WITH GRADUATION in less than two months, we fourth years often reflect on our legacy at the University. Even after we have received our degrees, our relationship with this institution will hardly have come to an end -- its name and reputation will follow us for the rest of our lives. This reality underscores how important it is that we are able to remain proud of the University once we've graduated. And for this reason, it is imperative that each of us remains actively involved in University affairs even after we leave Charlottesville. For some, this will mean continuing to support Virginia athletics. Others will find it important to enhance the reputation of the University's academic programs. Still others will want to influence University administrative policies which affect daily life at this institution.
It is important to note that alumni, because of their abilities to make financial contributions to the University once they have graduated, are given the de facto privilege of having more clout than current students do with University administrators. But with this privilege comes added responsibility: The ability to effect change is rendered meaningless if it goes unused.
Obviously, patronage is one way to impact the University directly. But while class giving is a great way to help improve the University, it should be emphasized that donors are given ultimate discretion concerning how their donations are used. Rather than allowing others to decide how funds are allocated, donors should be encouraged to designate specific recipients -- for example, organizations they were members of during their time at the University. Donations can also be earmarked to be used for specific purchases, such as library materials or laboratory equipment.
Beyond monetary contributions, which many of us will be unable to make in our first few years after graduating, there are other important ways in which we can continue to shape University life. Lobbying for changes in University policy is a prime example. While current students work relentlessly to influence the attitudes and decisions of University administrators, their aspirations often go unrealized. However, their concerns gain prominence as alumni support increases. For example, many issues which have caused debate between students and administrators could be influenced to a great extent by alumni -- such as the University's positions on domestic partner benefits for its employees, paying a living wage and divestment from companies which conduct business with the Sudanese government.
However alumni feel about these issues and others, it is crucial that they make University administrators aware of their opinions. For this reason, it is necessary that graduates remain abreast of University news and policy by reading University bulletins and publications.
There are a number of ways that alumni can ensure that their voices are heard and remain connected to the University community. First, informed graduates can help to keep their fellow alumni aware of current issues of importance at the University, in order to promote their continued interest and involvement in University affairs.
Secondly, instead of simply reading University publications, alumni can respond thoughtfully to their content. For example, letters to the editor written by alumni are frequently printed in The Cavalier Daily. These letters invite response from both current students and University administrators. Similarly, alumni can write to U.Va. Magazine, published by the Alumni Association, with concerns and responses to University news and administrative policy.
Above all, graduates should make an effort to stay connected to and informed about organizations that they were involved in as students. While alumni outreach is important for organizations, it is time-consuming and often difficult, and hence often falls by the wayside. Making a special effort to keep in contact with groups you were formerly involved with may reveal otherwise unknown opportunities to enhance University life for current and future students.
So although graduation may signal the end of our time in Charlottesville, it is by no means the end of our relationship with the University. The special status which distinguishes University alumni makes it our duty to remain actively involved in this institution.
Todd Rosenbaum's column appears Thursdays in The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at trosenbaum@cavalierdaily.com.
Read More
EDITORIAL: Carla Williams deserves her seat at the table
By Editorial Board | 9 hours agoLooking beyond basketball and football reveals that Virginia Athletics is, in many ways, thriving.
UPADHYAYA: The Great and not-so-Good sides of U.Va.’s 2030 housing plan
By Apal Upadhyaya | 2 days agoInstead of improving the dire state of existing infrastructure, however, the University has shifted attention away from it and chosen to expand.
EDITORIAL: Support low-barrier shelters in Charlottesville
By Editorial Board | 3 days agoInvesting in low-barrier shelters now will pay off in increased stability for the homeless, which will undoubtedly improve the safety of shelters and the community writ large.
