They're here! As you are reading this, dozens of Oberlin alumni (representing the thousands who are out there) will be arriving on campus for the annual meeting of the Alumni Council of the Oberlin Alumni Association. Why is this important for you? Because we are more than just a source of funds for the endowment. Because we come back to campus for more than just nostalgia. Because alums and students have much more in common than you think. Because Oberlin's alums want very much to meet, talk with, and help YOU-current Oberlin students. Take advantage of the special opportunities this week-end will hold for you. If you need more persuading, here is my top ten list for you:
10. Interesting stories: Well, maybe only we alums think they are interesting: What was Oberlin like in 1964? 1933? Did women and men really live in separate dorms on opposite sides of campus? Did Oberlin really have winning football seasons?
9. Interesting stories Part 2: You get to tell them too. Alums who return to campus universally comment that they want to hear more from current students about campus life, classes, professors, the dorms, etc. Tell us your stories. We'll listen. We appreciate your perspectives and your concerns.
8. Tips on living in New York: Or Washington or San Francisco or Chicago. How do you make it there after graduation? Come to a panel discussion Saturday afternoon to learn more.
7. Tips on living abroad: Thinking about going abroad this summer or after graduation? Hear alumni stories on living outside the U.S. and learn from their experiences.
6. Career directions: How do English majors make enough money to eat? What can you do with a major in art history? Alums will be happy to tell you how they got to where they are today and what they would do differently and what you might do get to where you want to be.
5. Interviews: You will have a chance to practice interviewing for a job with an alum who has been there before.
4. Values and Service: Can you keep your Oberlin values after you leave Oberlin? How? What does that mean in real life? How does community service fit in with earning a living? Alums have experiences they'll be glad to share with you.
3. Networking: Meet alums in your areas of interest. Make connections which can lead to winter term projects, summer jobs, or careers. Here is a true story: Caroline Sorgen '98 calls hers a real "success story". She credits Norine Dworkin '88 with her current job in journalism. She met Norine at last year's Alumni Council week-end. That introduction turned into a winter term internship and Norine became, in Caroline's words, her "mentor", helping her land her current job in her field of choice. This could happen to you!
2. Help now: There are alums at work now connecting with students on campus in specific interest groups, such as African-American alums and the OLA. Resources and experience and - most of all, commitment and concern - are available for you to tap. You only need to ask. We care.
1. The Future: You'll be an alum someday yourself! And you are likely to find - as we have - that some of the most satisfying connections you will have after Oberlin are those with other alums - whether from the class of '99 or '52 or earlier or later. This week-end is a chance to start making those connections.
We were once students and you'll be alums. There is much common ground. So, look for us around campus this week-end - at the Co-op, the Java Zone, at the Conservatory, in dorms, and on Tappan Square. Come to the events Saturday afternoon (sponsored by the Office of Career Services). We'll all learn something together!
Copyright © 1998, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 127, Number 2, September 11, 1998
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