 | Spring 2007 |
Perspectives:
Russell A. Beaubien, B.A. '91
President, SVSU Alumni Association
My family and I moved back to the Saginaw Valley area in 2000. We had left just after I had graduated from SVSU in 1991 with my first undergraduate degree. It was a degree that I was personally proud of. Like many people in the region I had taken advantage of our "local" university to better myself. I was a "non-traditional" student, working a full time management position and going to school. Many of my fellow classmates were working hard toward the goal of a bachelors degree.
When I received that degree on stage from Dr. Gilbertson I was extremely proud of my personal accomplishment. All of us receiving those degrees were proud of what we had done--we had made it! From my perspective, that degree means more to me than all the others I now possess. The education I received at SVSU prepared me well for my career path.
After a career change I came back to the Saginaw Valley area. One of my first places to visit was the University. What a change! The campus had grown exponentially in my absence. The campus was vibrant and seemed to exude a feeling of home to me. In my initial contacts with former classmates I found that most were involved with the Alumni Association. They talked me into attending the Alumni Celebration on campus...talk about a Homecoming. I cannot describe the feeling of camaraderie I experienced seeing old friends, finding out what had happened in their lives. It was an experience I will never forget.
Now here I am seven years later, President of the Alumni Association and looking back at my tenure with SVSU. I have witnessed new buildings being added and buildings being renovated on the campus. I have watched the student housing grow. It is almost a self contained community in its own rights. Saginaw Valley State University is growing and developing into an educational community.
My message to SVSU alumni is, come back for a visit; attend one of the many campus or alumni events. Bring a friend or arrange to meet a former classmate and reminisce old times. From my perspective you might feel right at home. Hope to see you soon.