LETTER FROM ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
INGREDIENTS FOR LEADERSHIP AND INVOLVEMENT By Mark DeLong ’03 President, Oglethorpe University Alumni Board
Leadership—a concept to which many aspire—is often studied and rarely agreed upon. There’s no one formula for success, and I’m certainly not a master of it, but I’ll try to offer some ingredients for success. First, you must have a concept of self. What is your vision? What are your values, your ethics, your goals? Second, you must have the resources necessary to carry out your goals. People, materials, finances, skills, time. Third, you hope to make an impact. I’m not talking change-the-world impact, but it could be a dream. It’s as simple as changing one person. Inspiring others. Nudging them in the right direction. Helping along the way. These three ingredients align nicely with Oglethorpe’s motto: “Make a life. Make a living. Make a difference.” Coincidence? People often ask me how they can be more involved as an Oglethorpe alumni. Again, there’s no singular path, but there are many opportunities.
It’s as simple as changing one person. Inspiring others. Nudging them in the right direction. Helping along the way.”
1) Attend alumni events, from Alumni Weekend to Oglethorpe Day celebrations around the world to Young Alumni Club happy hours. Watch The Flying Petrel, this magazine, your mailbox, and the alumni website for future event announcements. 2) Attend campus events. That’s right, you’re welcome on campus any time. Check out a student theatre production, cheer on the Stormy Petrel athletic teams, attend a public lecture. 3) Share your Oglethorpe stories and your pride. As alumni, we are ambassadors for the university. We can help raise awareness of our alma mater among our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and families. 4) Give back financially. I’ve been a regular donor to the Oglethorpe Fund, but I’m in the minority. Our alumni giving is currently around 11%, which is above the national average for all U.S. colleges (around 8%), but below the average for small liberal arts colleges (closer to 20%).
Alumni participation is a sign to corporations and foundations that we believe in our alma mater. Increasing our alumni participation numbers can pay huge dividends when the university makes big asks for philanthropic support for buildings and campaigns. It takes about 80 alumni to gain a percentage point. Help make a difference! 5) Volunteer your time. Serve as an alumni interviewer during Scholarship Weekend, meeting the next generation of Petrels. Connect with current students by helping with mock job interviews or resume reviews. If you want to be more involved, choose the best path for you. Find something and make it your own. The same is true for those hoping to be leaders. Find your thing, gather your ingredients, and make it your own.
Have a story idea? Want to write an article? We want to hear from you! Contact Mary Rinaldi Winn, mrinaldiwinn@oglethorpe.edu, 404-364-8412. OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY
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