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A common misconception among the general population is that fraternities exist only to provide their members with meaningful experiences during college. The above quote reflects the belief that the collegiate chapter's primary role is to prepare Brothers for their lives as alumni. Thus, the chapter should not be regarded as the pinnacle of fraternal existence, rather as the prelude to it. Preparing people for a life-long journey in Sinfonia begins during collegiate chapter recruitment and continues on beyond the college years. Brothers should be taught past their probationary membership to regard their responsibility to Sinfonia and the world as ever present. They should learn to spend their time in the collegiate chapter developing alumni programs that will last long after they have passed from collegiate membership into the realm of "Once a Sinfonian Always a Sinfonian, Long Live Sinfonia!" If the Sinfonian Alumni program is to work then it must be reciprocal. Alumni cannot wait for the collegiate membership to create alumni and fraternal education programs that are outward-looking in scope and vision. Alumni must become involved in the collegiate chapters; demonstrating their proper role as mentors and caretakers. When Probationary and Collegiate members see alumni attending chapter, regional and national events, as well as gathering in Associations, they will know what to expect from Sinfonia's ideal of a life-long journey and will be able to see themselves in these roles after college. |
