Get-together

I remember a children's song that went, "The more we get together the happier we'll be." I confess I never gave much thought to the lyric, but as we increase opportunities for alumni to "get together," I look forward to the new and deepening relationships that will result.

In mid-February, Baylor graduates came together to welcome Guy Morriss, our new head football coach, to Houston, The Woodlands, Dallas and Fort Worth. Later in the month, Morriss went to Austin and San Antonio. We also entertained the Baylor family in Houston at the Astros College Baseball Classic. As they say, a good time was had by all. The Central Texas Baylor Club held two events to bring alumni together, raising funds for their scholarship. In March, we provided a base for the Baylor faithful who attended the Big 12 basketball tournament in Dallas.

Events in places where large groups of Baylor alumni reside give the Baylor family a chance to reconnect with each other and with the University. In Alumni Services, we are seeking other ways to connect our alumni. We believe this can be encouraged in three ways: geographically, chronologically and by affinity. The geographical model works best in large population centers. Age-based interaction fills a special need, particularly among young graduates. With affinity-based communication, Baylor grads can become acquainted, or reacquainted, based on common interests such as child-rearing, athletics, hobbies, business and professional interests or academic majors. These connections might best be facilitated on the Internet, connecting people regardless of age or location. This can be particularly effective in involving alumni who do not live near a large contingency of Baylor grads. We are beginning to see and experience greater connectivity throughout our alumni population as a result of our intentional efforts to get the family together. I would encourage you to take advantage of opportunities that come your way to recapture the Baylor spirit.

Please see the Baylor Alumni website for more information.

Lofgren is associate vice president for Alumni Services