Growing the relationships you already have

Our class was given a writing assignment. The task was to write a persuasive letter from our alma mater (undergraduate university) appealing to alumni to attend an event.  Our instructor joked that she has never and would never go to something like this as it had been so many years since she was a student. Some in the class agreed with that sentiment.

While researching university websites to write the letter, some students yelled out questions like, “What if our university doesn’t have events for alumni?” That struck me as a bit odd, but it seemed to be a situation that a few students were in. Overall the attitude was disinterest in the concept of relations with your alma mater. I wasn’t surprised by any of this. I think it is a common view held by most people.

But, I don’t agree with it.

We’re often advised to network, network, and network. Even with this advice, few people do it. Even fewer do it well. It can be challenging, time consuming or even intimidating – I understand that. What I don’t understand is why so many of us don’t invest in the relationships and communities we have already established. Instead, we often let them fade.

Some schools are far ahead of the game with community building and are even further ahead with maintaining those connections over time. Many such schools have strong academic reputations, but they are also sought after for the community experience. This is a function of good community relations at the institution and even better alumni relations down the road. It is an investment in communications and stakeholder relations.

I had an excellent academic experience at Queen’s. I had an equally rewarding community experience. That didn’t end when I graduated. I’m still very close friends with those I met in university, including those I met on the first day, those I met in classes and those I met in social settings. I’ve also become friends with their friends, their families and even their coworkers. These are all personal connections based on friendship, yet the same sense of community applies to the ‘greater’ Queen’s community. This isn’t just me – it’s something taught as part of the culture at Queen’s from day one.

You spend four years completing your undergraduate degree; you make many connections while you’re there. I argue it’s worth investing time in your larger communities, whether that’s your alma mater or your neighbourhood – a sentiment often echoed by leaders in all three sectors. It’s worth the personal and professional development that follows. I hope my peers feel the same way – we’re all graduating shortly. There are many great people that I’d love to keep in touch with. Over time, there are also many alumni I look forward to meeting.