A Chapter Chair's Perspective

So you're not a BYU graduate, you don't have a lot of spare time, but you want to make a difference by being an international alumni chapter chair?

No problem. Just ask Christian Euvrard, the four-year chair of BYU's Paris, France chapter.

Euvrard is one the alumni association's most experienced, successful chapter chairs. His secret: delegation. He has surrounded himself with a small committee to help him make a substantial impact for BYU without making a substantial time commitment.

"The most important thing is to try to organize a team," Euvrard said. "Once you have your team assembled, it's not extremely time-consuming at all."

Euvrard, an LDS Institute Director since 1979, says the most enjoyable aspect of being a chapter chair is helping French BYU students become reacquainted with their homeland when they return home from their studies.

"I enjoy being a relay between BYU and some of our French students," Euvrard said. "After students finish their studies I get to help them get back to the French life, make connections and find jobs."

Like many of the alumni association's best chapter chairs, Euvrard is not a BYU alumnus, but that has not affected his dedication to BYU.

"It is amazing to see what BYU can do worldwide," he said. "The international aspect of BYU is only starting to be seen and have effect."

Because of the efforts of Euvrard's team, Paris will be a hotbed of BYU-related events later this year. This summer, BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson will accompany the BYU Folk Dance Ensemble to Paris where they will meet with and perform for government leaders and thousands of Parisians. The Paris chapter has been involved in marketing performance engagements and will host a reception for the dancers.

"We are excited to see President Samuelson," Euvrard said. "And we look forward to hosting events like these well into the future."

Bringing the BYU spirit to your city is one of the rewarding aspects of serving as an alumni chapter chair. For more information on starting an alumni chapter in your city call (801) 422-7865, or e-mail the International Chapter Coordinator at byuintlchapters@gmail.com.