5.05.2006

:: guinea pig ::

As the official "alumni person" at the college (for about 3 more weeks), I get to welcome the seniors at grad dinner tonight. And this is where I'm going to figure out what to say. I write differently than I speak, but this is what I'm thinking...

When I was a kid, I didn't have a good understanding of the term "adolescent." I thought it was closely related to the word "delinquent." The trouble was my parents had this book on their shelf called Parenting Adolescents. I always wanted to know which one of us was the delinquent. My brother?

Alumnus is another one of those words, which people toss around with "alma mater." As Manager of Alumni & College Relations, I figure it is my duty to know. And I'll share with you that knowledge.

An alumnus is a graduate or former student of a college. I learned that from the dictionary. An alumnus of San Diego Christian College is a testimony. I learned that from my own life.

Each of you who are graduating will be asked throughout your life where you went to college. You'll write it on job applications and grad school applications. You'll probably go jogging in one of the many t-shirts you've gotten from the last few homecomings. You may even buy one of those SDCC license plate holders. Even if you don't, people will know. You are an alumnus of San Diego Christian College.

I am too. I defended my doctrinal statement in Major Bible Doctrines. I wrote papers for Sarnowski. I went to over 400 chapels. I argued with Fred (and lost). During my junior year, we raided West Dorm (and won).

I came to CHC and am now an alumnus of SDCC. I came thinking I knew alot about alot of things, and left knowing there is still so much to know about everything.

One thing I do know is that this college has changed all of us. I don't know each of your stories, but I do know many of them. And I don't know what you will be saying about San Diego Christian College when you leave, but I do know that you will be saying something. This is your alma mater. You are our alumni.

For four years (or five) you have been SDCC. That doesn't end tomorrow. Really, that's when it begins. You will always be an SDCC alumnus. You will go all over the world, and you'll take SDCC with you. Bear it well.

4 Comments:

Blogger sarah b. said...

OH my gosh. I can't believe I really get to LIVE with YOU.

When I am privileged to read your entries, I confess I am humbled. I secretly used to think, "Yeah, I could probably write a book." I find that is not the case. I will simply watch someone more gifted take the lead.

6:00 PM  
Blogger Mo said...

word.

12:49 AM  
Blogger :: mandy :: said...

You guuuuyys... shucks. I think it's splendid to live with people who are not most critical but most supportive. Digs, you CAN write a book. Frijole, if you weren't such good company I wouldn't be so tired right now. Thanks.

8:39 AM  
Blogger Analyst Catalyst said...

Whether or not you successfully raided west dorm is open for debate...

9:09 AM  

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