2 minute read
Editorial: Where are the alumni?
Roundup Staff
There are no alumni organizations at Pierce College, but there should be.
An alumni organization would unite people who have previously attended Pierce. It would also help raise money, as well as provide networking and job opportunities for current students.
As Jean Paul Getty once said, “I would rather have $1 from a million people, than $1 million from one person.”
A common misconception is there is no money to support the administration to run an alumni organization.
If an alumni organization started with volunteers, it would be possible.
Using e-mail would keep operational costs low.
People need to be invited to feel included. If the alumni knew of our needs and were personally invited to join alumni, it would remind them of their college days.
Right now there are individuals who step forward to help in their departments.
Barbara Anderson, dean of academic affairs, and Bob Lofrano, athletic director, worked together on the first Hall of Fame awards dinner for Pierce last year.
This year they dedicated the South Gym court to alumni Ken Stanley, a former three-time national championship volleyball coach.
There are alumni organizations in schools all over the country. Pierce should be next.
With the budget cuts affecting education, we need to reach out to our community for help.
In North Carolina, community college foundation directors identified alumni relations as a priority.
Alumni programs within the community college system are just beginning to be recognized as essential, according to The Community College Enterprise (CCE).
State funding for community colleges continues to decline and not keep pace with programming needs.
Community colleges need to take the initiative to seek funding from private sources.
Alumni programs have been utilized as a major outside source of funding for four-year universities.
A high percentage of today’s students embark on their higher education experience at community colleges.
For that reason, two-year institutions need to begin alumni programs, according to CCE.
With all the people who have come through Pierce, a minimal contribution could supply scholarships to students in need.
It is time to stand up and appreciate what we have, and with that gratitude, help future students.
Give alumni a chance to be involved, and start a cycle of giving.
The time is now.
