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1999 Homecoming

Wildcats on the Move

To become a member, or not to become a member, that is the question. At least that is the question all CSU, Chico alumni have to answer at this time. The Board of Directors of the Chico State Alumni Association made the decision last spring to change the association from a non-dues-paying association to a dues-paying association. This is a decision that all alumni associations have to deal with on an on-going basis -- dues or no dues.

Alumni associations exist for the purpose of supporting the university they represent and providing services to the members of the association. Neither of these functions can be accomplished without resources (read $$$). Almost all universities provide some level of funding for their alumni associations. Associations that simply limp along doing basically the same thing year after year can "survive" in that type of atmosphere. They are there, but they have little or no impact on their university. If they were to grow by getting more funding from their university, they would become a liability instead of an asset, siphoning resources away from the campus. Resources should flow from the association to the university, not vice versa. Operating from this perspective, the Chico State alumni board of directors chose to implement a dues-paying membership program effective July 1, 1999.

You, as alumni, are now being asked my three favorite words, "Will you help?" While you were a student at Chico State, there were those individuals behind the scenes who were helping you. Now you have an opportunity to reach back to the campus and help those who are following in your footsteps. OK, OK...so you aren't making a Microsoft-size salary. Ask yourself this, "Will my lifestyle change if I reduce my disposable income by 12.3 cents per day?" If you answer this question "yes," read no further. If you answer "no," then you are in a position to help our students.

That's right, 12.3 cents per day will pay for an annual membership in the alumni association. We have more than 80,000 living alumni. Imagine what an impact we could have if all of you joined your alumni association. You do the math-80,000 times $45 per year. But don't rely on the other 79,999 alums to do it all. You have to help, too. Say yes to my three favorite words. Help make a difference for today's students who are attending your university.

Join your alumni association today and be proud to say, "I'm helping."

Jack Fox, director, Alumni and Parent Relations530-898-6472 or alumni@csuchico.edu