Friday, October 23, 2009

A conversation with an alum: Why come to a Terry event?

Since coming on board with the Terry College Office of Development and Alumni Relations, I’ve been wowed by enthusiasm every time I encounter a Terry graduate. In fact, Jill Walton, Director of Alumni Relations, and I traveled to Macon, Georgia just a couple days ago and found that same enthusiasm present. So instead of wondering, I just asked one of the attendees, Drew Slocum, '99:

“With all the things going on in your life and work, why did you take the time to attend a Terry Alumni Lunch?”

Much to my delight, Drew had so many reasons for participating I was able to create a "Top Ten List!"

  1. We always hear of alumni events in Atlanta and Athens. We appreciate the efforts of Terry College and fellow local alumni to also provide us the opportunity to get the same attention in our own backyard.
  2. These events are exclusive to alumni. That goes a long way. Unlike many sports-related events we could attend locally in the community or on even through UGA on campus, we know we are going to be among the Terry family and other like-minded people.
  3. There is the aspect of reuniting with friends from the past that you never see too much of. It is an excuse to reconnect.
  4. There is the business networking aspect that is essential, especially now, to succeed in a world where often it is not what you know, but who you know.
  5. There is the potential for meeting new friends that are of good caliber.
  6. We all like to do anything we can that takes us back to the days of going to college, that mindset, the memories...
  7. And it goes without saying that we all like to support something we were a part of and believe in. Terry is home and I want to still be involved as it grows and continues to achieve new accomplishments.
  8. It’s giving to something that gave to us that makes the difference. I know I am where I am at today because Terry invested in me and I want future students to have the same opportunity. I can make sure that happens both through giving AND by staying connected through attending events such as this.
  9. Attending this event helped me identify how I can help Terry through my own expertise and I’m excited to help!
  10. A man has to eat lunch anyway….

--Drew Slocum CFP, CRPC; Senior Financial Advisor, Private Client Group, Merrill Lynch

A special thank you to Jacob Poole, Wes Simmons, Ron Marshall and Wes Argo for helping us invite other Macon alumni; and another special thank you to the Downtown Grill for opening their doors for this special lunch, since they are usually only open for dinner! It was fabulous!

Please comment and tell us YOUR top reasons for attending Terry Alumni Association events!