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Waterloo, Ontario Canada N2L 3G3 University of St. Jerome's College Vol. 6 No. 4 Spring 1987 What's in a name? Lots! After much careful consideration and discussion, our Alumni Association has taken an historic step and changed its name to more accurately reflect those whom it represents. The new name is the University of St. Jerome's College Graduates' Association, and we are the first university in Canada to make this change. Why the change? The main reason is that the term alumni is the masculine plural form in Latin. While it is usually used generically (but incorrectly) to indicate both male and female, it is actually an exclusive term. But alumnae is feminine plural and is not usually used to indicate both genders. The masculine and feminine singular forms are alumnus and alumna respectively. Deep in thought The term was nearly over when this photo of a pensive student was taken. Classes ended on April 1 and exams concluded on April 24. Using the two forms, alumni/ae, in correspondence and literature is rather cumbersome. The term graduates, however, is an inclusive term and does not refer to gender. "As an association we are trying to be sensitive in the area of social awareness. We are actually following the recommendation of the Canadian Catholic Bishops to increase awareness of the role of women in society," says Paul Tratnyek, (BA '75), a member of the Alumni Executive Committee. "The National Council on Liturgy has recommended that we avoid sexist language in liturgy," he adds. "I see this as a step in the same direction." "We realize this is not a pressing issue for all people," says Sharon McCarthy, (BA '85), also a member of the committee. "In fact most people are probably not aware of the meaning of the Under a new programme to encourage applicants to choose St. Jerome's College, nine graduates have written to the nearly 300 Arts applicants to the College for Fall, 1987. It marks the first time our graduates have been involved in recruiting potential students. High school applicants make three choices for a university. On or after June 12, 1987, they will receive offers of admission from these universities and must, of course, choose one. "By having a St. Jerome's graduate write to these students before they make their final choice, there is a good chance we can positively influence their decision," notes Rob Donelson, Director of Development. "Each graduate describes their experience at St. Jerome's and how they benefited from the quality of education and atmosphere they enjoyed as students". Each grad used their own business letterhead or that of the College. The College typed the letters, applied postage and returned them to the grads for their signature and mailing. term alumni. However, there is an issue at stake which is more important than semantics. As an association we must show by our actions that equality, particularly women's equality, is an important concern for us. A major part of our mandate is the continuing education of our graduates. By raising awareness of such issues, we fulfill that mandate." Like most changes, this one will take a bit of getting used to and will be implemented gradually. But all St. Jerome's graduates and former residents can take some pride in the fact that their association has exercised leadership in an area of increasing importance to our Church and society. The Graduates' Association welcomes your comments. We will publish them in the next Update! Approximately thirty letters were sent by each grad. Graduates participating in the programme this year are: John Stevenson (BA '69); Gail Young (BA '66); Maureen Crane (BMath '75); Pat Mackesy (BA '65); Eloise Wallner (BA '74); Greg Cosgrove (BA '69); Kelley Teahen (BA '83); Brian Eby (BA '71); and Paul Rucurean (BMath '79). This effort is meant to be another positive way for graduates to be involved in the ongoing progress of the College. In addition, the Graduates' Association is planning receptions for applicants in various cities. This will also be a co-operative venture with the Registrar's Office. Grads write to prospective students