Though it's true I never crossed the Jimmy Stewart Museum off the IUP Bucket List, being an IUP alum is a whole new ball game with a whole new bucket list to accomplish.
1. Return for Homecoming
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Returning to IUP for Homecoming as an alum is quite the experience. It may even be better than Homecoming when you were a student because now you don't really have to worry about getting arrested and can afford the ridiculous cover at the bar. And as an added bonus, Homecoming weekend is also alumni weekend meaning you'll be sure to run into some old friends and make some new ones along the way. You might not be able to drink like you used to, but reliving the memories of the places you used to hang out, houses you used to party at and being amazed by new renovations makes the whole experience worthwhile.
2. Return for Patty's
The only place it's acceptable to be drunk all day wearing green is on a college campus. You might not make any good connections, but at least returning for IUPatty's will remind you that you're still pretty fun despite all the #adulting.
3. Donate
IUP probably gave you some of the best years of your life, and now it's time for you to give back. You've probably got a big boy paycheck now so donate back to whatever at IUP gave you the most joy. Donate to Eberly, the Honors College, study abroad or whatever department you want to see continue to do well. IUP gives out TONS of scholarship money and being able to contribute to that, even if it's just $10, could make a big difference for someone.
4. Go to an Alumni Event
Check your email. There's probably an invite from IUP to a baseball game, networking at a brewery or some other fun event. There's likely to be food and there's likely to be someone you know. And even if there isn't, everyone has something in common: you all spent 4 (or more) glorious years at IUP.
5. Do Your Own Bar Crawl
Remember 50 cent drinks? Remember country night? Remember going up on a Tuesday? Remember senior bar crawl? You've probably forgotten the glory of IUP bars and have moved on to paying $12 for a long island instead of $2. So when you're back at IUP, gather your friends around and reminisce in the glory of 25 cent wells and the fact that you can afford more than dive bars now.
6. Talk to Old Professors
Remember your favorite professor that you call by their first name? Shoot them an email, they'd love to hear from you. Old professors are a great untapped resource of both advice and compliments, especially if you're finding you need someone to be proud of how well you're doing, besides your parents.
7. Meet Alumni in Your City
Seriously, they're everywhere. Join the IUP Alumni LinkdIn page. Take one out for coffee. You may be surprised by what you learn.
8. Give a Talk at IUP
Remember Business Day? Networking luncheons? Guest speakers? Most of them were alumni willing to come back and share their advice, experience or even sometimes recruit. Give back what was given to you from IUP.
9. Do the Things You Never Got to Do at IUP
I've still never been to the Jimmy Stewart Museum or Spaghetti Benders. I'll live if I never go, but still.
10. Reunite with your IUP Fam
You don't have to be at IUP to feel like you're back home in your old stomping ground. You made life-long friends here so don't forget about them. It's hard not living in the same city, on the same street or maybe even in the same house as some of your best friends and only getting to see them every few months instead of everyday just isn't the same. So reunite in any city you can, especially if that city is Indiana, PA.
