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Paddy McGuire '81 addresses alumni in the chapel during Reunions '06.
Paddy McGuire '81 addresses alumni in the chapel during Reunions '06.
In the recent discussions regarding the election of Alumni Trustees, there have been suggestions that there is an "elite" running the affairs of the Kirkland and Hamilton alumni organizations. This concept has given me pause as I have concluded that I am among the so-called elite, but I believe that my story is instructive to these conversations.
 
I currently serve on the Nominations Committee of the Alumni Council, which places me near the beginning of the process for selecting the Council's nominees for Alumni Trustee, President of the Alumni Association, and recognition awards.  Melissa Joyce-Rosen '86, who was then President of the Alumni Association and Chair of the Alumni Council, called me last year on behalf of the Council's Executive Committee to ask me to serve on the Nominations Committee. I assume the Executive Committee's decision was made with some input from the Alumni Office of the College. More than anything, though, I believe Melissa asked me to serve because I had demonstrated a willingness to devote my time and energy to the College by volunteering. 
 
I served as Co-President of my class for five years, helped plan our 25th reunion and had a seat on the Alumni Council. I got that job by raising my hand at my 20th reunion and saying that I was willing to serve. Two hands went up when there was a call for volunteers and that is how the Class of 1981 got Co-Presidents. 
 
To those who believe that Alumni Trustee is their entry point to participation in the affairs of the College, I would suggest that there are a lot of ways to contribute and have a voice in the future of Hamilton. Get yourself elected as Class President (you will probably only need to come to reunion and raise your hand) or involve yourself in your regional alumni association (again a willingness to lend a hand is probably all that it will take). 
 
It is hard for me to imagine that I will ever be a Trustee, but I still believe that I influence the future of Hamilton by participating in the Alumni Council and speaking my mind. There are not a lot of Members of Congress who never served in a state legislature or on a city council; and there are few corporate board members without significant business experience. There are entry points to participation and Hamilton College provides its alumni with many. A willingness to serve and a passion for Hamilton are the keys to the door. I would encourage those that seek to participate in College affairs to channel their passion for Hamilton to the Alumni Council. That door is open. Raise your hand, come on in and fight for what you believe in.
 
Paddy McGuire '81
 

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