For some, being a Tiger only goes as far as the other end of the stage on graduation day. However, for others, it becomes a way of life.
The University’s Alumni Association reaches farther than the Alumni Center on West Lakeshore Drive. There currently are more than 100 alumni chapters around the country and several others overseas.
What motivates these lifelong Tigers to stay involved with the University after receiving their degrees?
“Outside of my wife and family, I have one great love — LSU,” said Maj. Bill Brigman, an officer in the Air Force and a 1988 economics graduate. “LSU opened my eyes to how big and exciting the world is.”
Brigman also was an Air Force ROTC instructor at the University from 1997 to 2000. He currently is stationed in Germany.
“Right now it’s just me and two others [in the chapter],” he said. However, between the U.S. Air Force and Army, there are nearly 80,000 American service members and families stationed in the Kaiserslautern, Germany area. I’m confident I’ll be able to find some LSU Tigers in their ranks.”
Others said the University’s familial bond keeps them involved.
“The love for LSU and the feeling of community and family keeps me involved,” said Rae Dolores, a 1986 general studies graduate living in Orlando.
Leon Kearns earned a B.S. in finance in 1992 and an MBA in 1994 at LSU. He now is an account manager for Office Depot in Memphis, Tenn.
“[The Alumni Association] is a way to stay connected with ‘home,'” Kearns said.
Jennifer Boneno, a 1995 mass communication graduate, said she has loved the University since she was very young and misses the excitement of being on campus on game day.
“Getting involved with the San Diego LSU Alumni group is a way for me to feel close to Louisiana and to give back to my Alma mater,” she said.
It is no surprise these Tigers, as well as probably many more alumni chapter members, also were involved in the University as students.
Kearns was a resident assistant for five years in Kirby-Smith Hall and a member of marketing fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon.
Brigman also was in Pi Sigma Epsilon and Air Force ROTC.
Dolores worked in advertising at The Reveille and was in Sigma Kappa sorority and Boneno was a Kappa Delta.
However, not every worldwide alumni chapter member has shown as much enthusiasm. Although some chapter members number in the hundreds, the number of regular participants is much lower.
“There are close to 1,400 LSU alumni in the Orlando tri-county area, but only about 200 participate frequently,” Dolores said.
Kearns said the Memphis chapter has about 100 members, but only half of them regularly participate.
“We’re still waiting for dues from some people,” he said.
Nevertheless, the college experience at LSU has some alumni thinking dynasty.
“My children, ages three and 20 months, are currently being indoctrinated so that they will become future Tigers,” Kearns said.