My mentor J T. Forbes teaches me, among other things, the curious history of the Association and how to appreciate it.  He shared this reflection with me and the other senior staff last May, and I am compelled to forward it on because of today’s anniversary.

On January 20, 1915, IU alumnus and Peru, Indiana attorney Ralph Sollitt began work as the first alumni secretary of Indiana University. A news item from the April 1915 Indiana University Alumni Quarterly announces his appointment and “sets forth the ideas with which he undertakes his duties.” The essay, in part, describes seven elements of “the alumni movement” that Mr. Sollitt imagines:

1. An accurate register of all alumni and former students.
2. A carefully planned organization of “local associations, on a self-sustaining basis.”
3. With assistance from these local associations, a study to identify local community needs that the University might help address.
4. Sharing information on the work and program of the University with local chapters for their feedback, in order for alumni to feel “responsibility for the work of the University.”
5. Increased circulation and influence of the Alumni Quarterly.
6. Expansion of “facilities for employment and promotion” of alumni so that they “may be brought more directly in touch with opportunities for advancement.”
7. Cultivation of alumni interest in the extension work of the University.

“All of these activities will demand of each son and daughter of the University a personal sense of loyalty,” Sollitt believed. “Not only the loyalty that has been manifested in times of crises, but the everyday loyalty which causes each one to think and plan and work with his fellows in rendering service to his alma mater.”

I found this writing to be so true. While almost-heroic loyalty during those transition times is critical, it’s the everyday loyalty that may be the very essence of our service to IU. I’m grateful to J T. for continuing to be an example of both.