A little over a decade ago, for the 25th anniversary of being a brother, I became a member of the Order of Altotus with my chemistry fraternity, Alpha Chi Sigma.
That also granted me the status of Professional Brother for Life.
Periodically I've responded with money for various special events with them, but I have not been charged dues in all that time.
Now, post-pandemic, the semantics have changed.
"Can you help make Alpha Chi Sigma available to every qualified candidate?"
They even presented me the following numbers to plead their case.
962: Number of Initiates this year
1,942: Number of current collegiates
58: Number of current chapters
45: Number of New member Assistance Fund grants awarded in 2021
15: Number of professional Groups
77,875: Number of total initiates
125: Number of professional volunteers
200: Average Number of Conclave attendees in recent years
665: Number of donors last year
$99,612 Number of dollars given last year
120: Years of Alpha Chi Sigma providing brotherhood to those in chemistry
All they asked of me was to become an Active Professional.
All they asked of me was a fifty-dollar pledge, to help keep membership fees within reach for college students and recent graduates.
In return, I'll keep receiving The HEXAGON (our magazine), voting privileges, and the opportunity to serve in various positions.
So, did I help out?
Of course!
Maybe I'll even attend the next Conclave, if my health holds.
And I'll look forward to continuing to read Mitch Leving's historical bits in that magazine.
(smile!)
