Alumni Corner: Taking Care By Marcus Wyche

THIRD VICE PRESIDENT/ALUMNI ADVISOR DELTA DELTA, WASHINGTON DC ALUMNI ALUMNIADVISOR@MUPHIEPSILON.ORG

n my last column, I’d expressed enthusiasm for the International Convention, and was looking forward to seeing everyone at our Mu Phi “family reunion.” That seems like a lifetime ago, as we all continue to grapple with the pandemic that’s changed our lives.

Like your chapters and members, the Fraternity is doing its best to remain flexible and adapt to the circumstances. The convention was postponed to July 2021. The Fraternity Ritual has been modified so chapters can safely initiate members. The International Executive Board (IEB) appointed a District Director-At-Large (Ashley Bouras, Phi Tau, Dallas Alumni) to cover districts that do not have a permanent director. The IEB also appointed Ann Geiler (Phi Theta, St. Louis Alumni) as a New Chapter Director to nurture the health and longevity of new chapters. The District Directors as a whole are stepping up their communication and interaction with chapters. And the Collegiate Advisor and I are facilitating periodic online meetings where chapter presidents and officers can discuss issues and share ideas.

The Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation continues its excellent work, and I encourage you to go through this issue of The Triangle to apply for their ever-expanding grant and scholarship options.

If there is an underlying impetus or theme to this activity, it is to acknowledge that we are all in this extraordinarily difficult situation together, and that we need to look after one another. Chapter operations and outreach — dues collection, business meetings, membership recruitment, community service, music performances — are important. But if your Alumni chapter is like mine, we can—and should—scale back programming expectations and take the time to focus on the Friendship and Harmony points of Our Triangle. To stay in communication with members who have limited technology or are in heightened lockdown. To reach out to elderly members. To support those who have been affected economically. And to provide encouragement and love, through music or some other means, as a way to keep the Mu Phi bonds strong.

How to do this? As confounding as technology (e.g., videoconferencing) can be for some Alumni, it is one of the vital tools we have for keeping in touch. And the great thing is, it knows no boundaries. District Directors can assist chapters with technology, but there are Collegiates and Alumni beyond your district who can help. And if music-making is your chapter’s primary activity, there are 21st century ways to get your performances out there.

When it comes to pandemic adaptation, I certainly do not have all the answers. And I understand that, for many chapters, being out and about in some way is a large part of their identity. But at this stage, I would find more comfort with a chapter taking more care of its own rather than concerning itself with textbook requirements for being active. The work will always be there; now is an opportunity to focus on each other in ways that help us all manage.

I congratulate the 2019-20 Alumni award recipients, and look forward to a 2020-21 that makes us kinder and more resilient. Take care and stay safe.