapters of her sorority as well as be the instrument for creating new chapters on campuses where they are needed. The a lumna will be in a position to recommend desirable candidates to members of the active chapter at the colleges in her a.rea, ~r wherever the prospect plans to attend. The alumna, along with others, most certainly can provide encouragement to those active chapters nearby m many ways. As all of these things are done, the potential value of the a lumna expresses itself in present action. The result is opening of opportunities for a new generation of fin e young women to take part in the modern vision of sorority life that was so rich an experience for the a lumna herself a few short years ago. MARY E. BLACKSTONE National President
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