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Alumni-initiated Event Plans to Go Monthly

By Jadell Forman 90

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Click Photo to Enlarge With only a week's notice, a host of Dallas-area alumni showed up to show their support for each other and their alma mater.

Phil called Mark. They made some more calls. Then they called Natalie, who helped get the word out, and--ta-dah!--more than 30 alumni showed up just a week later to support the university and each other.

The snowball began rolling in early December when Phil Metcalfe 80 called Mark Sterns 78 with an idea: Let's have a gathering of Dallas-area alumni and make it monthly. Willing to host the kickoff at his business, Sterns opened Higher Power Aviation for a tour, university-related Q&A, and typical college nosh--pizza!

On Dec. 17, the luncheon began with a tour through Sterns's photo-plastered office. "His life story is on the walls," says Alumni Director Natalie Bounds. She, along with the rest of the crowd, received a crash course in Flight Simulator History 101.

In the lunchroom with "stacks and stacks" of pizza boxes, everyone knew what to do: fill a plate and talk it up. In one of the company's twelve classrooms, alumni heard from ORU personnel who had come to town to provide updates and answer questions.

Bounds conveyed Homecoming and Face Place news. Associate Vice President for Alumni and Development George Paul reviewed the recent events at ORU. "Several alumni asked questions and expressed support," Bounds reports.

Sterns too has heard many words of support. "Alums I speak with are very positive about the changes. Personally speaking, I appreciate the Roberts family and will always be grateful. I'm also thankful for the changes coupled with the accountability. Good days are ahead for ORU."

This Dallas group's enthusiasm included a plan to meet monthly and network. Sterns says, "This was the kickoff." Seizing the moment, one assertive alumna raised her hand and said, "I need a job."

Bounds stepped up to preach the power of grads hiring grads and mention a forthcoming alumni Web site feature, Golden Hire, for this exact purpose. A day or so later, another attendee called the Alumni Office, wanting to interview this alumna.

The monthly meetings are in the works. Having met many "hundreds of friends--quality people" through ORU connections, it's no wonder Sterns eagerly hosted this event in order to facilitate more of the same. "I love ORU."