Good Stewardship
Photo by Carl Socolow '77.
David Carlson '99, Alumni Council President
This spring I attended Commencement activities as well as Alumni Weekend. Both events gave me the occasion to speak with many alumni who described in rich detail the impact that their years on campus had on them. In response to those formative experiences, I am amazed at the diverse ways in which they choose to give back.
While this issue highlights the financial gifts of alumni, there are countless ways to engage the college that cost nothing at all. Some alumni talk about Dickinson during professional speaking engagements, while others offer internships or entry-level employment opportunities to students and fellow grads. Some open their homes to events for accepted students or even open a guest room (especially in high-rent cities) to interns who can’t afford housing during the summer months. There are numerous ways we are each able to cultivate the next generation of Dickinsonians. It’s not just stewardship toward our institution but good stewardship toward those just starting out in the world.
Speaking of ways to give back, the 40 individuals on Alumni Council had a very productive year and I thought I would share some of the highlights. The council played a meaningful role in supporting a presidential transition, helping to keep our alumni base informed and keeping the college informed regarding the thoughts, needs and concerns of the alumni community. The council made a major set of revisions to the bylaws and awarded scholarships to an impressive set of students. The council also provided tangible support to numerous advancement initiatives and is uniquely positioned to support and advance the objectives of the college. I’m proud of the work we have done this year and am greatly looking forward to building on this work next year.
One final note: During Alumni Weekend we celebrated the incredible recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards. This fall we will select the next class of award recipients and would love to hear about the exceptional alumni you know. You can submit a nomination at dickinson.edu/alumniawards.
Read more from the summer 2018 issue of Dickinson Magazine.
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Published August 3, 2018