THE POWER OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY
By
Peter Ter Ortese, Esq.
Being a Paper Presented on the 25th of September, 2021 at the 2nd Reunion Meeting/Dinner of Class 1999 Alumni Association of SS Simon and Jude Seminary, Kuje, Abuja. Held at the Global Place Hotel Apo Abuja
PREAMBLE
Mr. President, I feel highly honoured to be invited to deliver this paper to this august body of distinguished colleagues of Class 1999 Alumni Association which also kick start our annual reunion meeting/dinner. I consider this not only as an honour but also a rare privilege and wish therefore to express my deepest gratitude to our indefatigable and workaholic president Mr. Cosmas Nandi-Esom and other Exco members for this gesture.
The Central theme of our discourse this morning stands out as “Power” “Alumni” “Engagement” and “21st Century.” The choice of this topic is apt and premised on the fact that the 21st Century has brought about technological innovations which has invariably turned the world into a global village where Alumni Associations are now upgraded and reengineered to communicate, collaborate and integrate.
With the advent of social media, Alumni relationship has taken a paradigm shift. Many old classmates now create networking platforms like facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Telegram, Zoom, etc to facilitate the sharing of ideas, thoughts and information through the building of virtual networks which will nurture bonds between Alumni and the alma mater and create a renew relationship of former colleagues. This development is a new vista for positive and beneficial conversation through interface which has proven to be a valuable tool for expansion of the benefits of Alumni Associations.
Who is an Alumnus/Alumna?
For the purpose of clarity and objectivity, it is important to understand who is an alumnus. An alumnus is a former student of a school, college or university. An Alumnus of any educational institution must not necessarily be a graduate to qualify him as a member of an Alumni. Alumni is a Latin word meaning foster son, pupil and which is derived from the phrase “to nourish” as appeared in a Roman Law as foster child.
Why an Alumni Association
The need for an Alumni Association cannot be overemphasized in the twenty first Century world. Alumni Association helps to foster lasting connection with ones alma mater as well as promote the welfare of colleagues as it ignite the bond of friendship that you shared while in college. It is also a forum where colleagues celebrate the outstanding achievement of the former classmates who have excelled and distinguished themselves in their different fields of human endeavour.
This avenue creates a platform for fraternization, sharing of old college memories and events which are priceless and tantalizing, discovering one another and rendering assistance to old classmates, building friendship and business relationship with people of similar background. It is not a forum where those who have attain political, professional or material height come to display affluence or showoff wealth and intimidate the less privilege.
The Role of Alumni Association
The primary role of Alumni Association is to assist in the growth and development of the alma mater by undertaking projects, giving mentorship to students in the institution and rendering financial support to the institution. The association or capable alumnus can also pick up bills of indigent students by offering scholarship.
Alumni are brand ambassadors of their various institutions, hence their integrity and societal achievements must not be associated with criminality or fraud as no one will want to associate himself with criminal.
Challenges of Alumni Association
No Alumni Association that is without flaws or internal strife. Hence, many Alumni Association are faced with a lot of daunting challenges which affect their efficiency and effectiveness. Some of them include:
(1) Leadership Problem which is mainly because of personal interest, rivalry and Ego among Executive and Members.
(2) Lack of Co-operation among Members.
(3) Lack of Funds.
(4) Corruption
(5) Problem of pride, Ego, inferiority complex.
Conclusion
Haven understood the power of Alumni Engagement in the 21st Century there is urgent need for us as a body to exhibit commitment and dedication to promote the fundamental objective of our Alumni Association which by itself can be the best source available for building relationship both business and personal.
Thank you for listening and God bless us all!
