<p>Alumni pride? Watch any relative’s face filled with excitement when they see their younger relative entering his or her first year of that alma mater. My dad was literally beaming when I transferred to his alma mater when he visited me for the first time for the Homecoming Weekend. After begin away from the campus for quite a while, he had such blast seeing his alma mater that he began catching up with its affairs and reconnecting with other alumni that he returned regularly for football and hockey games. I believe that he also upped his gifts as well and still donates even though I graduated over a year ago.</p>
<p>I asked him, Dad why all this? You didn’t really seem to care before. He said, “I DO CARE but I just didn’t want to influence you!!! And now I care even more because it’s done so much for you and it’s a great place for you. I’m really proud!”</p>
<p>Although my dad and I had vastly different college experience (he was fairly studious and quiet while I was very involved in student affairs and academics), we share our love for Colgate’s traditions. school spirit, sports, and academic excellence. The other thing about alumni pride is the feeling of being part of the community or family. We felt as if we were part of the family when we met alumni, students, and staff. </p>
<p>Yeah, that’s the key. Alumni are connected by participating in the college’s age old traditions.</p>