Southwestern Magazine | Fall 2019

Dear members of the Southwestern University Alumni Association, Theword legacy hasmultiplemeanings in a colle- giate setting. At Southwestern, we discuss legacies as people—family members who also attended the University—and as moments—when individuals contribute to the betterment of future generations of Pirates. Alumni have the potential to stand on both sides of the legacy spectrum.We ask you to consider what legacy you wish to leave at Southwestern. Sharing the Southwestern Experience This fall, Southwestern welcomed its largest entering class, and 31 of those students were legacies—related to siblings, parents, and grand- parents who are Southwestern alumni. In August, the Alumni Association mailed 119 Legacy Link birthday gifts to the children and grandchildren of former students. As alumni, you know the benefits of the Southwestern Experience , and we hope that you’ll share how special it is withmembers of your family. If you have not done so already, sign up your school-age relatives for the Legacy Link program, and we will mail them a gift at ages 5, 10, and 16. Paying it forward In the 2018–2019 academic year, more than 1,330 alumni and friends dedicated their time and talents as volunteers for Southwestern. Frommentoring current students towriting letters to the families of admitted students,members of our communityhave donated tens of thousands of hours to strengthen the University. On page 56, learn more about the variety of volunteer roles, and consider how you can add to your legacy as a Southwestern volunteer. Nearly 28%of alumni last year contributedfinan- cially to Southwestern. Their legacy continues through support of student scholarships, faculty research, athletic teams, student organizations, high-impact experiences, and somuchmore. Make your gift count, and send in the enclosed annual giving envelope. Bringing in a new tradition Over 15 years ago, Southwestern’s homecomingwas revitalized and expanded to create an enriching community-wide program for Pirates of all ages. Since that time, 10,570 individual alumni and friends have attended a homecoming weekend, with a total of 23,329 attending collectively. It has become an experience for all ages and builds over- arching spirit for our community. Starting inFebruary 2020, SouthwesternUniver- sity will institute a new weekend program that focuses on building pride in our community. Our Charter Day celebrationwill honor Southwestern’s founding as the first institution of higher learning in Texas with programming for all ages. See page 59 for details on how to register. Southwestern’s history dates back to theRepublic of Texas. Imagine the impact Southwestern alumni will have had on the world 180 years from now, in 2200. Join us, and add to that growing legacy in 2020. Megan Frisque Associate Vice President for Alumni and Parent Relations A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N Leaving Your Legacy 8 SOUTHWESTERN New legacy students and their families connect during orientation on August 17, 2019.