South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-04-16
UNIVERSITY NEWS
LETTERS
INDIANA UNIVERSITY.

The position of alumni secretary
which was created by the adoption Of
the new constitution of the Alumni
association has been filled by the APP
pointment of Ralph Y. sollitt, 10. of
Peru. Mr.. Sollitt was one of the
honor men of his class and was also
elected To Phi Beta Kappa. In 1911
he received the degree Ii. b. from the
university. and until his appointment
practiced law in his home town. The
selection of the Alumni society was
left to a committee of the alumni
council. After careful consideration
of a number OF persons whose names
had been suggested, it was the unani-
nous opinion OF this committee that
Mr.. Sollitt possessed in largest meas
ure the varied qualifications needed
for filling this difficult position. As
alumni secretary Mr. SOllitt will have
an office both in Bloomington and in
indianapolis. In the letter which fol-
lows he sets forth the ideas with
which he undertakes his duties.
ITO the Alumni and Former Students
Of Indiana University:
The Alumni association is COM
posed 4 only Of those who have re-
ceived degrees. but also OF those who
have received any part of their edu-
cational training at Indiana univer-
sity. In the past the university has
always welcomed the cooperation of
it's alumni. In a larger way than
ever before il now provides for their
participation in it's affairs, for IL fur
nishes the machinery TO make effect
i've the work OF the alumni First
81
then the Alumni Quarterly, and now
the alumni secretary, who is TO serve
the local associations and aid them in
their work. In taking up the duties Of
the latter office, [ shall do all in my
power TO further not only the interests
of the university. but also the best in
terests of the several communities OF
the state.
Back of all that we plan and do as
alumni must ever stand the ideal Of
service-Of real service TO the univer-
sity in strengthening her traditions.
in deepening our loyalty TO her. in
maintaining the college spirit we felt
in school days, in bringing the sons
and daughters of the university TO
think of the problems of the univer-
sity and how they can best further
the work TO which she is committed.
IN causing her TO serve in the best
pOSSlnl6 way > the Sldlc WHICH eIluOWS
her with life. Nor must any of the
activities of the alumni movement be
carried on in a selfish spirit. seeking
to obtain advantage over another col
lege or university. Rather must we
engage in generous cooperation with
the alumni of other Institutions on the
common problems that confront us.
ITO the end that the alumni move
ment may be Of the greatest service
there must be:
i. An accurate register OF all
alumni and former students, giving
necessary information as TO addresses.
occupations. and achievements
''2. n carefully planned Organiza-
ton OF the alumni and former stu
dents in the various local associations.
on a self-sustaining basis.
"S. With the assistance OF the local
associations a study OF the needs OF
each community should Ne made. so
that the local associations may draw
upon the university for community
help.
-. Information concerning the
work Of the university and OF each of
its several departments should be
brought 20 the local associations, so
that the suggestions and criticisms of
the alumni and former students may
be carried back TO the university In
this way the alumni will feel in a
larger way a responsibility for the
work of the institution.
20. An increased circulation
should be obtained for the magazine
OF the alumni-the Alumni quarterly
and an enlargement OF its sphere
OF influence.
30. The facilities for employment
and promotion should be extended so
that alumni and former students may
be brought more directly in touch
with opportunities for advancement
~ A deep interest should be
aroused in furthering the extension
work OF the university.
"All these activities will demand OF
each son and daughter OF the Univer-
sity a personal sense OF lOyalty-not
only the loyalty that has been mani
tested in times OF crises. Sdt the
everyday loyalty which causes each