Much more than flattery
By Ralph Amos

My mentor once shared with me his thoughts on seeking favors and advice. "Ralph," he said, "there is nothing more flattering than being asked for your opinion on an issue or assistance with a project or task."

Looking back now, his thoughts make even more sense to me. You know how good it makes you feel when someone genuinely asks for your thoughts on a particular issue. It's even more fulfilling to help someone out, even if it's just keeping an eye on your neighbors' house while they're on vacation. Ultimately, it's all about doing good things for other people.

I hadn't thought much about that conversation for awhile. Then, recently, a compelling idea occurred to me. What if we asked for the advice of our 156,000 alumni? Or asked them to do a favor for Ohio University? Wow. We could change the world!

Perhaps you've wondered how you can help the university succeed. I believe there are four very basic ways: act as the university's most ardent ambassadors; assist in the recruitment of great students (and once they're here, help us retain them); offer your advice; and share your resources.

Rick Fatica Alumna Nicolette Dioguardi meets with a student during a University College career event.

It's simply about getting involved.

As ambassadors, you can tell others - your family members, friends and co-workers - about the great things happening at Ohio. Flip through this and past issues of Ohio Today and other publications and feel proud of the university's accomplishments. That will put you well on your way to being a vital advocate for Ohio University.

You also can help the admissions staff identify quality students. Begin by clipping news articles about outstanding high school students from your area and dropping them in the mail to the Admissions Office.

Or talk up Ohio University to quality students you know. Share your positive experiences with them, and let them know about the great academic programs your alma mater boasts. Convey the university's high standards as well as its selective admissions policy that allows us to base admission on applicants' high school performance and solid ACT and SAT scores. Perhaps even you aren't aware that the university receives some 12,000 applications for a freshman class that totals about 3,450 students.

Rick Fatica Alumni conduct mock interviews to help College of Education students.

Perhaps you'd be interested in working with your local alumni chapter to sponsor admission reception nights. When asked, place congratulatory phone calls to accepted students to encourage them to make Ohio their choice. By assisting in these simple but meaningful ways, you can help put the university out in front of the recruitment game.

Next, and I cannot say this enough, give us advice. Get involved at the college level on an advisory team or board of visitors. When called to serve on one of the university's boards, say yes! What you know from your professional and personal experiences can help us perform better, operate more effectively and ultimately build the Ohio University of tomorrow.

Finally, share your resources. You know more than anyone what it costs in time, money and commitment to obtain the high-quality education you received at Ohio University. You also know the value of that education, what it has meant for your life, your family, your career. And you may now be in a position to give back to the university that has given so much to you. In return, you will continue to benefit from your commitment. That student you help recruit may someday work for your company. Or an intern you sponsor may go on to become one of your community's leaders. Or the medical program you support may turn out a physician who will provide life-saving health care to your family.

So I ask that you share your advice, your expertise and your resources with Ohio University. You will be helping to prepare students who may one day share their gifts with you and your family. And that's much more than flattery; it's the essence of humanity.

Ralph Amos is an assistant vice president and executive director of alumni relations for Ohio University.