As many of you may know, following my retirement from the classroom, I was asked to step into a new role within the Alumni and Community Relations Department. Although I have been around STMC since 1969—and no, that is not a typo!—I am still getting used to my new routine. I only come into the school on Wednesdays, which means I get to spend less time commuting, but still have an invigorating opportunity to interact with the students who remember this “old man”.
To date, I have attended a number of alumni events and meetings. I am incredibly pleased to see that the Alumni Association is in fantastic shape under the guidance of our Alumni Director, Dom Zimmermann (’93), and the Alumni Board, led by president Chris Boyd (’00). I am truly looking forward to discovering how I can best serve the needs of our incredible alumni community.
Communication, Connection, and Preserving the Past
I’ll admit it: I’m old. I can remember the introduction of the fax machine, and I still remember getting a standing ovation in class when I announced I had signed up for Facebook. (Did you know I have over 2,000 Facebook friends? LOL!) Of course, I now fully realize that Facebook has become passé.
I recently joined Instagram and have been absolutely inundated with STMC-related notifications. I’m not entirely sure if I am any better informed yet, but I am learning!
It has left me wondering about the best way to reach out to our alumni with messages that truly resonate. Ultimately, I think it comes down to two things: developing a consistent, regular communication method and encouraging genuine, face-to-face interactions. That is exactly why we have listed several upcoming alumni events in this newsletter and on the school website. You are always most welcome to drop by for a visit—especially on Wednesdays!
The Good Seed Will Grow
My ultimate goal is to help enhance our alumni network, creating an organization that continues to serve your needs, the school’s needs, and the needs of society. This year, STMC has adopted “The Good Seed Will Grow” as its theme. I have always loved seeing examples of our Knights of Old take what they have learned to make a positive difference in the world as leaders in our churches, families, athletics, businesses, academics, and community service.
STMC has always been and will continue to be a place you go to get a great education, but it has also been a place you go from to make the world a better place. Moving forward, among other things, I want to use my role to shine a spotlight on these many diverse achievements.
Bye for now. Hope our paths cross soon!
Hank Bouwman
Class of 1974
