From Edward "Eddy" Richter, Ph.D., Microbiology, President, College of Biological Sciences Alumni Society

As president of the Biological Sciences Alumni Society, it is my pleasure to inform you that it is now official-the Ohio State University Alumni Association Board of Directors approved our petition to become an official Alumni Society. I invite you to join this great circle of alumni-you will be in very good company! I encourage you to renew your connections to our College by joining our Alumni Society, a growing group of graduates who want to be involved in the future of the College of Biological Sciences.

It promises to be a very bright future indeed! The year 2000 ushers in a new era of biology. We are on the threshold of a period when modern biology will truly come of age, bringing sweeping changes and discoveries. To be a College of Biological Sciences' alumnus/a confers a very special status. With experts proclaiming the 21st Century the "Age of Biology," we can be very proud of the disciplines we majored in and of the College that launched our careers, whatever they might be.

I urge you to become reacquainted with your college. Your support and involvement can make a difference.

The Ohio State University College of Biological Sciences Alumni Society

Background

A small, but dedicated group of alumni first met in October 1997. Our numbers continue to grow and we were just made an official Alumni Society. We have written a mission statement, forged a constitution, elected officers, set up committees, and drafted a scholarship description.

Mission

We hope to:

• Promote networking, fellowship and communication among alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the College
• Advocate for the advancement of the College and the University
• Encourage and support College academic and research excellence

Recent Activities

In 1998, the College surveyed you-our more than 12,000 alumni-to assess your interest in developing an alumni organization and received a gratifying number of positive responses, which have served to guide us. The survey showed that while many alumni are interested in opportunities for networking and social interaction, an overwhelming majority wants opportunities to "pay forward" through assisting in recruiting and mentoring students.

Two of our committees have plugged into existing university structures to offer their enthusiastic support to do just that: Members of the Recruitment Committee attended an Admissions Office workshop and were the first-ever OSU alumni group to volunteer to help Admissions call interested, but undecided, high school students. That was such a highly-successful effort, that the Committee continues to work with the Admissions Office and has scheduled TWO calling nights for this academic year: One in December and one in April. Our Networking/Placement Committee has taken part in a career night hosted by the Arts & Sciences Career Services Office.

Other alumni events have included an OSU/Michigan hockey game for alumni and their families in January 1999, and the second annual "deli lunch" reception for graduating seniors in June.

Benefits of Membership

By joining the Biological Sciences Alumni Society, which is now officially recognized by the Ohio State University Alumni Association, you will have a voice in College affairs through this advisory group and have voting privileges to elect the Board of Governors. You will receive communications about alumni activities in addition to the annual issue of Ohio State Synergy, the College publication for alumni and friends of the College.

Also, you will have great networking opportunities. You will be invited to social and sporting events, lectures and tours, including the very special events planned for our College Anniversary year, 2001, and for the dedication activities of our new Life Sciences Building. Plus, you will have the option to influence the kinds of events and opportunities the Society will offer as we grow into the future. Best of all, you have an opportunity to "pay forward" by giving that most invaluable asset-your time-to guide and advise students through recruiting, mentoring, and/or placement activities.

Become a Charter Member

Graduates in any of the majors or graduate programs in the College of Biological Sciences-Biochemistry; Biology; Entomology; Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology; Microbiology; Molecular Genetics; Plant Biology (formerly Botany); and Zoology-are eligible for membership, as are those in interdisciplinary programs who trained with College faculty.

New graduates receive a complimentary membership for their year of graduation. We also issue complimentary memberships to students who have completed 15 credit hours in the College. After expiration of the complimentary first year, alumni are asked to make an annual donation of $25 or more to the Biological Sciences Alumni Council Scholarship Fund or to the Dean's Discretionary Fund to continue membership.

Membership Coupon/News for Synergy

College of Biological Sciences Alumni Society membership form - Download this and become a member today!