Enjoying Relationships with “A Tremendously Exciting Group of People”

Super-volunteer Ellen Poriles Weiler ’83 discusses her 23 years of serving Lafayette

Ellen Poriles Weiler ’83 is chair of the Alumni Council’s Volunteer Committee and this year’s recipient of the Alumni Association’s Woodring Volunteer of the Year Award. The Alumni Association previously honored her with the William E. Greenip Jr. ’44 Award in 1996, which recognizes an active alumni chapter officer for achievements beyond his or her faithful carrying out of regular officer assignments; the Clifton P. Mayfield ’09 Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 1998; Chapter Event Chairperson of the Year in 2002 and 1993; and Chapter of the Year for the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter in 2004, when she served as president.

There has never been just one “ah-ha” moment for me during my past 23 years as an alumni volunteer. However, I do distinctly recall someone else’s moment in the spotlight as a defining experience for me. When Elbern “Ed” Alkire ’58 received the Joseph E. Bell ’28 Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 1996, he quoted the Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore: “I slept and dreamt that life was Joy. I woke and saw that life was Duty. I acted, and behold, Duty was Joy.” As Ed spoke those sage words I realized that my involvement with Lafayette was my duty, and as such had become my joy as well.

When I attended my first Leopard Luncheon in Philadelphia in 1984, I had no idea it would be the catalyst for my initial involvement with the chapter. I was warmly welcomed by John “Bruiser” Kinard ’52, who took the time to introduce me to the “old guard” and bring me into the fold. During my first few post-graduate years I was active as an alumni admissions representative and as a phonathon volunteer. Through the exemplary stewardship of Mandy Shane Dicker ’84, who was then working in the Annual Fund office, I found myself enjoying the connection I had to Lafayette and wanting to strengthen it. After serving as vice president of the Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter, I returned home and joined the executive committee of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter.

During my two terms as president of the Philadelphia chapter I came to appreciate the role that alumni play in generating good will and furthering the mission of the college. With mentors like Wilbur “Billy” Oaks ’51 and Jeb Bell ’63, it was impossible not to inherit their infectious enthusiasm and devotion for Lafayette. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the event-planning process and found my niche creating chapter events that appealed to a wide variety of alumni interests. Some highlights included hosting a wine and cheese reception with my husband Kurt following a tour of the juried exhibit at the Woodmere Art Museum and organizing a tour of Willet Stained Glass Studios in Chestnut Hill. A key moment for me was teaching a class called “Entertaining with Pizzazz” at the 2006 Council of Lafayette Women Conference. I truly enjoyed being able to share my knowledge and love of food and entertaining with an inquisitive (and hungry) group of women. I may never have my own show on the Food Network, but this experience made me realize that I want to teach people about food and have them appreciate the joy of sharing a well-prepared meal with others.

One of the goals I set for myself was to expand my role as an alumni volunteer. I was able to do this with the assistance and encouragement of Autumn Leciston Bragg ’90, associate director of alumni affairs. When I first met Autumn it was clear that we shared a common vision for fostering excellence among volunteers. Working together we tackled a number of new challenges. For example, we recruited key alumnae Claudia Bierschwale Muller ’86, Kelly Cusick Sakmar ’06, and Carrie Chaitt ’03 to serve on our executive committee; I chaired my class’ 15th and 20th reunions; and we planned a number of highly successful annual dinners for the Philadelphia chapter.

As my tenure as chapter president was winding down I once again desired to broaden my involvement. I realized that Lafayette is unique among institutions of higher learning in that it offers opportunities for alumni to be involved and have meaningful participation. Young alumni reap multiple benefits from being a volunteer, such as career networking and leadership opportunities. The intimacy created by the school’s size, structure, and professional staff provides the perfect setting to reconnect with the school and be a part of the Lafayette community.

With this in mind, it was an easy transition for me to join the Chapters Committee of the Alumni Council, headed by Amanda Alpert Knight ’95. I was just getting my feet wet when I was asked to chair the Council’s Volunteer Committee. Again, Lafayette was challenging me to expand my reach as a volunteer and contribute in a way I had not previously experienced. Jamie McLaughlin ’76, president of the Alumni Association, enthusiastically embraced my involvement with the Alumni Council and provided the necessary guidance and mentoring I needed to be effective in my position. As a way to show my appreciation to Jamie, I asked the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter to have him as our guest speaker for the 136th Annual Dinner this year. Always the consummate wordsmith and entertainer, Jamie spoke to a full house about his passion for Lafayette and his commitment to “alumni engagement and connectivity.”

Again, I realized that my passion and commitment to my alma mater had not been a solitary course, but one nurtured by my relationships with a tremendously exciting group of people who shared the same joie de vivre, unbridled enthusiasm, and loyalty to Lafayette that I did. Whether it was teaching a class for a CLW Conference, catering a pre-freshman reception, or working on a Lafapalooza project, I have always held my commitment to Lafayette’s ideals and mission as my guidepost for being involved and for getting others involved. To quote Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”