Dan Schryer
Contributing Writer
Typically, when someone on campus mentions alumni, most are quick to think of signed checks and plaques commemorating the generous former students who chose to give back to the school. But are these truly the only ways that past students choose to give back to their educational community?
“I don’t think this campus is what it is without alumni and the engagement aspect,” said Jared Bogan, Director of Alumni Engagement at North Central College. Bogan, who also serves as NCC’s Director of Campus Safety for the time being, is no stranger to alumni involvement and its impact around campus.
Bogan and his department have had their collective hands full this term coordinating the school’s various Homecoming celebration events. “As the Director of campus safety and as the director of alumni engagement, my head was on a swivel,” said Bogan, who not only had to participate in the Homecoming parade and dance, but supervise them as well.
Still, Bogan says all of the effort is worth it once he sees how past and present students come together. “I’d call it hectic but joyous,” admitted Bogan. “We had alums from 2005 and 1973…To see the present and future of North Central alumni dancing on the dance floor and having a good time and realizing that maybe their lives wouldn’t have crossed if this place hadn’t brought them together is really cool.”
Experiences like these are exemplary of the unique ways alumni give back to the college that treated them so well. “So many students think of alum engagement as signing a check and making a donation,” said Bogan. There are innumerable ways that grateful alums can add to and enrich the college experience of the many current students who call North Central home. “Not every alum is able to donate an exuberant amount of money,” continued Bogan, “but, as an alum, what other ways can you stay connected to the school you love and play a role in student’s lives back on campus?”
This is a question that has resonated with the multitude of alumni who have found themselves wanting to give back to such a nurturing and constructive environment. Fortunately, these alums have had no trouble finding an immense and inspirational amount of ways to do just that.
“Whether they’re coming back to speak at a class, whether donating financially, whether they’re donating their expertise by mentoring a student, there’s no connection to come back or offer those types of services unless our alumni are leading by example,” said Bogan of the alumni’s influence over the student body. “I think that’s one of the coolest things, when a current student can see in an alum what they… hope to be.”
Some alums have even found slightly unconventional, but still inspirational, ways to enrich the experience of the student body. “Recently, we got some information about a young alum who is relatively new in a business here in Naperville,” commented Bogan. “Their business is actually looking for interns and what better way to not only give back but also offer developmental opportunities to North Central students?”
Bogan continued, “That individual isn’t giving back monetarily, but they don’t have to. They’re offering a potentially amazing opportunity to a student… how do you put a price on that? The experience could result in a job; could result in a career.” These invaluable experiences and opportunities are the bread and butter of any college student’s transition from college living into the ever-intimidating “real world” outside of the college campus.
This relationship between alums and the institution is fostered through a number of different means and methods. The primary ways that alumni can contact the school is through the appropriate webpages on the school’s official website, though sometimes call-driven fundraisers and other events are used to reestablish contact with the innumerable number of graduated students who have found themselves part of the working world.
“Having experienced my first Homecoming through the lens of alumni just a short week ago, I really had a chance to appreciate how passionate our alumni base is about this place,” said Bogan. “I met a gentleman who was returning to this campus for the first time since he graduated 61 years ago. That type of allegiance doesn’t just happen… we’re at a special place. It’s about the relationships that are built here, it’s about the experience that was held here. Whether you were here a few short years ago or 61 years ago, you have to agree, what an awesome place to have in common.”
