BJU graduates serve the Lord across the United States and in 48 countries around the world—which means that for many alumni, getting back to visit campus is difficult. Though the October on-campus Homecoming and reunions are well-attended and popular, getting everyone together in one place and time would be impossible. And with 93,889 alumni (and counting), it might be somewhat crowded on the campus if that were to happen.
See Also: Around Greenville: Festivals and Events
The Alumni Association is coordinating the next best thing: an online all-day homecoming event April 16 that is open to everyone. Events begin at 10 a.m. and include a live tour of campus, live attendance at chapel and a seminary class, a Q&A session and an evening reception.
In addition, there will be opportunities to connect with other alumni and former students on various social media pages and multiple platforms throughout the day. If some of the scheduled live event times don’t work for you, recaps will be posted in the evening. Local grads and former students are invited to attend the on-campus reception at 8 p.m. in the Davis Room.
Easier Way to Connect
AlumniLIVE! is the brainchild of Alumni Association staff, who saw a need for easier ways for alumni and former students to participate in the BJU community. Homecoming has been a success, but the Alumni Association wants to reach out to even more BJU grads and former students.
According to Jonathan Pait, manager of Alumni and Parent Engagement, “The purpose is to bring the campus to our alumni who aren’t able to come visit us during the times that are available to them because of distance, finances, etc. … This is the day we all go online and we flood the internet with BJU grads fellowshipping and communicating with each other. That would be the dream.”
No Financial Barrier
The concept of AlumniLIVE! is in keeping with the philosophical shift at the Alumni Association toward serving all alumni, not simply the members. To that end, it recently changed to a $0 dues format so that dues wouldn’t be a barrier to joining. (They ask instead that a donation be made in whatever amount to the BJU Together fund.)
“That is a tangible representation of what we’re trying to do to reach out to the alumni. That philosophical approach is exciting to me,” Pait said.
The goal, Pait said, is communication—better communication between the University and the alumni, and better communication among the alumni with each other. He calls it “thinking beyond the diploma.” To him, the diploma isn’t just a certification—it is a ticket to a continued experience with a community that supports the University and each other.
