You've heard our name, maybe chuckled and wondered what the Future Alumni of Brandeis, or FAB, actually do. At least once, you made the joke that FAB must be FAB-ulous. You probably came to the obvious conclusion that we're all future alumni of Brandeis and you probably wondered why, if we're only undergrads, we should care about being alumni. Well, I'm here to answer your questions.FAB is the student branch of the Alumni Association, a network of about 35,000 people who-since 1948-have has similar experiences as you at Brandeis. The creators of Friends, David Crane '79 and Marta Kauffman '78, loved the Cholmondeley's coffeehouse atmosphere enough to recreate it with Central Perk, and Emmy Award-winning actress Debra Messing '90 performed on stage at Spingold. Even not-so-famous alumni have left their mark. I remember talking to an alumnus who used to steal sandwiches from Sherman and sell them in the residence halls. But whether the alumni are famous or not, young or old, they were all our age at one time and did the same sorts of goofy things we do today.

The Brandeis community extends beyond the peripheral road to all regions of the world, and they work in all types of professions. Even though alumni have established careers and families, they still hold a vested interest in Brandeis. They contribute time, money and energy into the development of the University. Although they no longer attend Brandeis, they still feel a certain bond to the school and with each other. They share their pride in Brandeis and use it as a way to connect to their past, leaving their day-to-day lives to remember the fun four years of young adulthood.

Last weekend was Homecoming/Alumni Leadership Weekend, when alumni from around the country returned to their alma mater to attend meetings, listen to presentations, discuss the future of the University, laugh, smile and reminisce about how Massell Quad looks the same as it did 30 years ago. Even though this weekend is one of two scheduled times alumni visit campus, the connections and relationships never cease. The Office of Alumni Relations invited all of the alumni, while FAB was in charge of inviting all of the students, so they wouldn't miss out on this once-a-semester opportunity to bond with alumni.

FAB ensures that alumni are constantly connected to Brandeis students. The only way for alumni to know what's really happening at Brandeis is to listen to the current students. Through various receptions, activities and parties, the dialogues can prosper.

With alumni from around the world organized into chapters from various cities, students are able to serve as liaisons to these chapters. These liaisons are proud of their hometown, from north to south and coast to coast. They celebrate the unique characteristics of home by organizing events with and without alumni, providing a forum for students to be introduced to the alumni world.

Having a good time is essential, too. Last year, for example, liaisons from Southern California, South Florida and Hawaii organized a Brandeis beach party, hoping to bring the sunshine and palm trees from back home to Waltham. And, just last week, students from New York gathered in the apple orchards, searching for the Big Apple.

The legacy reception and Beyond Peripheral Road are other events FAB organizes to celebrate alumni and students. The legacy reception honors current students whose parents, grandparents or family members attended Brandeis, while the Beyond Peripheral Road prepares students for life after graduation.

You may be surprised, but Brandeis' very own Ollie the Owl is managed by FAB, as well. A dedicated core of students sweat it out wearing the costume to provide all the spirit Brandeis fans need at sporting and special events.

FAB has made great strides since it began just a few years ago. We have expanded our membership, organized committees with exceptional leaders and publicized our services to the best of our ability. There is still a long way to go. Our next step is to schedule events on campus with alumni speakers. We also want to expand our services to student clubs who want alumni participation, providing information and resources for contacting alumni.

Even though we are not alumni just yet, it is a joy to mingle and work with these adults. The Office of Alumni Relations gives us incredibly strong support and the students involved give nothing but 100 percent. Join us in our growth because, soon enough, we're going to be looking back, wanting to be young again.

Editor's Note: Matthew Closter '05 is the co-coordinator of FAB