Today (well yesterday, now), I was a featured guest on HBCU Digest Radio.  I was interviewed about my perspective as an alumni chapter president on alumni involvement.  You can listen to the archived show here.

I was nervous as ever, which is funny because as soon as I got off the phone, I had plenty more to say.  It’s amazing.  I loved it though.  Maybe I’ll do it again soon.

Please support HBCU Digest and support your alma mater, no matter where you attended.  As I stated during the show, our institutions are community assets and need our support, financial and physical.  We all have something to contribute, and we have a responsibility to keep our resources sustained and healthy for the next generation.

Remember:

• Every dollar counts.  Even if you can’t give $1,000 a year, give what you can.  Each alum that gives increases the alumni giving rate, which better enables schools to solicit external donations.  If the direct stakeholders of the school don’t support, why should anyone else?
• Let go of the old negativity.  If you earned a degree from your school, it couldn’t have been all bad.  If you stayed there for 4+ years, surely you have more positive memories than negative. (And how much do I have to preach on here that we have to redirect our focus to the good stuff!?) Plus, your degree helped you to move forward with your life, so give back!
• Physical support is much needed as well!  Help your local chapter to organize an event, support an activity, assist in student recruitment.  We are all walking ambassadors for our schools.  Let people know who you represent!

I could talk about alumni involvement all night, but I’ll spare you.  Besides, at 1 am, I should be trying to get some zzz’s.  Later, y’all!