With Allen Community College in the midst of its centennial celebration, Josiah D’Albini figures students would benefit from learning about tradition— or even starting new ones.
D’Albini, the college’s director of student life, spoke to trustees Tuesday about a number of plans in the works to keep students engaged in the community.
Foremost is a new Tradition Keepers program in the works.
Through Tradition Keepers, students will be given periodic tasks throughout the school year, geared to encourage them to get involved in campus events and learn about Allen’s history, since it opened as Iola Junior College in 1922-23.
“What are our traditions?” D’Albini asked. “What makes a good Red Devil?”
By the end of the school year, students will have an opportunity to complete as many as 100 tasks, D’Albini said.
Those who complete 25 will reach the Black Level. Fifty or more will earn Red Level distinction.
Students who complete 75 will be a full-fledged Traditions Keeper, and will receive a special medallion upon graduation.
Special distinction will go to those who complete all 100 tasks, as the Gold Standard.
D’Albini hopes to honor the Tradition Keepers with a ceremony each April.
The rationale behind the program is simple:
“Students who are engaged as students also are engaged as alumni,” D’Albini said. “The biggest part is getting students engaged and doing well academically.”
Meanwhile, Alison Fees, administrative assistant for the Director of Development and Student Life, is restarting a Hell Raisers booster club program last active in the 1980s.
Members will be students who show up to support their fellow schoolmates in athletic or other academic endeavors, such as plays or music concerts..
Students who show up for the first home games of their respective sports, be it soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball or softball, will receive a foam pitchfork, D’Albini said.
“This is a great, well-rounded group of people who are at every single event we have,” D’Albini said. “They’re building that support system within each other.”
