The spring semester is busy for our outgoing officers—some will prepare to graduate in May, pursue internships or gainful employment, plan for graduate school, or chase a slew of other opportunities and endeavors. Many have put three, four or even five years of hard work into their studies and SigEp. Their positive impact doesn’t have to end with their official tenure, though.

Outgoing officers can continue to make a difference in our chapters. Here’s how:

• Actively mentor the new brother in your old position. Meet bi-weekly, so that he can build on your work instead of reinventing it. The meeting can be as informal as grabbing a cup of coffee, sitting together for lunch or going to the gym together, and it can still be effective.
• Join a cabinet or chapter committee. Putting in a few hours each week likely pales in comparison to the time you gave as an executive board member. It sets a great example for the rest of the chapter and helps you continue to leave your mark on the chapter.
• Take a new member out to lunch. Get to know a lifelong brother (or two) that you might not normally build a connection with. It’s an opportunity to be a mentor and start even more friendships.
• Support the current executive board. They were elected for a reason, and their success hinges largely on your endorsement. It can be tough to lead as a younger member of the chapter, so ensure they have the support they need from older guys who’ve been there before.
• Plan an event – one that isn’t a party. Anyone can throw a party, but can you organize the entire brotherhood for an etiquette dinner, a theater show or a flag football tournament?
• Go to chapter events. Don’t pay your dues then disappear. Rally your senior class and make a commitment to attend every chapter event you can – then, hold each other accountable to it.

For motivation, think back to the amazing memories you have in SigEp. If you follow these pointers, you’ll go out and make a few more. Time is always fleeting, but if you take full advantage of your final year or two, you’ll be happy you did as you enter the alumni ranks.

If you are receiving this story as an incoming officer or a volunteer, you should forward it to your outgoing officers so that they see all the ways they can stay involved.

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