Students should welcome alumni

Giving isn't a trait that one is born with.

It's learned and developed all throughout one's life.

For those who have graduated and given back to Ottawa University, we think it's time to extend a long overdue nod of thanks.

Alumni have come and gone.

Some have left traces in the hall of fame, dormitories, in the gym or on the field.

But, it's more than just a name that these past students of OU have given us.

They give each student hope to be something bigger and better and to have the opportunity to give back to the university themselves.

No matter how much we hate going to ACE events, waking up for that 8 a.m. chem. lab, or writing our 26-page Senior Core paper; it's an accomplishment to graduate.

It's an honor to be something that OU is proud of. We need to remember that the OU family is always proud of its graduates. And that those past graduates are proud of us as well as the university.

For people to take the time out of their schedules to spend time with us or to give the money that they've worked so hard for to the building of a new library is extremely generous.

The alums that keep returning year after year have a love for this school.

They were once 20-something college students who had the same experiences we do, but now as adults, they are able to share their life stories with us, if we give them the time to hear it, and we should.

This is not because it's important to respect those that were here before us. It is also to learn from their experiences, which can help in our college life and future careers.

We as students don't own this campus.

We share it, and need to be thankful for those sharing with us.