International President's Viewpoint

International President's Viewpoint

As the fall weather approaches, I've pulled out my Alpha Gam jacket as my go-to for the chilly temperatures. It never ceases to amaze me how wearing it sparks connection when I least expect it.

Recently, while working local government elections, one of the poll observers noticed my jacket and immediately said “I’m an Alpha Gam!” After I introduced myself, it was fun to find out that she is a recent alumna from our Theta Epsilon Chapter at the University of South Alabama. I enjoyed getting to know about her election management graduate program and post graduation endeavors.

An older gentleman also spotted my jacket, and proceeded to tell me that his mother was a proud Alpha Gam from our Mu chapter at Brenau University. We had a great conversation, and he told me how much she loved being an Alpha Gam.

These conversations easily show how the Alpha Gam experience is not just four years; it’s for life. As a collegiate member, I knew about alumnae chapters and clubs, and that there were women who volunteered for the Fraternity, but beyond that did not have a sense of how valuable the alumnae experience can be.

For example: as I’ve moved, I’ve found doctors and learned about my community through my Alpha Gam connections. Because of Alpha Gam connections, I’ve watched sisters get jobs, as well as support one another during times of great joy or sadness.

The alumnae experience is truly the longest and can be the most impactful part of being an Alpha Gam. While there are opportunities throughout the U.S. and Canada for alumnae involvement as an advisor, or participation in alumnae chapters and clubs, we know that there are many sisters who do not live near a collegiate chapter or an alumnae chapter and club. Consequently, one of the focuses of our strategic plan is alumnae, and how we can better tap into opportunities for engagement and connection at all stages of alumnae life.

Earlier this year, we launched a survey for our alumnae to get a better sense of what ways sisters would like to engage with the Fraternity. While the survey responses are being analyzed and considered, various initiatives are already in action. Some of my personal favorites can be found on Facebook: The Alpha Gam Book Club has introduced me to books I might not have read otherwise, and AGD Rose Sisters is about to start the much-anticipated annual squirrel exchange (registration goes through mid-November).

I remain thankful for each alumna who engages with the fraternity in whatever way she can, such as through volunteering, donating to the Foundation, participating in an alumnae group, meeting up with sisters for coffee, or even what you’re doing now— reading the Quarterly. Your engagement ensures that we are here for the next generation of women.

I’m at the point in my Alpha Gam Experience where I’ve been an alumna member nine times longer than I was a collegiate member. While I am so thankful for my collegiate experience, I cherish my alumnae experience. Any time where I have the opportunity to connect with Alpha Gams makes me all the more thankful to be a part of this sisterhood.

-Dr. Lee Woodham Langub International President Gamma Alpha–University of Georgia