By Rick Harrison

When I look back on my years as an Ohio University student, some of the most significant and important times were those spent outside the classroom participating in extracurricular activities. Being involved with my fraternity and other student organizations and a year-long internship with the Office of Student Life Programs helped prepare me for life in many ways.

As is evident by conversations with Ohio University alumni over the past 11 years, I know that I am not alone in believing that extracurricular life played a major role in shaping the success level and fierce loyalty we see from our graduates.

Here are some statistics to ponder: According to Terry Hogan, director of student activities and the Center for Community Service, there currently are more than 360 registered student organizations on the Athens campus, with numerous others at the five regional campuses. This number represents a 50 percent increase over the past decade, and it is estimated that more than 90 percent of all students are involved in extracurricular life in some way.

While the following numbers represent overlap through multiple memberships and involvements, organization membership participation numbers more than 18,000, and intramural sports participation tops 19,000. More than 2,400 students belong to a fraternity or sorority, and another 100 are involved with student government.

I mention these figures to emphasize that extracurricular life continues to thrive on our campus, and also to make a request. While hundreds of faculty and staff do an admirable job of advising these organizations, there is a real need for alumni involvement and support. Our students would love to have a list of graduates interested in serving as mentors, professional advisers, career contacts or speakers.

The benefits of contributing to a scholarship or conference fund or making a gift-in-kind donation would make a world of difference to many organizations that have to sponsor fund-raiser after fund-raiser to supplement limited campus support.

When people ask why Ohio University is such a popular choice for students these days, I add an active extracurricular experience to a list that also includes a top-flight academic reputation and an attractive and safe campus setting.

If you are interested in learning more about Ohio University student life and ways you can be involved, contact Terry Hogan (e-mail: thogan1@ohiou.edu), Student Activities Office, 204 Baker Center, Athens, Ohio 45701, or Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Joel Rudy (e-mail: jrudy1@ohiou.edu), 212 Cutler Hall.

Postcript: On a sad note, I mention the loss of two alumni who for more than 60 years worked to make this such a special place. George Brown, AB `31, and his wife, Ruth `32, who passed away within three days of each other in January, dedicated their lives to the Green & White. They will be sorely missed.

Rick Harrison, BSJ `82, is director of the Office of Alumni Relations.