SIG Focus: Active Retired

From the June 21, 2017 NACAC Bulletin:

Co-Leaders of the Active Retired Special Interest Group:
Iris Schrey, IL
Carolyn Barnhart, AZ

NACAC Special Interest Groups (SIGs) nurture the growing diversity in our association by providing “micro” communities where members can network and add value to their membership experience. These smaller subsets of members are formed for the purpose of knowledge sharing and discussion among members with similar interests whether they are specific subjects, issues or type of institution, or students they serve.

The NACAC Active Retired Special Interest Group was established a number of years ago by James Alexander, a NACAC and Illinois ACAC Past President.  His vision was to encourage and enable professionals who had been active members of NACAC to continue their involvement in and contribution to both the association and the profession.  He had a strong conviction that the knowledge and expertise of those who had served students in the high school to college transition should continue to be valued and utilized within NACAC and the profession — even after retirement.  Membership in this SIG allows retired members to continue to support and advance the work of counseling and the admission fields.

The membership of the Active Retired SIG is made up of professionals who served students in high schools, admission offices, community-based organizations, and as independent counselors – both domestically and abroad.  Many have served or are currently serving in leadership roles within NACAC and/or its Affiliates.  While “officially” retired, members of this SIG often continue to serve students and member institutions directly, often as volunteers and mentors in schools, colleges or CBOs.

The Active Retired SIG provides an opportunity for retired NACAC members to remain active in the programs and work of the association.  A significant number of Active Retired SIG members attend the NACAC National Conference and are still very interested in the networking opportunities this provides.  The SIG meets annually at the National Conference – usually over a lively lunch at a local restaurant.  The agenda includes a chance to hear how other SIG members are continuing to use their counseling and admission expertise in a wide variety of roles and brainstorming about ways to continue to contribute to NACAC.  Beyond “shop talk” members share personal experiences that lead to truly “enjoying” a successful retirement.

Many Retired SIG members take advantage of the opportunities to serve alongside other NACAC colleagues in volunteer capacities at the National Conference, including registration and as tellers for the Assembly and Annual Membership Meetings.

All retired NACAC members are invited to become members of the Active Retired SIG.  Questions about the activities of this SIG can be addressed to the SIG leaders.