K is for Kerry!; The incredible DePauw Alumni bond

You haven't met them all, you feel like you already kind of know them, but one day you'll be just like them: Alumni.

DePauw has done an excellent job opening the networks of communication between its current and past students, but the scene is even better when you get to meet and connect with fellow Tigers in person.  With DePauw Alumni LinkedIn groups, DePauw's new online Alumni Directory, and the Evertrue Alumni App (my personal favorite) that connects all past DePauw students, by location, major, year, Greek house, etc.,

Our wonderful seats!

Throughout my time so far in D.C., I have been fortunate enough to meet a few DePauw alums who are just as excited to hang out with me, as I am awed to get to hang out with them.  Fellow Alpha Chi sisters as well, Kerry (this post is her namesake), Lynn, and Caitie have invited me to hang out with them on various occasions and it has been one of the best parts about living in this city. But for reasons hard to express to those unfamiliar with DePauw, or the bond between DePauw Alumni.

Fireworks after the game!

If you go to DePauw (or any school for that matter) you are probably familiar with the feeling you get when you meet someone that knows of, or has attended your school.  It's their Alma mater, but it's your current home, so an immediate bond is formed simply by shaking hands and exchanging smiles. But that's not the only exciting part.  There's something to be said about the DePauw bond, but it's extremely hard to explain.  They are like you. They are comfortable to be around.  They are familiar with everything you're going to because they have been through it already.  And your "shared" experiences of Monon Bell Game, Little 5, Marvin's, late nights at the Duck, and DePauw Greek life in general become not only individual memories, but things you can talk with alumni about for hours.

While the world might still think we go to school in Chicago (DePaul), instead of the beautiful hilly cornfields of Greencastle, Indiana, DePauw students, past and present, are not mistaken on both the academic and social benefits of attending DePauw.  It's amazing how DePauw students and their predecessors just "click" and get along.  The university is always advising students to get in touch with alums, ask for help, and network network network! But here, I have found that the true value of getting to meet and know alums a little bit better, is to find a trustworthy friend (and mentor) in someone you've just met, simply because you both went to DePauw.

Other schools might have these same experiences, but I'm sticking to my story that DePauw connections rival even the top Ivy League schools.  Going to a Washington Nationals game with these wonderful alums was also exciting, because they are all still friends.  They all still hang out.  They all still have fun. And they all still talk about Depauw.  I think all current DePauw students secretly hope that they will be able to stay in touch, communicate, and hang out with their friends from DePauw.  The only negative part about attending DePauw for college is that one day, they make you leave.

But with every alum I meet, I learn that the DePauw experience doesn't have to end with walking across the stage at graduation. The DePauw bond is one that keeps on giving, long after you stop doing boulder runs, and even after you stop wearing your Greek week t-shirts.

Meeting up with DePauw (and Alpha Chi) alums at the ballpark!
From Left to Right: Lynn, Kerry, Caitie, and #TeamRachel