Alumni return for BBQ
With Greek Week around the corner, students as well as alumni can look forward to a variety of activities including an Alumni BBQ on April 24.
Alumni committee member Chip Blakemore said alumni events are important for Greek Week for many reasons.
“Alumni returning to campus for Greek Week is one of the most important parts of the week. The support our alumni give us through the year is second to none,” Blakemore said. “By inviting them back to participate in Greek Week activities we are able to show them our appreciation for their support while also encouraging them to visit the campus that allowed them to reach their own goals and dreams. Without our alumni, there wouldn’t be a school.”
The Greek Week BBQ will take place at 11 a.m. April 24 during the tugs finals. It will be located on the southwest side of the tugs lanes.
Alumni who update their information and fill out a small survey will receive a free button and hot dog. Eastern Greek alumni are encouraged to attend. Since 2003, members of the university and Charleston communities have collaborated for the annual Panther Service Day, during which volunteers work on various projects to improve the city.
The eighth annual Panther Service Day is another opportunity for alumni to reconnect and it also gives them the chance to give back to the community.
Local alumni are invited to join current students and fellow community members in a series of service-related projects throughout Coles County on April 24.
The EIU Alumni Association is providing a free brunch for all volunteers this year, which begins at 10:30 a.m. Service projects will last from noon until 4 p.m.
One bonus point will be awarded to chapters that incorporate “Welcome Back Alumni” into their unity banner.
These banners will hang in Lantz Arena during airband and Greek sing and then will be moved to the chapter houses for the remainder of the week.
According to the Alumni Attitude Study Web site, alumni are “the institution’s most valuable stakeholders.”
The AAS found advancement professionals around the country agreed on the importance of alumni feedback for the future success of the institution.
The Alumni Attitude Study also found that alumni attitude is tied to things like value and respect for degrees, student
accomplishments and accomplishments of faculty.
Cassie Bartolucci can be reached at 581-7942 or
