I was wondering about the relationship between DL graduates and their school/alma mater. My questions are simple..... Do you follow the football, basketball, baseball, etc. programs? If so, how enthusiastically? Do you ever go to the school to visit or take advantage of programs? Are you a member of any of the Alumni or supporter programs? I ask these questions because, I am a proud graduate of Western Illinois University (Board of Governors) in 1993. I am an avid Leathernecks fan (especially football) and am going to homecoming in Macomb this year. I did the entire program external from Texas, yet the people in the program (profs and staffers) made me feel like part of the school. I have followed the athletic programs of the school. I have seen the football team play in Huntsville, TX; and the Lady's Basketball team play at an SMU tournament in Dallas (where I live). I am also a member of the Western Athletic Club. Let me know what your experiences are. BA - Western Illinois MS - Nova David
I understand that upon graduation from the University of Zululand we alumni are invitated to participate in wild boar hunts!
Big football fan here, and I have to resist the urge to base my decision on which DL program to choose based mainly upon the reputation of the school's football team. Unfortunately Charter Oak has no teams (and it only occupies space in one building on the campus of Central Connecticut State University...which makes me wonder how the CCSU Blue Devils will fair this year, after last year's 4-6 record.) Anyway, If Charter Oak did have a football team, I have a good name for them: the Squirrels. Now, I know what some of you are thinking, but squirrels can be pretty mean. Well, at least as mean as gophers or cardinals, anyway.
GO GATORS!! Although my stint at Florida was very Brief...I remain a Gator Fan!! I should be more loyal to schools that I actually earned transferrable credit at (Florida Kicked me out for never showing up to class): Chaminade University- SilverSwords (1993 NCAA Tournament B-Ball) Burlington County College - (1997-1998 Intramural Soccer and B-Ball did stellar Job) University of Souther Colorado - Timberwolves ( Good Basketball Program...football okay) Thomas Edison- No Sports Teams!! I am a big fan of their Portfolio Acceptance Procedures, DL Programs, TECEP, Guided Studies, et. al. Southwest Missouri State Univ. - The BEARS (Good Football & Basketball).
The school I attend, some semesters by DL, is Illinois Institute of Technology. It has a brick and mortar campus with full-time students, and baseball, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, cross-country and swim teams plus intramurals all exist. There is also some cricket playing going on, thanks to a large number of students from India, but I'm not sure how organized that is. I would be surpissed to see any IL Tech games on TV. I went to a basketball game once. It was a good time, but IIT is not known for it's men's b-ball squad. I want to see the baseball team play, but haven't had the chance yet. I follow the teams mostly through the school paper or the internet.
Kansas State University I am a HUGE college football fan. I LOVE the Wildcats so yes, I definitely get excited about my DL program. Rafael BS Western State University, Fullerton, CA JD, Western State University, School of Law MBA Pepperdine University, Malibu , CA MS Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 2003
C'mon Bill...we know that you had a satellite dish installed so that you could watch those UNIZUL cricket matches. Jack
Hmmm... Fullerton College [community college] 80 transfer credits, GREAT football team GO HORNETS! California State University, Fullerton 12 transfer credits they built a great football stadium and then cancelled the football PROGRAM Northwestern University 56 Transfer credits GO WILDCATS! [One of my son's best highschool friends is on the team Charter Oak State College 3 down and one stinking liberal arts course to go...follow any team I want???
I finished my bachelors through a private institution which is in division II. Therefore, I do not follow the teams too closely. They have baseball and basketball for men and basketball and volleyball for women. I have visited the campus since graduation, but that's about the extent of it. BMAN
The programs at Syracuse University - Independant Study Degree Program seem to really foster a very strong alumni connection for their DL Program. Based on my interviews with former students, I think this is because: a) all students are required to do a minimal face to face meeting on campus (usually one week at the start). b) by being on campus (even if it is short) you draw more of a connection to the school because it does not just exist on your computer. c) Syracuse has an incredible division one following with HUGE alumni support for their football and basketball teams.
Bemidji State University (Beavers)--20 Transfer credits--One of many good collegiate hockey teams in Minnesota. I believe they have won some national championships in their division. University of Iowa (Hawkeyes)--3 transfer credits--Solid football program. Beat Texas Tech in a close game during last year's Alamo Bowl in San Antonio. Luisiana State University (Tigers)--3 transfer credits--Another great football program. Winner of last year's Sugar Bowl (over Illinois).
When I took DL MBA classes from TAMU-Commerce, I did follow its football games. But TAMUC is in division II, not really very good. After I left college, I still follow my two formers, Auburn and Texas A&M. Auburn is 1957 national champion, and A&M is 1939 national champion. Both schools have big stadiums. Auburn's Jordan-Hare has 86,063 seats (the nation’s seventh-largest on-campus stadium). A&M's Kyle Field has 82,600 seats. Somehow, both teams are not good recently.
On nights with a full moon the Zulu hunt more than wild boar, Bill. If its a full moon perhaps you should stay home--lest they mistake you for a wild boar.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Hmmmm, maybe you're right. I believe in predestination, but why tempt fate!
========================================= Jack Don't you know that we rough Oregonians with our plaid shirts, hairy chests, and steel toed lumberjack boots are into participatory not spectator sports? I'm in training now for my next scrabble match!
It seems that the DL grads aren't so different to some of the regular students I know. Part of the difference in the DL versus Traditional students seems to be the school spirit. I have a buddy who attended Iowa --- a die-hard Hawkeye fan. When I graduated from Western Illinois, he would rag me when the Leathernecks (WIU) would play Iowa (and the 'Necks would get smashed). I held as much allegiance for my school as he did. I think that some have the perceptions that since we (DL students) don't live in the city or attend the school full time on campus, are generally older when we get involved in the programs, and don't talk about those dorm days, that our college experience is lacking. I SAY NAY!!!! DL program attendees are as much a part of a school as any other student and we need to embrace our alma mater with the same ferver as our traditional counterparts. Agree?
I don't even follow the teams of my local state university and they're a serious sports school (know for its football team, but the women's softball team has been more successful). The quarterback was the number one draft pick and the only reason I know that is because it was all over the news for weeks. Tom Nixon
