The Importance of Connecting with People in Person

Are alumni events even necessary? Is spending time in person with old and new friends really that important in our media- and technology-driven society? Maybe online social networking web sites are where we're headed.

I was recently in NYC and spent a few hours with a friend I've known since nursery school. I asked her why we made the effort to get together for ice cream that day. For me, it involved the choice of waiting 30 minutes for an express bus, a 30-minute bus ride, and a 15-minute train ride. And that was just one way. For she, a walk and a train ride was all she endured. After asking my insensitive question and her appearing disappointed in my lack of enthusiasm in investing in face-to-face time together, her only response was related to the experience: having fun. I agreed with her. We did have a good time together. Other than that fact, sure, it was nice being in person with her and connecting with her like we used to do when the convenience and comfort of cell phones and e-mail weren't apart of our lives. And yes, it's a personal preference of mine to be in person with whom I'm speaking. Like outside sales. Or professional speaking.

How is my decision-making process affected when I know it could take an hour to even meet that person - in person? A telephone call would have been more efficient. An e-mail would have been more effective. A hand-written card would have been personal as well. Meeting in person, though? That sounds expensive - taking up precious time to break away from the comforts of my computer and the enjoyment of needing little effort to use a cell phone from any location in the world.

When I think about our University of Maryland San Diego Alumni Club, I attempt to think about the 1,000 alumni in our area. I ask myself, "What would motivate these people to physically attend an event?" With work, family, friends, interests, volunteering, fitness, and familiar fun, why would an Alumnus make the effort to connect with people who also attended the same school? You tell me; what's your excuse? Why do you feel people attend Alumni events across the nation?