In March, I had the opportunity to witness \u201cthe shot heard around the world\u201d when the Furman men\u2019s basketball team upset the fourth-seeded Virginia Cavaliers. The experience was even more meaningful because I was with my college roommates and fraternity brothers. Over the next 48 hours, we celebrated with other alumni, faculty and supporters from around the country.<\/p>\n
What makes this moment special was the distinct memory and story I will be able to tell years down the road. Memories and stories are what make life richer, more whimsical and exciting. It is also one of my favorite things about meeting fellow alumni. Every alumnus took a different path to become who they are \u2013 whether they graduated in 2023 or 1923; the collection of stories and memories that we take with us is what makes us unique.<\/p>\n
Recently, I was fortunate to be elected president of the Young Alumni Council \u2013 a group that consists of 45 members who graduated within the past 15 years \u2013 with the mission to promote young alumni fellowship, participate in university activities, advise the Alumni Board and ultimately welcome storytellers into the Alumni Association. Every chance I get to interact with alumni, I relish their stories not only about their time at Furman but about the lives and careers they\u2019ve built that were shaped by their Furman experience. Some stories that make me a proud graduate include those about helping fellow alumni make new friends when they move to a new city, passing a resume along to human resources to assist a \u2019Din in landing a new job, and standing by a best friend as he hears his loved one utter, \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n
I hope people reading this take a moment to reflect upon their stories and memories from Furman. Here are five tips to maximizing life as an alumnus:<\/p>\n
1. Leave a legacy:<\/strong> Each of us adds a unique chapter to the university\u2019s narrative. Your impact today 2. Strengthen your personal alumni community:<\/strong> Is there a friend, classmate, mentor or neighbor who you
\nshapes the experiences of tomorrow\u2019s students and graduates. Engage in alumni events, support
\nathletics, and champion advocacy initiatives to drive positive change at Furman.<\/p>\n
\nkeep telling yourself you should reach out to? Start small. There are over 30 Furman Advantage
\nNetworks (FAN) nationwide to help you get started. Learn more at www.furman.edu\/alumni\/fan-clubs<\/a>.<\/p>\n