An Introduction to the Bluefield College Alumni

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An Introduction to the Bluefield College Alumni Association Complied March 2010 Who are Bluefield College Alumni? Alumni of Bluefield College are a unique class of their own. They are individuals who arrived at campus not exactly knowing what was in store for them, but when after graduation found a sense of service and passion in their hearts. They are individuals that often remind us that, “Bluefield College gave me a chance.” They are individuals dedicated to faith, life, and service. Bluefield College alumni are eager to help, and be there to bridge the gap for many students just like they were a time before. Hope and imagination are words frequently used when alumni engage the broad range of opportunities before the College. All the while, keeping in mind traditions of the past, and honoring the benefits of a Christian education. The Association For members of the Bluefield College Alumni Association the mission is simple. First Association members seek to fulfill the mission and vision of Bluefield College. This is primarily done through relationships. Association members look to initiate fellowship between alumni and the faculty, staff, and students of Bluefield College. Comradeship is a growing sentiment within the Association, and we seek to see that brother and sisterhood sentiment continue to grow in years to come. This will all be done by members staying close to the College through their lifetime. The Board of Directors The Association is blessed to have a Board of Directors that is diverse not only in its membership, but in skill sets, backgrounds, and strengths it brings in leadership. These members meet three times a year, and make additional trips back to their College for meetings, events, sporting events, performances, and programs. The volunteer hours they provide on behalf of the College is truly invaluable. Staff, faculty, students, and families have witnessed their good work, and are genuinely touch and impressed by their level of commitment. Their willingness to take a visible leadership role on campus has been and continues to be deeply appreciated. Members are currently working on an expansion of this leadership board so that more alumni will feel represented. They are also looking to develop a more formal structure for additional volunteers – identifying more ways to be involved in the life of the College. Activities and Programs Activities and programs have in the past been very limited to dinners in church basements. While those events have their time and place, the Association is looking to broaden our horizons to engage the diverse needs of the Association. We are looking to provide events that engage more participation, more active involvement, and more potential students! One example of an event we will be hosting in April is our first annual Ladies Day at Bluefield College. The Bluefield College Theater Department will be presenting Steel Magnolias this spring in connection with The Virginia Commission of the Arts Minds Wide Open: Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts. We will be attending the play, dressed for the occasion, having a tea/dinner together, and completing a small service project on campus! Our programs also hope to accomplish engagement in a brand new way. We are working actively to connect with Association members where they are most comfortable. One way we are doing this is through social media. Bluefield College can now be found on MyBC, Facebook, Twitter, and FYI our online newsletter. If you have any new ideas for programs or activities The Office of Alumni Relations wants to hear them! All alumni chapters, the Alumni Program, and the College may be able to benefit from your idea.

Directors’ Calendar Compiled March 2010 The following is a tentative calendar that The Office of Alumni Relations suggests for the upcoming year of activities. There will be events and programs that are not included. That’s ok! We will be putting them on the calendar the next year to help our Association members plan to attend. January Board of Directors of the Alumni Association meeting February Alumni classroom lectures March Alumni Classroom in inSpire program visits and lectures Baseball/Softball games Golf match April Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon Tennis matches May Speech contest Mud Pig Day Board of Directors of the Alumni Association meeting Graduation weekend June Office of Alumni Relations Visits July Alumni College August Annual Retreat of Board of Directors of the Alumni Association Committee meetings SWEAT Day for Board of Directors Move-in day Social for faculty/staff Athletics Golf Tournament at Pipestem September Alumni 101 Program Soccer games Cross Country meets Tazewell County football promotional nights Homecoming committee meeting October Alumni classroom lectures Homecoming Golden Graduate Society Inductions Class reunions Fall Festival

November Alumni Classroom in inSpire program visits and lectures BGAV meetings December Basketball games Christmas at Bluefield Celebration Graduation Chapter reunions will be held according to times set forth by local chapters, and will published by The Office of Alumni Relations as soon as they are announced. Chapters Eastern Virginia Greater Richmond Area Roanoke Valley New River Valley Charlottesville Georgia Chapter Creation Richlands-Tazewell Bluefield-Princeton Charlotte Texas Chapter Revitalization Georgia Greater Richmond Area Eastern Virginia Roanoke Valley