August 14, 2006...9:17 am
So now what?
That was easier than I expected.
Yesterday, it became official. I’m now president-elect of my alumni chapter. Not a big deal, you say? Perhaps, but I see something in this position. Maybe I’m idealistic and the newness of being the representative of something that I love so much in an area I care so much about is clouding my vision. I don’t believe that is the case by the way. To be given the opportunity to lead is an amazing responsibility.
It hit me over the past week or so that I’m now entrusted with leading a group of 100 people each from various backgrounds, degrees, careers and family situations. We have doctors, financial representatives, writers, computer workers, new alums, old alums, new couples, old couples, and the list goes on and on. My responsibility is to merge these backgrounds in a way that promotes West Virginia University, the idea of being an alumnus, as well as serving our community here and in West Virginia.
Community service is going to be a big focus of mine with the chapter. We’ve done a lot in the past - Adopt-A-Highway, Toys for Tots, food drives, etc. - but I believe we can do better with what we are doing and perhaps add more opportunities for members to participate in the lives of their communities. For an alumni chapter, it shouldn’t always be about meeting at a sport’s bar to watch West Virginia beat on Maryland. Oh, don’t get me wrong, we’ll do that and we’re going to enjoy that aspect as well. But there should also be that aspect of giving back by serving those around.
As I told one member yesterday, we have to find our niche. Charlotte will always be the top chapter in North Carolina in the eyes of West Virginia University because of the bowl game at Bank of America Stadium. Greensboro has an advantage because the NCAA, nine times out of 10, will give that city an NCAA first round men’s basketball pod location. So we have to do something that out of the norm and out of the usual realm of alumni fundraisers and events.
It’s a challenge and one that I accept with a peace knowing that this is all pre-season training. At one time, I wanted to leave the chapter and focus on other things when I was getting bogged down on responsibilities. It’s funny the alumni chapter is what stayed and officiating is what left. Well, not funny, it’s simply God putting me where I believe he needs me or wants me to be.
I just hope I don’t let anyone down in the process.
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