Even freshmen should start thinking about being alumni
One area of academic life that students don’t often think about – but should – is their university’s alumni organization. Many offer benefits and opportunities that can help students begin forming networks of contacts for college and beyond.
Tigers4Ever (T4E) is Fort Hays State University’s Student Alumni Association.
“We connect students to alumni while creating and enhancing the pride and traditions that make Fort Hays State special,” said Charlene Nichols, assistant director of the Association and advisor for T4E.
The organization helps sponsor and organize several events through the year, including the annual Tiger Homecoming Bonfire and March in the fall and the Spring Kick-Off, a half-day of youth football camps preceding a Tiger scrimmage with a half-time punt, pass and kick competition.
The alumni associations at most colleges and universities have some avenue for participation by current students. At Fort Hays State, students in T4E help coordinate projects and events that provide FHSU students the opportunity to take leadership roles in the organization, and network with alumni for social and career-enhancement events.
“It’s great to belong to a group like Tigers4Ever because I can connect with the FHSU through traditions that live on today as well as those of the past through getting to know our alumni,” said Chantal Solorzano, a Dodge City junior majoring in biology.
“It is a great way to experience the FHSU of yesterday and today and to be a part of FHSU’s tomorrow,” she said.
While some student alumni organizations are dues-based, Tigers4Ever, thanks to its successful fundraising events, has been able to discontinue dues, so any student may join at no charge.
For more information on T4E, contact Nichols at 785-628-4527 or by email to tigers4ever@fhsu.edu.
